The efficacy and safety of Acupoint herbal patching in treating peptic ulcer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Peptic ulcer (PU) is prone to recurrence and can have a prolonged course, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Clinical treatment commonly involves combating Helicobacter pylori(HP), reducing gastric acid secretion, and promoting gastric mucosal protection. Nevertheless, Western medicine often entails various adverse effects and long-term use. Consequently, numerous scholars have redirected their focus towards traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for external treatments of PU due to its minimal toxicity, fewer side effects, and lower recurrence rates. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Acupoint herbal patching (AHP) in treating PU, offering a foundation for future clinical investigations.

Methods and analysis

The computer will conduct a comprehensive search for relevant studies on the utilization of AHP in the management of PU from the inception of the database in various scholarly platforms including China Journal Network, Wanfang Database, Chongqing Wipo Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Eligible literature will undergo meticulous scrutiny based on predefined criteria, with data extraction and quality assessment executed independently by two researchers. Meta-analysis utilizing RevMan 5.4.1 software will be employed to synthesize the collected data. The study will focus on the TCM Symptom Score Scale as the primary outcome measure, while secondary outcomes will encompass serum inflammatory factors, endoscopic findings, quality of life, recurrence rate, and adverse events. Furthermore, assessments on effectiveness, cure rate, and potential publication bias will be carried out. This investigation aims to assess the efficacy of AHP in the treatment of PU and its impact on enhancing the well-being of patients.

Ethics and dissemination

Since the present work constitutes a literature review, it is important to note that ethical approval is deemed unnecessary. The outcomes of this investigation are intended for dissemination in a scholarly periodical subject to peer review.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023456995

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY

A thorough examination of the literature will be undertaken across six electronic databases in both Chinese and English languages.

The methodology will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Evaluation of the studies’ quality will be conducted utilizing the updated Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.

Variations in patch locations and treatment protocols may introduce significant heterogeneity, posing challenges to the synthesis of data.