Efficacy comparison of different acupuncture methods for herpes zoster: A Bayesian analysis protocol

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture methods (include moxibustion) are used frequently in the treatment of herpes zoster. However, the choice is usually made only based on personal experience among different acupuncture methods. This study aims to compare the efficacy of different acupuncture methods for herpes zoster. METHODS: All randomized controlled trials of acupuncture methods for herpes zoster will be searched in 7 databases including Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Wan-fang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals database database. After screening process, effectiveness rate will be extracted from all the included randomized controlled trials as primary outcomes. The Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted by generate mixed treatment comparisons 0.14.3, Stata13.0, and Review Man 5.3. RESULTS: The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSIONS: Our review will compare the efficacy of different acupuncture treatments for herpes zoster and find a better selection guideline for clinicians and patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020175189.