Efficacy of Xianling Gubao capsule in treating sarco-osteopenia: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Sarco-osteopenia (SOP) is a new type of geriatric syndrome, resulting from the combination of sarcopenia (SP) and osteoporosis (OP). Xianling Gubao capsule (XLGBC), made from several traditional Chinese medicine, is reported to have a therapeutic effect on diseases of bones and joints. This protocol will be designed to assess the efficacy of XLGBC in the treatment of SOP. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trial literatures evaluating the effect of XLGBC on patients with SOP will be obtained by searching the following 7 electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical and Medical Database (CBM), and Wanfang Database, from inception to March 2019. The primary outcomes will be bone mineral density, skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Stata V.13.0 software will be used for data synthesis and analysis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias assessment. Reporting bias will be evaluated utilizing a funnel, with Egger tests assessing funnel plot symmetries. Quality of evidence will be evaluated according to guidance of the Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guideline. RESULT: This study will provide a rational synthesis of current evidences for XLGBC on SOP. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study will provide evidence to judge the effectiveness and safety of XLGBC on SOP. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be contributed to peer-reviewed publications, aiming to provide evidence about efficacy of XLGBC on SOP. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019128223.