Auricular acupuncture for premature ovarian insufficiency: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: A lot of attention has been given to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) as it poses considerable health risks to women. It is characterized by oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, autoimmune disorders, and ischemic heart disease, with increased mortality. Previous research indicates that auricular acupuncture is proven effective in treating POI in clinical practice. However, systematic review has not been carried out. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the curative effect and safety of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched for relevant information before August 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI. Major results: levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2). Secondary results: modified Kupperman Index, imaging results including ovarian size, antral follicle count, and blood flow changes in the ovary using color Doppler ultrasound; total effective rate, adverse event and intervention, and hospitalization expenses. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta-analysis will be evaluated according to “Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions”. All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The curative effect and safety of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI patients will be evaluated systematically. CONCLUSION: In the systematic review, the published evidence of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI will be summarized to provide guidance for promotion and application. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. Open Science Framework (OSF) registration number: http://osf.io/tg9mw