Meta-analysis on clinical efficacy of ringheaded thumbtack needle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ringheaded thrumbtack needle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods: Clinical studies about treatment of AR with ringheaded thrumbtack needle were searched from databases of CNKI, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from their inception to November 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature and collected related information. The total effective rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) for AR, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), and recurrence rate were the main outcome indicators. Secondary outcome indicators included quantitative scores of symptoms and signs, 'quartering' symptom evaluation scale, etc. All the included studies were subjected to Meta-analysis using Stata software.

Results: A total of 22 clinical studies involving 1 491 participants were included. The results of Meta-analysis indicated that the total effective rate of ringheaded thrumbtack needle in the treatment of AR was higher than that of traditional Chinese and Western medicine ［RR=1.20, 95%CI (1.14, 1.26), P<0.001］, and recurrence rate is lower than conventional therapy ［OR=0.35, 95%CI (0.14, 0.89), P=0.027］. Moreover, The VAS score ［WMD=-1.30, 95%CI (-1.85, -0.75), P<0.001］ and RQLQ score ［WMD=-6.75, 95%CI (-12.74, -0.76), P=0.027］ of AR treated by ringheaded thrumbtack needle were lower than those of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Conclusions: Ringheaded thrumbtack needle can improve the total effective rate, reduce the disease recurrence, and improve the symptoms of discomfort when AR outbreaks, and has no significant adverse reactions. However, the reliability is limited. Thus, it is still necessary to improve the level of evidence quality by including researches with large samples, rigorous design and international standards.