Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of quality and safety of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis treated by acupuncture: A protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the quality and safety of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) treated by acupuncture.

METHODS

An extensive database search was executed to find the randomized controlled trials on acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture, and any other treatments for patients with CRS. Review Manager 5 (RevMan) was used for the data analysis. A strict methodology was used when the meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

This study systematically assesses the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in patients with CRS. The primary outcomes include health-related quality of life, disease severity, treatment-related adverse events. The secondary outcomes are comprised of recurrence rate, endoscopic score, computerized tomography (CT) scan score and objective physiological measures.

CONCLUSION

This article summarizes the current evidence base for the quality of life and safety of acupuncture in patients with CRS.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (registration number CRD42018114432).