Dazhu Hongjingtian (Herba Rhodiolae) for unstable angina pectoris: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Dazhu Hongjingtian (DZHJT), also named Herba Rhodiolae, has been frequently introduced for patients with angina pectoris in China. However, the add-on effect of DZHJT in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) has not been systematically evaluated. The purpose of this protocol is to provide the methods used to assess the efficacy and safety of DZHJT as adjuvant therapy for management of UAP. METHODS: We will extensively search for eligible studies in PubMed, Emase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases up to October 2018. Only randomized controlled trials comparing DZHJT in combination with Western medicine vs Western medicine alone were selected. The primary outcomes are above 50% reduction in frequency of angina attacks and weekly frequency of angina attacks reduction. The secondary outcomes are the blood rheology parameters (whole-blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and fibrinogen) and adverse events. We will use RevMan V.5.0 software to perform meta-analysis. RESULTS: The pooled results will provide a high-quality of evidence of DZHJT as adjuvant therapy in patients with UAP. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide up-to-date evidence to evaluate DZHJT as adjuvant therapy in patients with UAP. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42018111885.