[Changes in peripheral lymphocytes count in unconscious patients treated at home with Japanese herbal medicines (Hozai)].

We investigated changes in peripheral white blood cells count, lymphocytes count, and serum albumin level in five unconscious patients administered Japanese herbal medicines (Hozai). The causes of unconsciousness were intracerebral hemorrhage in 3, cerebral infarction in 1, and craniopharyngioma in 1. The administered Hozai were Hotyu-ekki-to in 4 and Jyuzen-taiho-to in 1. To assess the effect of Hozai on the immune system of unconscious patients, we investigated these parameters before and after treatment. We observed normalization of WBC counts, increase of lymphocytes count, and unchanged levels of serum albumin after Hozai treatment. These findings suggest that Hozai may improve the immunological competence of unconscious patients. One of the problems affecting unconscious patients treated at home is infectious diseases, especially respiratory infections. It is considered that improvement of their immunological competence would contribute to prevent infections. These results suggest that Hozai treatment might be useful adjuvants to support the general condition of the patients treated at home.