Table 6 Variables, measures, and methods of analysis
Outcomes | Hypothesis | Outcome measurement | Analysis method |
|---|---|---|---|
Primary | TCM improved outcomes from baseline to 10 days |  |  |
 Interval time to next exacerbation |  | Telephone visit (continuous) | GLM |
 CAT |  | Questionnaire score (continuous) | MENM |
Secondary | Improved occurred | Â | Â |
 Duration of COPD exacerbation |  | Calculating days in dairy (continuous) | GLM |
 TCM syndrome assessment |  | Questionnaire score (continuous) | GLM |
 Lung function |  | FEV1, FVC, PEF (continuous) | GLM |
 Blood gas analysis |  | Pa (CO2), Pa(O2) (continuous) | GLM |
 Infection index |  | EOS count, CRP, proclamation (continuous) | GLM |
 Inflammation cytokine |  | IL-6, IL-8, IL-10(continuous) | GLM |
 HPA axis |  | ACTH, CRH, CORT (continuous) | GLM |
Subgroup analysis | Effects adherence | Groups | Â |
 Age (in years) |  | < 64, ≥ 64 |  |
 Gender |  | Male, female |  |
 Body mass index (kg/m2) |  | < 18.5, ≥ 18.5 to < 24, ≥ 24 |  |
 Smoking history |  | Ex-smoker, current smoker |  |
 GOLD stage |  | I-II, III, IV |  |
 Infectious |  | Infectious, un-infectious |  |
 EOS count |  | < 300/μl, ≥ 300/μl |  |