Comparison of glucocorticoids combined with antiviral drugs versus glucocorticoids alone in the management of Bell's Palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of glucocorticoids combined with antiviral drugs (GA) versus glucocorticoids alone (GO) in the treatment of Bell's Palsy.

DATABASE REVIEWED: According to the PRISMA2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for English articles from their inception to August 10, 2023, and performed a secondary search on October 31, 2024.

METHODS

Studies describing the efficacy of (GA) for Bell's Palsy versus (GO). Patient demographics, cure rates, and results of subgroup analysis were collected. Stata 17.0 was used to perform the calculation and to draw relevant meta-analysis pictures. RevMan 5.4 was used to determine the source of bias and to summarize the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q-tests and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 10 RCTs enrolling 2893 participants were finally included in the meta-analysis. The treatment rate in the group of GA and the group of GO was 88.7 % and 83.2 %, respectively. The difference in the treatment rate between the two groups for Bell's Palsy was significant (relative risk (RR) = 1.09, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.15), and significant heterogeneity was (I2 = 63.6 %, p = 0.003 < 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests that GA may be an effective treatment for Bell's palsy. Compared with GO, GA can improve the cure rate of Bell's palsy.