Abstract: Objective To analyze the clinical applications of Ciwujia injection in elderly patients based on the real-world electronic medical database, and to provide reference for rational clinical medication. Methods In this study, association rules in data mining methods were used to conduct a retrospective analysis of electronic medical data collected by the information system of 24 big hospitals in China from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2019. The basic information, diagnosis and usage of Chinese and western medicine related to inpatients aged 65 and older who had used Ciwujia injection were recorded. The Apriori algorithm was used to analyze how drugs were used in combination. Results A total of 6 561 elderly patients who had used Ciwujia injection were collected, most of whom were between 65 and 75 years old. There were fewer male patients than female ones. According to Western medicine, most of the patients were diagnosed with hypertension, cerebral infarction and coronary heart disease. Ciwujia injection was commonly used in combination with acetyl salicylic acid, isosorbide mononitrate and nifedipine. Drugs that were usually used in combination with Ciwujia injection were intended to protect blood vessels and the heart and block calcium channels. Conclusion The way Ciwujia injection is used among elder patients in the real world conforms to clinical diagnosis and drug instructions. The retrospective study shows Ciwujia injection is effective for elderly patients. Clinicians are advised to be cautious with TCM diagnosis and evidence-based medicine and prescribe Ciwujia injection in strict accordance with the guidelines and instructions.

Key words: Ciwujia injection, old age, hospital information system(HIS), drug combination, the real world