Project description:BackgroundTraditional Chinese Patent Medicine (TCPM) is now being used more and more extensively for primary hypertension in China. However, the comparative efficacy and safety of it need more clarified evidence. Thus, we conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare TCPMs with other interventions.MethodsWe searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with diagnosis of primary hypertension that compared the efficacy of TCPMs with antihypertension drugs (ADs). Two researchers screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias independently. The primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The secondary outcomes were adverse effects (AEs), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). We used the Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare interventions and described the categorical variable and the continuous variable as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD), respectively. Besides, we ranked all interventions via the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) values and conducted metaregression with nine covariates as additional analysis.ResultsWe included 192 studies with 23366 patients diagnosed as primary hypertension in total. For SBP reduction, eighteen interventions were significantly better than AD. Among them, Yinxingye (YXY) + AD (MD = -12, 95% CrI [-16, -8.5]) was superior to others in the rank plot with SUCRA 0.91. For DBP reduction, sixteen interventions were significantly better than AD. Among them, Qinggan Jiangya (QGJY) + AD (MD = -8.7, 95% CrI [-12, -5.5]) and Qiju Dihuang (QJDH) + AD (MD = -8.8, 95% CrI [-12, -5.2]) were superior to others in the rank plot with SUCRA 0.89. To summarize the SUCRA values, we found that QGJY + AD and YXY + AD had the most significant reductions for both SBP and DBP. YXY + AD was the best one for both TC (MD = -1.3, 95% CrI [-1.9, -0.64]) and TG (MD = -0.52, 95% CrI [-0.92, -0.11]) reductions. Considering adverse effects, we found two interventions had significant differences comparing with AD. Among them, YXY + AD was the best one with SUCRA of 0.01.ConclusionIn all TCPMs, QGJY + AD and YXY + AD may be the best options for hypertension. Meanwhile, YXY + AD can improve blood lipids in patients with hypertension. However, due to the vague reports of adverse effects and other limitations, more evidence, especially that provided by high-quality studies, is needed to prove the advantages of TCMPs.
Project description:BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common reason for chronic liver disease in children and adults. The increasing incidence of the disease has become one of the most critical public health problems in the 21st century, closely related to genetic and environmental factors. So far, apart from changing lifestyle and diet, modern medicine still lacks effective treatment measures. Chinese patent medicine has the advantages of apparent curative effect, overall regulation and fewer side effects. However, there is a lack of research on the simultaneous comparison of various Chinese patent medicines. Therefore, we used a reticular meta-analysis to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of different oral Chinese patent medicines through standard reference.MethodWe will conduct a comprehensive and systematic search of Chinese and English databases from the beginning to December 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oral Chinese patent medicine for NAFLD in children will be searched. The 2 researchers then independently filter the retrieved literature, extract the data according to the data extraction table and assess the risk of bias. We will perform a pair of meta-analyses and a Bayesian network meta-analysis. STATA and Win BUGS software will be used for data analysis.ResultsThis study will thoroughly compare and analyze the differences in the efficacy of all kinds of TCPM in NAFLD treatment in childhood or adolescence.ConclusionThis study will provide reference and evidence support for clinical drug selection optimization.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require ethical approval.Inplasy registration number2020120068.
Project description:BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory disease with a substantial burden for society and economic worldwide. Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) have gained attention as alternative remedies due to they can exert the satisfactory therapeutic effects via holistic regulation. Currently, several oral Chinese patent medicines are routinely recommended for managing and treating RA. Therefore, a network meta-analysis (NMA), which tries to synthesize evidences for a decision making by evaluating the comparative effectiveness of multiple interventions against the same disease, was undertaken to identify the optimal intervention according to their efficacy in clinical treatment and symptom remission, safety profile and daily cost.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding CPMs to treat RA were comprehensive retrieved from 3 foreign databases and 4 Chinese databases, and the retrieved results were last updated on January 10, 2019. The bias of the selected trials was assessed by two individuals independently through RoB2. A random-effects model was adopted during the meta-analytic procedures, and outcomes concerning efficacy and safety were evaluated as odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD) and 95% credible intervals (CI) utilizing Stata 14.1 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 software. Furthermore, the cluster analysis and comprehensive investigation were preformed concerning the comparative efficacy, safety and cost of oral CPMs.ResultsOne hundred sixteen RCTs involving 10,213 individuals met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled into current NMA. The results from existing evidence indicated that Biqi capsule and Yuxuebi capsule probably had a favorable balance in consideration of benefits, tolerability and daily cost. Furthermore, as the least expensive choice, glucosides of Tripterygium Wilfordii tablet was associated with displaying a trend of relieving joint tenderness, joint swelling, and morning stiffness for patients with RA.ConclusionBiqi capsule, Yuxuebi capsule and glucosides of Tripterygium Wilfordii tablet were recommended for treating RA based on the favorable benefits in both clinical efficacy and symptoms, and they, meanwhile, might be associated with the more tolerable and acceptable therapeutic alternative in terms of safety profile and daily cost. Nevertheless, the additional results from high-quality, multi-center and head-to-head trials would be pivotal for supporting our findings.
