Abstract
This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical efficacy of adjunctive moxibustion combined with detoxification enema in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients with CKD treated between January 2020 and May 2024. All patients received losartan potassium (50 mg once daily) and general supportive care. The treatment group additionally received moxibustion combined with detoxification enema. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 60 days. The primary outcome was the change in measured creatinine clearance (Ccr), with renal function parameters and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores also evaluated. Ccr increased from 24.38 ± 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 32.16 ± 5.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the treatment group and from 26.15 ± 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 29.86 ± 6.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the comparison group. The baseline-adjusted between-group difference in post-treatment Ccr was 2.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, 0.31-4.27; p = 0.024), favoring the treatment group. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and TCM symptom scores also decreased after treatment. Adjunctive moxibustion, combined with a detoxification enema, was associated with improved short-term renal function and reduced TCM symptom scores. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.