Effectiveness of wax therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review based on GRADE system

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of wax therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, in order to provide suggestions for treatment and prevention. Methods Cochrane Library, JBI, PubMed, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, VIP were searched by computer from inception to October, 2016 for randomized control trails in wax therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Two researchers searched and selected articles independently and the quality was assessed in accordance with Cochrane Manual. The articles were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3, and the evidence quality was assessed with GRADE profiler 3.6.1 software. Results A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included. The number of literature quality grade A of original research is 3, while the number of literature quality grade B of original research is 4, and the number of literature quality grade C of original research is 1. Meta-analysis showed that the sensory nervus peronaeus conduction velocities improved by wax therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients, [MD=2.51, 95%CI (1.35, 3.66) , P<0.01]. By the GRADE system grading, the evidence quality is moderate. Conclusions The effect of wax therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy can improve the sensory nurve conduction velocities and speed of blood circle, so as to prevent ulcer of diabetic feet. Therefore, the clinical curative effects of the therapy require large-sample and high quality studies to confirm. Key words: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy; Wax therapy; Systematic review; GRADE system