3. Scientific combination originates from evidence-based
studies
In fact, there are a series of clinical combinations for improvement of
efficacy. For example, there is common single-pill combination (SPC)
therapy or free-equivalent combination (FEC) therapy in hypertension
[10], and there is often TB-HIV coinfection, which definitely needs
combinatorial treatment. To date, since faecal microbiota transplants
are effective for infection and recurrent infections, biotherapies by
combinations of vital gut microbiota are a promising choice [11].
Studies in recent years found that antivirulence-antibiotic
combinatorial treatments [12] are effective strategies in treating
infections and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance, and the
combination of PBT2 + polymyxin (colistin or FADDI-287) may improve
survival and reduce bacterial dissemination to other organs [13].
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and
machine-learning, their applications to the self-help prescription of
“TCM Hot Pot” and deep development will surely usher in a brand-new
development of TCM. As a typical example of combinatorial biomedicine,
“TCM Hot Pot” will bring more benefits to human beings. Indeed, in
current field of translational medicine, there is an arising need for
combining and integrating computational or AI technologies with
experimental and clinical medicine across academia, industry, and
healthcare settings [14].
However, only scientific and evidence-based combinations are vital and
beneficial in clinical practice. For example, the use of high-flow nasal
oxygen with noninvasive ventilation immediately after extubation
significantly decreased the risk of reintubation compared with high-flow
nasal oxygen alone [15]. A combination of medications with intensive
weight management using a low-carbohydrate diet showed better outcomes
and advantages [16]. Higher adherence to the Plant-Based Portfolio
Diet was associated with a reduction in CVD risk due to lower LDL-C
[17,18]. However, clinical trials may also help to confirm that some
combinations did not improve, and sometime likely worsened, clinical
outcomes [19]. A combination of electronic reminders, lottery-based
incentives, and social support did not significantly improve medication
adherence or outcomes for acute myocardial infarction survivors
[20].