Analysis of Acupoint Selection and Combination for Gouty Arthritis Treated with Moxibustion Based on Data Mining.

Objective: Gout arthritis (GA) is a common inflammatory joint disease that is difficult to cure. Moxibustion, as an important alternative therapy, is widely used. However, the criteria for selecting acupuncture point prescriptions and combinations are unclear. Thus, the study aimed to explore the most effective acupoints and combinations in the treatment of GA through data mining techniques.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biomedicine databases were used to screen clinical studies and observations of the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of GA. Data on the acupoint prescriptions applied in these studies were collected, and association rule mining analysis and cluster analysis were conducted to summarize the characteristics and patterns of acupoint selection for the treatment of GA with moxibustion.

Results: Sixty-four trials involving 116 groups of prescriptions and 99 acupoints were identified. Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9), Yanglingquan (GB34), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Xuehai (SP10) were the most commonly used acupoints for GA. The spleen meridian of the foot-taiyin and the stomach meridian of foot-Yangming were the most commonly used meridians. Additionally, most acupoint sites are concentrated in the extremities. Network analysis reveals Gongsun (SP4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9), and Ashi as potentially effective and commonly used acupoints. In the acupoint interconnection network, Ashi and Sanyinjiao (SP6) were potential combinations of acupoints that should be chosen first in GA treatment. Clustering analysis revealed the treatment principle of "invigorating spleen and removing dampness, and relaxing muscles and activating collaterals."

Conclusion: Through data mining analysis of published studies, this study provides valuable information for selecting the most effective acupoints and combinations for clinical moxibustion in the treatment of GA.