OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of Gandou Fumu Decoction (GDFMD) combined with swallowing function training on Wilson's disease with dysphagia of phlegm stasis type.

METHODS Sixty-eight WD patients in The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine were randomly equally divided into a control group (34 cases) and a treatment group (34 cases) during October 2021 to October 2024. Control group patients were treated with basic therapy such as copper drainage and swallowing training, while patients in the treatment group received additional GDFMD. The scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, Water Swallow Test (WST), Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Barthel Scale were observed before and after the treatment. 24-hour urinary copper, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in both groups.

RESULTS After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores, SSA, WST scale scores and blood MDA levels of the two groups of patients were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the treatment group was better than the control group (P < 0.05); FOIS, Barthel scale scores, 24-hour urine copper content and serum SOD level in both groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the treatment group was better than the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION The combined therapy of Gandou Fumu Decoction with swallowing training can improve the swallowing function on Wilson's disease with dysphagia of phlegm stasis type and enhance the copper removing. The mechanism may be related to improving the level of antioxidant stress.