Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a distressing symptom. There are many ways to treat RAS, such as pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid and doxycycline and laser therapy, but these take a long time to produce positive effects and compliance is low. Previous reviews of acupuncture treatment for RAS has been growing, but a systematic review is not available. To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the management of RAS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched from their inception to 1 February 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang. The randomised controlled trials in English or Chinese associated with acupuncture for patients with RAS will be included. Eligible study conference abstracts and reference lists of manuscripts will also be searched. Two reviewers will select the studies, extract data independently. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the risk of bias for the studies. According to heterogeneity testing, data will be synthesised using a random-effects model. A meta-analysis will be performed using Rev Man V.5.3.5 statistical software for each outcome. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis are planned according to clinical evidence. Mean difference or standardised mean difference for continuous data and risk ratio for dichotomous data will be calculated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is required. This protocol will not involve individual patient information and endangering participant rights. The results will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QASUY.