Auricular therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Dec 4;99(49):e23396. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023396.

Abstract

Background: This systematic review protocol aims to describe a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of auricular therapy for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Randomized controlled trials of auricular therapy in treating PCOS will be searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. The primary outcome is the body mass index. The study selection, data extraction, and study quality evaluation will be performed independently by 2 researchers. A meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan V5.3 statistical software if possible; otherwise, descriptive analysis or subgroup analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence for outcomes will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Results: This study will evaluate the effect and safety of auricular therapy in treating PCOS.

Conclusions: The evidence we generated from the present study will provide more options for PCOS management in clinical practice.

The registration doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VBPSM.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture, Ear / adverse effects
  • Acupuncture, Ear / methods*
  • Blood Glucose
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Ovulation / physiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Research Design
  • Systematic Review as Topic
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone