The efficacy and safety of acupoint injection for diabetic gastroparesis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Effect of Acupoint Stimulation on Improving Gastrointestinal Motility in Patients After Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Gastrointestinal immobility is experienced by many patients who undergo gastric surgery. This complication delays enteral nutrition, prolongs hospitalization, and causes discomfort. Acupoint stimulation is a popular alternative nonpharmacological treatment for gastrointestinal immobility. This study aimed to explore the effects of acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal immobility after gastrectomy. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Medline, CINAHL Complete, and Airiti library) were searched from their inception to April 2022 for relevant articles. Articles in Chinese and English were included, without limitations on year, region, or country. The inclusion criteria were studies with participants >18 years of age, postgastric surgery, and hospitalization. In addition, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Data were analyzed using random effects models, and data heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results: We included 785 participants from six studies. Invasive and noninvasive acupoint stimulation reduced the time of gastrointestinal mobility better than usual care. In the control group, the time of first flatus was 43.56 ± 9.57 h to 108 ± 19.2 h, and the time of first defecation was 77.27 ± 22.67 h to 139.2 ± 24 h. In the experimental group, the time of first flatus and defecation was 36.58 ± 10.75 h to 79.97 ± 37.31 h and 70.56 ± 15.36 h to 108.55 ± 10.75 h, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that invasive acupoint stimulation with acupuncture reduced the time of first flatus and defecation to 15.03 h (95% confidence interval [CI] = -31.06 to 1.01) and 14.12 h (95% CI = -32.78 to 4.54), respectively. Noninvasive acupoint stimulation, including acupressure and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), reduced the time of first flatus and defecation to 12.33 h and (95% CI = -20.59 to -4.06) and 12.20 h (95% CI = -24.92 to 0.52), respectively. Conclusions: Acupoint stimulation improved the gastrointestinal immobility of postgastrectomy. In the included RCT articles, invasive and noninvasive stimulations were effective. However, noninvasive acupoint stimulation, such as with TEAS and acupressure, was more efficient and convenient than invasive stimulation. Overall, health care professionals with adequate training or under the supervision of an acupuncturist can effectively perform acupoint stimulation to improve the quality of postgastrectomy care. They can select commonly used and effective acupoints to enhance gastrointestinal motility. Clinical relevance: Acupoint stimulation, such as acupressure, electrical acupoint stimulation, or acupuncture, can be included in postgastrectomy routine care to improve gastrointestinal motility and reduce abdominal discomfort.

Therapeutic effect and safety of Tuina on sciatica: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis∗

BACKGROUND

Sciatica is one of the common pain symptoms in the human body, also known as radiating leg pain. Sciatica is increasingly occurring due to poor posture and lack of physical exercise all over the world. At present, many studies have indicated that Tuina can improve the clinical symptoms and functional status of sciatica. However, there is currently no relevant systematic review to evaluate and report this clinical scientific issue. Consequently, this study will conduct a meta-analysis on the effectiveness and safety of Tuina therapy for sciatica.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to Tuina treatment of sciatica will be retrieved from the Chinese and English databases and Clinical Trial Register. These databases include China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Medline, etc. We will consider articles published in English or Chinese between database initiation and October 2021. Our team will use Review Manager Software 5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaborative Network to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of Tuina therapy for sciatica.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of our study will provide scientific evidence and reference to determine whether Tuina is an effective and safe intervention for patients with sciatica.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY2021100034.

The efficacy and safety of Tuina for diabetic gastroparesis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is one of the most common complication of diabetes. At present, despite the increasing number of clinical researches of treatment with Tuina have been reported, there are no systematic reviews of Tuina therapy for DGP. Therefore, it is of great significance to evaluate its safety and efficacy as a complementary and alternative therapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tuina therapy in the treatment of DGP will be retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database (Wan Fang), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), Medline, and Clinical Trial Register (CTR). We will consider articles published in English or Chinese between database initiation and October 2021. Research selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analyses will be independently completed by 2 researchers. Our researchers will use Revman 5.3 software, provided by the Cochrane Collaborative Network for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

This systematic review provides a high-quality synthesis to assess the effectiveness and safety of Tuina therapy for treating DGP.

CONCLUSION

The conclusions of our study will provide evidence to determine whether Tuina therapy is an effective and safe intervention for patients with DGP.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

: INPLASY2021110019.