Comparison of efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for primary trigeminal neuralgia: A protocol for a Bayesian network meta analysis

BACKGROUND: Primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is a type of peripheral neuralgia that seriously affects people's lives. In recent years, complementary therapies and alternative therapies have played a significant role in treating PTN. However, there is a lack of comparison among all the complementary and alternative therapies at present. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the efficacy and safety of diverse complementary and alternative therapies by Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We will retrieve the Chinese and English databases to gather related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for treating PTN. The deadline is November 2020. Two independent researchers will be in charge of screening qualified literature, extracting data, and independently evaluating bias risks involved in the research. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed to assess all evidence. Then, we will use STATA16.0 as well as WinBUGS1.4.3 software for data analysis. Besides, the quality of NMA evidence will be classified by grading of recommendations assessment development and evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: This study will compare and rank the efficacy and safety of different complementary and alternative therapies in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia. CONCLUSION: Complementary and alternative therapies play an essential role in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia. We expect our study will furnish meaningful evidence support for clinicians and patients. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020120026. ETHICAL APPROVAL: Since the study is based on published or registered RCTs, ethical approval and patient informed consent are abandoned.