Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of quality and safety of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis treated by acupuncture A protocol for a systematic review

Background: This study aims to assess the quality and safety of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) treated by acupuncture. Methods: An extensive database search was executed to find the randomized controlled trials on acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture, and any other treatments for patients with CRS. Review Manager 5 (RevMan) was used for the data analysis. A strict methodology was used when the meta-analysis was performed. Results: This study systematically assesses the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in patients with CRS. The primary outcomes include health-related quality of life, disease severity, treatment-related adverse events. The secondary outcomes are comprised of recurrence rate, endoscopic score, computerized tomography (CT) scan score and objective physiological measures. Conclusion: This article summarizes the current evidence base for the quality of life and safety of acupuncture in patients with CRS. Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (registration number CRD42018114432).