Acupuncture for glucose and lipid metabolic disorders of polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological disease that is often accompanied by some metabolic abnormality such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. As a non-pharmacological therapy, acupuncture is widely used for the treatment of PCOS, but the effectiveness for insulin resistance and lipid metabolic disorder remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for insulin resistance and lipid metabolic disorder of women with PCOS. SEARCH METHODS: Eight databases will be searched from inception to June 2021, three clinical trial registration platforms will be searched for relevant trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture therapy for insulin resistance and lipid metabolic of PCOS will be included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study screening, data collection, and analysis will be performed by two or more reviewers independently. We will calculate mean difference (MD), standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data synthesis will be performed with RevMan V.5.3 software and with Stata V.15.0 software when necessary. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177846