Practice of Comparative Effectiveness Research to Identify Treatment Characteristics of Similar Chinese Patent Medicine for Angina Pectoris

OBJECTIVE: Individualized application of TCM is not easy and may lead to undesirable results, such as poor effect or even adverse reactions. This trial aims to compare two common Chinese patent medicines with similar effects. BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH: Four hospitals carried out the test at the same time in Tianjin city of China. PARTICIPANTS: 144 patients were involved in this study; all patients must meet the diagnostic criteria. INTERVENTIONS: Qishen Yiqi pills, compound danshen pills, and their placebos; an efficacy analysis was conducted after the first medication and after crossover medication. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary index of end point includes Seattle Angina Questionnaire score-7 and score of 7-point Likert Scale; the curative effect was compared with minimal clinically important differences value. RESULT: Two drugs have their respective advantages in treating SAP. In practical application, the two drugs shall be discriminated in use based on patients' specific symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese clinical trials register is ChiCTR-TTRCC-14004406 (registered 23 March 2014).