Efficacy of etoricoxib for ankylosing spondylitis: A protocol for systematic review of randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials have reported that etoricoxib has been utilized to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS) effectively. However, no study systematically investigated the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib for patients with AS. In this systematic review, we will assess the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib for AS. METHODS: The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to the February 1, 2019: Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. This study will include randomized controlled trials that explore the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib for AS. The primary outcome is pain intensity, as measured by any pain scales, such as Numerical Rating Scale. The secondary outcomes consist of AS function, as measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, or other tools; quality of life, as assessed by Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life questionnaire or any other relevant instruments; as well as adverse events. Two authors will independently carry out the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Statistical analysis will be performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: This systematic review will provide a detailed summary of present evidence related to the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib for patients with AS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may provide management guidance for AS treated by etoricoxib. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS: This systematic review dose not needs ethical approval, because it will not analyze individual patient data. The findings of this study are expected to publish through a peer-reviewed journal. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: CRD42019124768.