Pharmacopuncture for nerve entrapment syndrome: A protocol for systematic review

Abstract

Background:Nerve entrapment syndrome occurs when the nerves become compressed or entrapped and restricted. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture in patients with nerve entrapment syndrome. Methods:A search will be conducted from inception to August 2022 using the following 11 electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and 6 Korean databases. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pharmacopuncture treatment for various nerve entrapment syndromes will be considered, with no restrictions regarding the type of pharmacopuncture solution used. Two reviewers will perform the data extraction and quality assessment using a predefined data extraction form. The methodological quality of the included RCTs will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results:This systematic review will provide high-quality evidence to determine the efficacy and safety of pharmacopuncture therapy for nerve entrapment syndrome. Conclusion:Our findings will be informative for patients with nerve entrapment syndrome, as well as clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.