Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different injected Traditional Chinese Medicines in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to provide a reference for the selection of adjuvant therapy for DR. CONTENT: Related literature in multiple biological databases and websites was searched up to April 15, 2022, without language and publication time restrictions. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to analyze the included studies. SUMMARY: Compared with conventional treatment, the combined use of injected Traditional Chinese Medicines, including astragalus, danhong, Ginkgo biloba extract powder, ginkgo leaf extract and dipyridamole (GLED), ligustrazine (LIG), mailuoning, puerarin, safflower, shuxuetong, safflower yellow sodium chloride, and xueshuantong (XST), can significantly improve the clinical effectiveness in patients with DR, while LIG, XST, and GLED can improve vision. The strength of the evidence ranged from high to very low. OUTLOOK: In patients with DR, the combination of multiple injected Traditional Chinese Medicines is more effective than conventional treatment; some of these medicines may also improve visual acuity. This study may provide a good resource and reference for the selection of adjuvant therapy for DR.