Ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection as adjuvant treatment for acute cerebral infarction: Protocol for systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: Acute cerebral infarction (ACI) is one of the most commonly seen cerebral vascular disease and the current therapy options are not satisfied. Ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole injection (GDI) is widely used as adjuvant therapy for ACI. However, there is no systemic review and meta-analysis published regarding the efficacy and safety of GDI. Herein, we describe the protocol of a proposed study aims to systemically evaluate the efficacy and safety of GDI in ACI patients. METHODS: Five electronic databases (Medline, EMBase, Cochrane database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database) will be searched up to February 28, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meet the eligibility criteria will be identified and included. Data synthesis will be run using RevMan software after the data extraction and risk of bias assessment of included studies. The primary outcomes of this study are effective rate and adverse event rate. RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of RCTs on the efficacy and safety of GDI as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of ACI. CONCLUSION: This systemic review and meta-analysis will provide high quality evidence to evaluate GDI as adjuvant therapy in patients with ACI. Registration: PEROSPERO CRD42018107112