Efficacy and safety of Fufang Xueshuantong Capsules in combination with conventional drugs in the treatment of glaucoma: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fufang Xueshuantong Capsules (FFXST) in combination with conventional drugs in the treatment of glaucoma using meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). Methods: Clinical trials of FFXST for glaucoma were identified in 8 databases until November 2022, and studies were included for meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Results: In terms of efficacy endpoints, meta-analysis showed that the combination group of FFXST significantly improved clinical effective rate (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.20–1.39, P < .00001), visual function (MD 0.04, 95% CI 0.04–0.05, P < .00001), light sensitivity (MD 6.07, 95% CI 4.63–7.51, P < .00001), end-systolic blood flow velocity (MD 2.68, 95% CI 2.19–3.16, P < .00001) and end-diastolic blood flow velocity (MD 2.07, 95% CI 1.86–2.28, P < .00001), and significantly reduced total gray-scale value (MD −64.38, 95% CI −69.08 to −59.68, P < .00001) and defect of visual field (MD −3.40, 95% CI −4.11 to −2.69, P < .00001) compared with the conventional regimen group, while the pulsatility index and resistance index were comparable. The TSA indicated that these benefits were conclusive. In terms of safety endpoints, meta-analysis demonstrated that total drug-related adverse events in the combination group of FFXST were comparable to those in the conventional regimen group, with TSA showing that more studies are needed to validate the current results. Conclusion: FFXST may be a safety and effective supplementary strategy for the treatment of glaucoma, which is worthy of further research.