title: Evidence-based novel changes in prevalence and symptom characteristics of spleen deficiency syndrome in persons of varied health status and different ages: a cross-sectional observational study.
abstract: Deficiency of the organs is a vital pathophysiologic characteristic in the elderly. A core TCM aging theory is known as aging caused by spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) that can be found in ancient and modern literature. The key objectives of this study were to establish a full-scale trial to evaluate the prevalence, symptom severity, frequency, and distribution of SDS in different age groups as related to health status (healthy, subhealthy, and chronic disease) to elucidate the role of spleen deficiency in the aging process and deterioration of health status. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 4 hospitals in China. 1390 participants aged 20-79 were interviewed by investigators who completed questionnaires recording prevalence, severity, and frequency of symptoms as well as other relevant information. The results revealed that prevalence and symptom characteristics of SDS showed regularities with increasing age and deteriorating health status. It supports the TCM concept that spleen deficiency is an important mechanism of aging, subhealth, and chronic diseases. Early recognition of the warning signs and symptoms of SDS may lead to intervention and even prevention strategies for subhealth and chronic diseases as well as promotion of healthy aging.
authors.affiliation: First Clinic College of Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Yin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Second Clinic College of Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Fengtai District, Beijing 100078, China.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Development Planning, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China.
authors.forename: Xian-Ping
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China.
authors.forename: Jian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Changping District Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Changping District, Beijing 102208, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Feng
authors.initials: XF
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: First Clinic College of Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Liang
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-4802-8710
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Beijing Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China.
authors.forename: Yu-Yong
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.affiliation: Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Beijing Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015, China.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Administration, Electric Power Teaching Hospital of Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100073, China.
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.affiliation: Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China.
authors.forename: Mei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: First Clinic College of Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ye
authors.affiliation: Department of Acupuncture, Quanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Licheng District, Quanzhou 362000, China.
authors.forename: Zi-Han
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: China Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Yue-Zhou
authors.initials: YZ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: First Clinic College of Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Fu-Sheng
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Administration, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, North Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China.
authors.forename: Xia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ding