Research on Classification and Diagnosis of TCM Syndromes of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Active Stage Based on Clustering Analysis

Objective To study the classification and diagnosis of TCM syndromes of rheumatoid arthritis in the active stage by using variable clustering analysis. Methods Clinical data of 237 cases of rheumatoid arthritis in active stage, including symptoms, signs and manifestation of tongue and pulse, were recorded and dealt with cluster analysis. Results TCM syndromes in the patients were classified into four types, including pathogenic factor and depression in collaterals, intermingled phlegm and blood stasis, blokage due to damp-heat, blood stasis and qi deficiency, and main diagnostic points were determined for different syndromes initially. Conclusion The variable clustering analysis combined with expert’s opinion is helpful to study the classification of TCM syndromes and main diagnositic points of rheumatoid arthritis in active stage.