Tripterygium and its plant extraction for systemic lupus erythematosus: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a diffuse connetive tissue disease, which is difficult to be conquered. However, the traditional Chinese medicine is significant in the treatment. And the Chinese medicine tripterygium and its plant extraction can help us to overcome this disease, to some extent. METHODS: The deadline should be from inception to February 2020 by computer from the databases: the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science in English and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Chinese Science, Chinese Traditional Medicine Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database in Chinese. Included criteria are randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes are the clinical symptoms, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index and quality of life questionnaire (the top 10 frequency). We will use RevMan 5.0 statistical software for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, meta regression, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias assessment. The publish bias will be assessed by a funnel plot and the funnel plot symmetries will be evaluated by Begg and Egger tests. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS: This article will give a protocol for meta analysis which can make sure the efficacy and side effect of the tripterygium and its plant extraction for SLE. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and side effect of the tripterygium and its plant extraction for SLE will be evaluated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Without personal information involved, ethical approval and informed consent form is no need. The review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal prospectively to spread our findings. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020176444