Gui-zhi decoction for allergic rhinitis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND: The treatment effects and safety of Gui-zhi decoction (GZD) for patients with allergic rhinitis have yet to be clarified. METHODS: We will search PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medical Database), Cochrane Library, Chinese Cochrane Centre's Controlled Trials Register Platform, Wanfang Chinese Digital Periodical and Conference Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database to collect randomized controlled trials of Gui-zhi decoction (GZD) for allergic rhinitis. RevMan5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was applied to evaluate the evidence quality for each outcome. Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool will be used to assess the quality of eligible studies according to the Cochrane handbook. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence of GZD and we have a specific opportunity to determine the efficacy and safety of it. CONCLUSION: This study will explore the efficacy and safety of GZD to treat allergic rhinitis. OSF REGISTRATION: Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/CWQNH (https://osf.io/cwqnh/)