The Effectiveness and Safety of Cupping Therapy on CV8 Shenque for Urticaria; a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: Urticaria is a common mast-cell-driven disease that poses a great burden on patients and society. Suggested therapeutic methods include avoidance of triggers and the use of medications, such as H1-antihistamines; however, limitations remain regarding efficacy, dealing with comorbidities, and adverse events. Cupping therapy (CT) at CV8 Shenque has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various dermatological diseases, including urticaria. The efficacy of the treatment has been revealed by previous clinical trials and case reports. This study was performed to provide a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the effectiveness and safety of CT at CV8 Shenque for urticaria patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Searches of electronic databases using manual searches and contact with the corresponding authors will be performed using predefined criteria for all randomized controlled trials on CT at CV8 Shenque for urticaria patients. Every part of the process will be conducted by two independent researchers, with conflicts being solved by a third author. The primary outcomes will be symptom scores, quality of life, and effective rate. Secondary outcomes will be adverse events and diagnostic test results. RevMan 5.4 software will be used to perform the meta-analysis. The Cochrane Collaboration “Risk of bias” tool will be used for risk of bias judgments. RESULTS: Our study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CT at CV8 Shenque as a treatment option for urticaria. CONCLUSION: This systematic review is the first to investigate the effect of CT at CV8 Shenque for urticaria patients. Our study will provide objective evidence of an alternative approach to urticaria for clinicians and patients. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42023434913).