Acupuncture for chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Background Chronic hepatitis B is a liver disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Chronic hepatitis B requires long-term management aiming to reduce the risks of hepatocellular inflammatory necrosis, liver fibrosis, decompensated liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer, as well as to improve health-related quality of life. Acupuncture is being used to decrease discomfort and improve immune function in people with chronic hepatitis B. However, the benefits and harms of acupuncture still need to be established in a rigorous way. Objectives To assess the benefits and harms of acupuncture versus no intervention or sham acupuncture in people with chronic hepatitis B.

Acupuncture for chronic hepatitis B

“…Below, in accordance with our protocol (Kong 2018), all outcomes are presented with the random-effects model meta-analysis.…”

“…We performed our systematic review based on recommended Cochrane methods (Higgins 2011; Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Module). We followed our peer-reviewed and published protocol with predefined participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and time to follow-up to avoid biases during the review process (Kong 2018). We applied comprehensive search strategies, which covered published studies and registered study protocols.…”