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Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine >

2026 , Vol. 46 >Issue 4: 990 - 999

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20260423.001

Original Articles

Efficacy of Yishen Jiangzhuo granules (益肾降浊颗粒) in the treatment of chronic kidney disease stages 3-4: a retrospective cohort study

  • RUAN Yaqing ,
  • RUAN Shiwei ,
  • YE Binhua ,
  • YU Yongxin ,
  • ZHENG Kailin
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  • People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China

Received date: 2025-09-24

  Accepted date: 2026-01-26

  Online published: 2026-04-23

Supported by

Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation Project(2024J01756);Fujian University of Chinese Medicine Institutionally Managed Clinical Special Project(XB2024020);Self-selected Project of Fujian University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated People's Hospital(2025-26)

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Yishen Jiangzhuo granules (益肾降浊颗粒) on endpoint events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-4.

METHODS: Based on real-world data, a retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with CKD stages 3-4 who were treated at a single hospital between January 2014 and December 2022. Patients taking Yishen Jiangzhuo granules > 6 months comprised the exposed group; others were non-exposed. The primary outcome was a composite kidney endpoint. Baseline characteristics were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) balanced covariates. Multivariable Cox regression identified risk/protective factors. Dose-response and threshold effects were assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves.

RESULTS: After PSM, 335 matched cases (87 exposed, 248 non-exposed) showed balanced baselines. Endpoint events differed significantly (38 vs174 events, P < 0.05). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope was －3.88 mL·(1.73 m2·min·year)-1 in the exposed group. Multivariable Cox regression indicated lower endpoint risk in the exposed group [HR= 0.567, 95% CI (0.384, 0.838)]. The eGFR slope was the strongest predictor; hypoalbuminemia, elevated BUN, and elevated Scr were also independent risk factors (P < 0.05). A linear relationship existed between eGFR slope and endpoint events (P-nonlinear = 0.165), with a risk threshold at －3.6 mL·(1.73 m2·min·year)-1.

CONCLUSION: Yishen Jiangzhuo granules may help stabilize renal function, slow the annual decline rate of eGFR, and reduce the risk of CKD progression in patients with stages 3-4 CKD. The eGFR slope is the most significant predictor of endpoint events, with a critical threshold at －3.6 mL·(1.73 m2·min·year)-1.

Key words： renal insufficiency, chronic; glomerular filtration rate; real-world study; endpoint events; Yishen Jiangzhuo granules

Cite this article

RUAN Yaqing , RUAN Shiwei , YE Binhua , YU Yongxin , ZHENG Kailin . Efficacy of Yishen Jiangzhuo granules (益肾降浊颗粒) in the treatment of chronic kidney disease stages 3-4: a retrospective cohort study[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2026 , 46(4) : 990 -999 . DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20260423.001

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