Rhubarb vs. glycerin enema for treatment of critically ill patients with intra‑abdominal hypertension

Wan,Bing; Zhang,Hao; Yin,Jiangtao; Fu,Haiyan; Chen,Yikun; Yang,Liping; Liu,Dadong; Lv,Tangfeng; Song,Yong

doi:10.3892/etm.2017.4556

Rhubarb vs. glycerin enema for treatment of critically ill patients with intra‑abdominal hypertension

Authors:
- Bing Wan
- Hao Zhang
- Jiangtao Yin
- Haiyan Fu
- Yikun Chen
- Liping Yang
- Dadong Liu
- Tangfeng Lv
- Yong Song
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Affiliations: Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China, Emergency Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China, Department of ICU, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China, Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
Published online on: June 7, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4556
Pages: 855-861

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Abstract

Rhubarb has been used as an evacuant for thousands of years. However, recent research has indicated that rhubarb inhibits inflammation and protects organ function. In the current study, the use of rhubarb was investigated in patients with intra‑abdominal hypertension (IAH). Specifically, its dual role in attenuating lung and bowel injury by catharsis and inhibiting inflammation was evaluated. Patients in the glycerin group (n=56) received 110 ml of glycerin enema by coloclysis once daily for 7 to 9 days. Patients in the rhubarb group (n=56) were treated with a mixture of 0.3 g/kg body weight rhubarb powder in 100 ml warm water. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sepsis‑Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), intra‑abdominal pressure, procalcitonin (PCT), C‑reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) and interleukin (IL)‑6 levels were recorded. The duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), respiratory parameters, first day of enteral nutrition (EN), intensive care unit (ICU) hospital stay and 30‑day mortality were also recorded. The APACHE II scores were significantly lower in the rhubarb group compared with the glycerin group from day 3 to 9 (P<0.05 at day 3 and 4; P<0.01 at day 5, 7 and 9). The SOFA scores were significantly lower in the rhubarb group compared with the glycerin group from day 5 to 9 (P<0.05). PCT levels were significantly lower from day 4 to 9 (P<0.05) and the CRP level was significantly lower from day 3 to 9 (P<0.05) in the rhubarb group compared with the glycerin group. The TNF‑α and IL‑6 were significantly lower in the rhubarb group compared with the glycerin group from day 3 to 9 (P<0.05 at day 3 and 4, P<0.01 at day 5, 7 and 9). The positive end‑expiratory pressure and peak inspiratory pressure were significantly lower in the rhubarb group compared with the glycerin group at day 3, 5 and 7 (P<0.05 at day 3 and 5, P<0.01 at day 7), while the oxygenation index (P<0.05) and alveolar‑arterial partial pressure of oxygen (P<0.05 at day 3 and 5, P<0.01 at day 7) were significantly improved. Significantly shorter durations of MV and ICU hospital stay, and earlier EN, were observed in the rhubarb group compared with the glycerin group (all P<0.05). Rhubarb treatment was indicated to be beneficial in IAH, by inhibiting inflammation and restoring intestinal function.

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