Preliminary study on the efficacy of ryokeijutsukanto in the management of orthostatic dysregulation: A prospective observational study

Abstract

AbstractAimThis prospective observational study aimed to investigate the effects of ryokeijutsukanto on dizziness in patients with orthostatic dysregulation (OD) and explore its potential to address diverse symptoms resulting from autonomic dysfunction. This study also aimed to identify the factors contributing to the effectiveness of ryokeijutsukanto in managing OD.MethodsPatients diagnosed with OD were treated with ryokeijutsukanto between February 4, 2022 and April 1, 2024. Patients underwent various assessments and completed questionnaires, including the Vertigo Symptom Scale‐Short Form (VSS‐sf), Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Visual Analog Scale, and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale before and after treatment. The differences in these scores were analyzed based on age, sex, qi counterflow, and fluid disturbance.ResultsA total of eight patients were enrolled in the study; five cases had orthostatic hypotension and three had Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Qi counterflow was observed in three cases and fluid disturbance was in six cases. Patients less than 40 years of age showed significantly higher improvement in the VSS‐sf scores than older patients, suggesting age‐based differences in treatment outcomes.ConclusionThis study did not find significant improvements in the various assessments used after ryokeijutsukanto treatment for OD. However, age‐based analysis indicated that the treatment may be more effective in younger patients. These results should be interpreted with caution, considering the limited sample size. Further research with larger cohorts is required to validate these findings. This study also acknowledges the need for larger multicenter studies to explore the potential benefits of ryokeijutsukanto in managing OD.