The efficacy and safety of moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is one of the most prevalent gynecological diseases in women of childbearing age. The major medications treating PDM usually make sense and side effects, while moxibustion is known as a safe and effective treatment for PDM. This review aims to systematically evaluate the effect and safety of moxibustion for treating PDM. METHODS: We will search all randomized controlled trials for moxibustion therapy on PDM, electronically and manually, regardless of publication status, till October 31, 2019. Online databases include the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; PubMed; EMBASE; China National Knowledge Infrastructure; Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database); and Wan-Fang Database. Two reviewers will search these databases, select data and measure the quality of studies independently. The methodological quality will be assessed by the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 6.0. The primary outcomes include clinical efficacy and visual analog scale, and the secondary outcomes include adverse events and quality of life. Four reviewers will independently extract the data and assess the qualities of the studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted with R package for each outcome. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. RESULTS: This study will provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence for the treatment of moxibustion with PDM. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of our study will provide updated evidence to judge whether moxibustion is an effective and safe intervention for patients with PDM. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019129993