Oral administration of East Asian herbal medicine for peripheral neuropathy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis with using association rule analysis to identify core herb pattern

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common medical problems encountered. Since the pathophysiology and symptom manifestation characteristics of PN are very diverse, it is difficult to provide an appropriate treatment. East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) has long contributed to the treatment of neurological and pain disorders. The goal of this systematic review is to measure the efficacy and safety of EAHM for PN and to identify core herb patterns. In order to derive a more conservative result, a random effect model will be applied regardless of the significance of heterogeneity. METHODS: We will search 10 databases to identify suitable studies. There will be no restrictions regarding language or publication date. Primary outcomes will be nerve conduction velocity and response rate. Secondary outcomes will be any objective tool that can measure the efficacy of EAHM, and adverse events will be included. We will perform a meta-analysis of trials with the same intervention and outcome with comparator in a similar population. Meanwhile, in order to explore significant potential correlation in herb preparation, association rule analysis based on the Apriori algorithm will be performed on the collected composition data of herbal medicines. RESULTS: This study will provide scientific evidence for the treatment of EAHM for PN. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this review, it is expected that the efficacy and safety of EAHM for PN can be confirmed. In addition, through additional analysis using data mining techniques, it will be possible to present a core herb pattern related to this research topic.