The Effectiveness and Safety of Cupping Therapy on CV8 Shenque for Urticaria; a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Urticaria is a common mast-cell-driven disease that poses a great burden on patients and society. Suggested therapeutic methods include avoidance of triggers and the use of medications, such as H1-antihistamines; however, limitations remain regarding efficacy, dealing with comorbidities, and adverse events. Cupping therapy (CT) at CV8 Shenque has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various dermatological diseases, including urticaria. The efficacy of the treatment has been revealed by previous clinical trials and case reports. This study was performed to provide a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the effectiveness and safety of CT at CV8 Shenque for urticaria patients.

Patients and Methods

Searches of electronic databases using manual searches and contact with the corresponding authors will be performed using predefined criteria for all randomized controlled trials on CT at CV8 Shenque for urticaria patients. Every part of the process will be conducted by two independent researchers, with conflicts being solved by a third author. The primary outcomes will be symptom scores, quality of life, and effective rate. Secondary outcomes will be adverse events and diagnostic test results. RevMan 5.4 software will be used to perform the meta-analysis. The Cochrane Collaboration “Risk of bias” tool will be used for risk of bias judgments.

Results

Our study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CT at CV8 Shenque as a treatment option for urticaria.

Conclusion

This systematic review is the first to investigate the effect of CT at CV8 Shenque for urticaria patients. Our study will provide objective evidence of an alternative approach to urticaria for clinicians and patients.

Study Registration

PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42023434913).

Keywords:

• urticaria
• Shenque
• cupping therapy
• systematic review
• meta-analysis

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Dongguk University Research Fund of 2023. Funder only provided the financial support and was not involved in this article including review, editing, or submission for publication.