Chinese herbal compound prescription for systemic lupus erythematosus: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease and there is no cure for SLE. The western medication can improve syndromes to some extent; however, severe adverse drug reactions appear at the same time. Recently, it is confirmed that Chinese medicine also can have an excellent clinical efficacy on SLE. Methods and analysis: The following databases will be searched for relevant information before July 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Major results: levels of total remission rate, SLEDAI. Secondary results: The laboratory index about C3 levels, Hb levels, white blood cell levels, and adverse event. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta analysis will be evaluated according to "Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions." All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. Results: The curative effect and safety of Chinese herbal compound prescription treatment for SLE patients will be evaluated systematically. Conclusion: The systematic review of this study will summarize the currently published evidence of Chinese herbal compound prescription treatment for SLE to further guide its promotion and application. Ethics and dissemination: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. Open Science Framework (OSF)registration number: https://osf.io/wvfrx/.