Guominjian for allergic rhinitis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of nasal mucosa caused by IgE mediated inflammatory mediators and various immune active cells and cytokines after exposure of specific individuals to allergens. In recent years, its prevalence rate has increased gradually. Therefore, we must pay attention to carry out early intervention. However, there are still some side effects in the current drug therapy of AR, and the recurrence of AR cannot be well controlled. Some Chinese herbs have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, and have a better effect on the nasal symptoms of perennial and persistent rhinitis. The curative effect of allergic decoction on AR has been confirmed clinically. However, due to the lack of reliable evaluation means for its safety and effectiveness, it is necessary to carry out a systematic evaluation of allergic decoction in the treatment of AR, so as to lay a foundation for further research in the future.

The following databases will be searched from their inception to August 2020: Electronic database includes PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Nature, Science online, Chinese Biomedical Database WanFang, VIP medicine information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Primary outcomes: nasal symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and nasal congestion) and ocular symptoms (eye itching, foreign body sensation, red eyes, tearing). It can be measured by any appropriate scales or other forms of tools, such as the Total Nasal Symptom Score. Data will be extracted by 2 researchers independently, risk of bias of the meta-analysis will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All data analysis will be conducted by data statistics software Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0.

The results of this study will systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Guominjian for patients with AR.

Through the systematic review of this study, the evidence of the treatment of AR by Guominjian has been summarized so far, so as to provide guidance for further promoting the application of Guominjian in patients with AR.

This study is a systematic review, the outcomes are based on the published evidence, so examination and agreement by the ethics committee are not required in this study. We intend to publish the study results in a journal or conference presentations.

September 12, 2020.osf.io/24w8n.(https://osf.io/24w8n).