Analysis of the characteristics of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine for rheumatoid arthritis based on real-world clinical data

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by underlying pathological manifestations such as synovitis and abnormalities in blood vessels. By mining the real electronic medical record data of RA patients, this paper divides the respondents into glucocorticoid group and non-glucocorticoid group, then describes the use of traditional Chinese and Western medicines in RA patients. Subsequently, the article analyzes the differences in medication frequency between the two groups. The results indicate that Atractylodes macrocephalus, Zhimu, Tripterygium wilfordii polysaccharide tablets, Xiangdan Injection, Danshen Injection, and Rhodiola Rosea Dazhu Injection were used more frequently in the glucocorticoid group. Additionally, the frequency of Western medicine use was generally higher in the glucocorticoid group compared to the non-glucocorticoid group, and this difference was statistically significant. In summary, the primary medications used for RA patients are Western medicines, supplemented by traditional Chinese medicines. Western medicines primarily exert anti-inflammatory effects, while traditional Chinese medicines can enhance the efficacy of RA treatment and reduce the incidence of osteoporosis..