Project description:Background: Many Chinese patent medicines have been reported to show anti-tumor cell effects on cervical cancer. To estimate the comparative effectiveness and safety of Chinese patent medicines for cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese patent medicines for HR-HPV infection were searched in eight databases until 31 August 2022, and two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes concerning efficacy were evaluated as odds ratio (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrI) utilizing R 4.1.2 and Stata 16.1. The protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022351120). Results: We ultimately identified 60 RCTs that involved 5,951 participants and 8 interventions. Chinese patent medicines combined with recombinant human interferon (rhIFN) have better treatment effects than rhIFN alone. The results showed that Baofukang suppository (BFK) combined with rhIFN is greater for the rate of HR-HPV clearance follow-up at 6 months (SUCRA = 78.16%). Kushen gel (KS) combined with rhIFN ranked first for the rate of HR-HPV clearance after treatment (SUCRA = 90.77%). Furthermore, KS + rhIFN is most likely to be the best intervention for improving the clinical effectiveness rate (SUCRA = 87.39%). Adverse reactions were not statistically significant in BFK + rhIFN versus BFK, BFK + rhIFN versus rhIFN, and BFK versus rhIFN. Conclusion: The combination of Chinese patent medicines with rhIFN may demonstrate a higher efficacy than rhIFN alone in clearing the virus and improving cervical symptoms. Weighing with the clinical comprehensive efficacy, BFK + rhIFN and KS + rhIFN maybe the optimal treatments for cervical HR-HPV infection. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to further confirm the efficacy and safety of proprietary Chinese medicines for cervical HR-HPV infection.
Project description:ContextKang-ai injection (KAI) is an authorized herbal medicine used in cancer treatment. However, its clinical efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated thoroughly.ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of KAI in patients with HCC.Materials and methodsThe Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang databases were systematically searched (date range: inception to December 2020) using the key terms 'Kang-ai injection' and 'hepatocellular carcinoma'. The current analysis included controlled clinical trials that compared the efficacy and safety of the combination of KAI and conventional treatment (CT) with CT alone for HCC. The current study estimated the pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsData pertaining to 35 trials with 2501 HCC patients were analysed. The results revealed that the combination of KAI and CT was associated with significantly superior objective response rate (RR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.43-1.73), disease control rate (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.10-1.26), and quality of life (RR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.79-3.23), compared to CT alone. The administration of KAI significantly alleviated most of the adverse effects caused by CT, including nausea and vomiting, liver damage, peripheral neurotoxicity, fever, abdominal pain, alopecia, increased bilirubin levels, leukopoenia, and reduction in haemoglobin levels (p < 0.05, for all).ConclusionsThe current meta-analysis indicates that a combination of CT and KAI could be more effective in improving the clinical efficacy of the treatment of HCC, compared to CT alone.
