CLINICAL QUESTION
Can a newly developed protocol for a network meta-analysis (NMA) effectively assess the efficacy of different acupuncture techniques in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR)?
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March 2025BOTTOM LINE
The application of the new NMA will offer a comparative analysis of different acupuncture techniques, providing clinical evidence to
support evidence-based medical decisions in the treatment of AR.
BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is a potential non-pharmacological intervention for AR due to its effects on autonomic nerve functions and neuroendocrine and immune networks. A comprehensive evaluation of different acupuncture techniques through high-quality, evidence-based research is lacking. Network meta-analysis enables the simultaneous evaluation of multiple treatment options by integrating comparisons across varied studies.
STUDY DESIGN: Database study
SETTING: First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
SYNOPSIS: Researchers set out to develop a protocol for an NMA that could be used to assess the efficacy and safety of various acupuncture therapies in treating AR, as determined by a reduction in the Total Nasal Symptom Score for patients. The resulting NMA is intended to establish clear definitions of acupuncture therapy types and their combined use. This research represents the initial application of NMA to evaluate acupuncture treatments for AR. In developing the NMA protocol, the team searched multiple databases for randomized controlled trials of different acupuncture-related therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Clinical efficacy rate, bone mineral density, and a visual analog scale score were used as the primary outcome indicators; the secondary outcome indicator was adverse reactions. The NMA was designed to use statistical and systematic review software to conduct the analysis. Evaluation of the quality of evidence is done according to the GRADE assessment tool. In applying their protocol, researchers assessed consistency between direct and indirect evidence; addressed study heterogeneity via meta-regression and subgroup analysis based on predefined variables; and assessed publication biases. Study limitations included the use of studies only published in English or Chinese.
CITATION: Chen Y, et al. Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Allergy. 2024; 5:1499406. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1499406.