Project description:BackgroundTraditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) have been widely used to treat carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) in China. However, systematic evaluation of the clinical efficacy of TCPMs for CAP is still unknown, and the comparative efficacy of different TCPMs is unclear.ObjectivesThis study aims to compare and rank the effectiveness and safety of different TCPMs in treating CAP using a Bayesian network meta- analysis (NMA).MethodsThis NMA was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) Extension Statement. Eight databases were searched from their inception to August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The articles regarding eligibility and extracted data were screened independently by two authors. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate quality and bias. The change of carotid artery intimal- medial thickness (IMT), carotid maximal plaque area, carotid atherosclerotic plaque Course score, serum lipid levels, CRP, and adverse events rate (AER) were used as outcomes. Data from each RCTs were first pooled using random- effect pairwise meta- analyses and illustrated as odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). NMAs were performed using Stata17.0 software and the GeMTC package of R software to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of TCPMs, and displayed as ORs or SMDs with 95% CI. A Bayesian hierarchical random- effects model was used to conduct NMAs using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. The GRADE partially contextualised framework was applied for NMA result interpretation.ResultsNMA included 27 RCT trials with 4131 patients and nine types of TCPMs. Pairwise meta- analyses indicated that Conventional Western medicine (CWM) + TCPM was superior to CWM in reducing the IMT (SMD: - 1.26; 95% CI - 1.59 to - 0.93), the carotid maximal plaque area (SMD - 1.27; 95% CI - 1.71, - 0.82) and the carotid atherosclerotic plaque Course score (SMD - 0.72; 95% CI 95% CI - 1.20, - 0.25). NMAs demonstrated that CWM + Jiangzhiling pill (JZL) with SUCRA 70.6% exhibited the highest effective intervention for reducing IMT. CWM + SXBX (Shexiang baoxin pill) was superior to other TCPMs in reducing the carotid maximal plaque area (83.0%), the atherosclerotic plaque Course score (92.5%), TC (95.6%) and LDL (92.6%) levels. CWM + NXT (Naoxintong capsule), CWM + XS (Xiaoshuang granules/enteric capsule), and CWM + ZBT (Zhibitai) were superior to other CPMs in improving TG (90.1%), HDL (86.1%), and CRP (92.6%), respectively. No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsFor CAP patients, CWM + XSBX was among the most effective in reducing carotid maximal plaque area, atherosclerotic plaque Course score, TC and LDL levels, and CWM + JZL was the most effective in reducing IMT. Overall, CWM + XSBX may be considered an effective intervention for the treatment of CAP. This study provides reference and evidence for the clinical optimization of TCPM selection in CAP treatment. More adequately powered, well- designed clinical trials to increase the quality of the available evidence are still needed in the future due to several limitations.
Project description:BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) is characterized by high morbidity, disability, mortality, recurrence, and economic burden. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the clinical efficacy of combining oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) with chemical drugs (CDs) is better than that of CDs alone. In this study, we performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) of RCTs to assess the efficacy of different CPMs in combination with CDs in the treatment of AIS.MethodsSearch 6 databases from the beginning to January 10, 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The NMA was then performed using the STATA 13.0 program. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability values were applied to rank the studied treatments, and cluster analysis was used to compare the effects of CPMs between 2 different outcomes.ResultsA total of 94 eligible RCTs, involving 9581 participants, were included in this analysis. Nine CPMs, including Nao-mai-li granule (NML), Nao-mai-tai granule (NMT), Qi-long granule (QL), Long-sheng-zhi capsule (LSZ), Nao-xin-tong capsule (NXT), Nao-xue-shu oral liquid (NXS), Tong-xin-luo capsule (TXL), Xiao-shuan-chang-rong capsule (XSCR), and Xue-shuan-xin-mai-ning capsule (XSXMN) were included. Regarding the clinical effective rate, all types of CPMs + CDs treatments were significantly better than CDs treatments alone, with significant differences among the 9 selected CPMs. Compared with CDs, results showed that NXS + CDs performed best in improving clinical effective rate [OR = 4.73; 95% CI: 1.26-17.78; (SUCRA: 76.1%)]. TXL + CDs showed the most effective effect in alleviating National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) [MD = -3.84; 95% CI: -5.23, -2.45; (SUCRA: 81.6%)]; NXT + CDs were most effective in improving Barthel index [MD = 13.05; 95% CI: 3.98-22.12; (SUCRA: 63.5%)]. Combined with other outcome indicators and the results of cluster analysis, NXS + CDs may assist in the potential optimal treatment regimen for AIS.ConclusionIn conclusion, CPMs were found to be beneficial as adjuvant therapy in patients with AIS. Taking into account the clinical effective rate and other outcomes, NXS + CDs may be the most effective option to improve the condition of AIS patients.
Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese patent medicine for mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC) using network meta-analysis (NMA).MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Sino-Med, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) databases to October, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Chinese patent medicine for mild-to-moderate active UC. The main analysis was complemented by network subanalyses and standard pairwise comparisons. Statistical heterogeneity, inconsistencies, and ranking probability were also evaluated.ResultsThe databases search identified 3222 citations, of which 33 RCTs involving 2971 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 15 Chinese patent medicines were analyzed. The overall quality of the included studies was low. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that Chinese patent medicine was superior to Mesalazine in improving disappearances of clinical symptoms, recurrence rate, and Mayo score. Based on decreases in adverse events, results from NMA showed that Xilei powder plus Mesalazine was more effective than other drugs. Other NMA results indicated that Danshen freeze-dried powder plus Mesalazine (RR: 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.78) and Kangfuxin lotion plus Mesalazine (RR: 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.57) were superior to Mesalazine in decreasing recurrence rate. Another NMA result indicated that Kangfuxin lotion plus Mesalazine (RR: 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00-0.02) and Zhi Kang capsule plus Mesalazine (RR: 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00-0.02) were superior to Mesalazine in increasing the disappearance of tenesmus.ConclusionIn the probability sorting, Xilei powder combined with Mesalazine ranked first for having the fewest adverse events, Maintaining Intestines Antidiarrheal Pills combined with Mesalazine ranked first for having the lowest recurrence rate, Xilei powder combined with Mesalazine ranked first for improving disappearance rate of mucopurulent bloody stool/abdominal pain, and Kangfuxin lotion combined with Mesalazine ranked first for improving the disappearance rate of diarrhea/tenesmus. However, there is a lack of direct comparisons among Chinese patent medicines for UC. More multiarm RCTs are needed in the future to provide direct comparative evidence.
Project description:ObjectivesThis network meta-analysis (NMA) was designed to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with chemotherapy for gastric cancer on the National Basic Medical Insurance Drugs List of China.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in seven electronic databases from their inception to February 25, 2020, aiming to collect all related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines as an adjuvant for gastric cancer. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Scale. NMA was then performed by using STATA 16.0 software and ADDIS 1.16.8 software.ResultsFinally, 30 RCTs were included, involving seven kinds of oral Chinese patent medicines, with a total of 2602 patients. For improvement of clinical efficacy, Bazhen granule combined with chemotherapy was ranked first for effectiveness, followed by the Cinobufacin capsule combined with chemotherapy and Xiao'aiping tablet combined with chemotherapy. Meanwhile, Bazhen granules combined with chemotherapy also were ranked first in reducing gastrointestinal reactions. In terms of improving performance status, the Xiao'aiping tablet was the best and significantly better than other oral Chinese patent medicines. Besides, the Zhenqi Fuzheng granule combined with chemotherapy was best for reducing the incidence of leucopenia.ConclusionsSince only one RCT of Bazhen granule was included in this study for analysis, its statistical efficiency is low. Therefore, this study recommends that the Cinobufacin capsule combined with chemotherapy should be a priority in improving clinical efficacy. In terms of improving patients' quality of life, Xiao'aiping tablet is the best choice. Safety was best for Zhenqi Fuzheng granule and Bazhen granule combined with chemotherapy. Limited by the quantity, quality, and possible bias of included studies, the above conclusions need to be further verified by more high-quality RCTs.
Project description:Background: Oral Chinese patent medicine (OCPM) combined with western medicine (WM) are believed to be effective for the therapy of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) with sexual dysfunction (SD). These western medicines mainly involve antibiotics, phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE-5i), α-blockers. But there is no randomized controlled trial (RCT) that directly compares the efficacy of different OCPM. Hence, we operated a network meta-analysis (NMA) to contrast the efficacy of different OCPM for CP/CPPS with SD. Methods: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang database. All of the RCTs concentrated on the use of OCPM to cure CP/CPPS with SD from the inception of the databases to November 2020. We appraised the risk of bias under the Cochrane Handbook and CONSORT statement. The data were statistically analyzed via STATA 13.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 instrument. Results: Altogether, 30 pieces of literature with 2,996 participants containing 11 oral Chinese patent medicine and 11 interventions were included in the NMA. In terms of The National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), Qianlie Shutong Capsules (QLSTC) + WM had the most possible of being the optimal treatment. In the light of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Congrong Yishen Granules (CRYSG) + WM had the most possible of being the optimal treatment. Shugan Yiyang Capsules (SGYYC) + WM performed the highest likelihood efficacy under cluster rank graph combined NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5. Liuwei Dihuang Pills/Yougui capsules (LWDHP/YGC) + WM had highly possible to be the optimal treatment not only for the clinical effective rate of CP/CPPS but also for the clinical effective rate of SD. Considering four outcomes, QLSTC, CRYSG, SGYYC, LWDHP/YGC, Qianlie Beixi Capsules (QLBXC) plus WM were the best therapy approach for CP/CPPS with SD, especially LWDHP/YGC + WM and QLBXC + WM. Conclusion: Based on the NMA, QLSTC, CRYSG, SGYYC, LWDHP/YGC, QLBXC plus WM demonstrated the maximum probability of being the optimal therapies. Owing to the limitations of this research, these results should be confirmed by elaborate RCTs. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021224060].