Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial of TCM external treatment on patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of TCM external treatment on the patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands by meta-analysis. Methods Literatures about TCM external treatment on the patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands that were published on domestic or international magazines were extensively solicited and assessed with uniform effect criteria. The total number and valid number of patients in these literatures were counted, and the literatures were also assessed and chosen by meta-analysis with Review Manager 5.3. OR values and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and consolidated. Results Finally, totally 11 literatures and 945 patients were included in our study, of which 464 received TCM external treatment, an effective rate of 89.22%, while the control group included a total of 481 patients, an effective rate of 82.33%. TCM external treatment showed the same effect on hyperplasia of mammary glands as the oral liquid of Chinese medicines, massage and acupuncture did [OR=1.91, 95%CI (0.74-4.97) ]. When comparing the effect of TCM external treatment and Rupixiao oral liquid on hyperplasia of mammary glands, totally 6 literatures and 509 patients were included in the study, of which 258 received TCM external treatment, an effective rate of 97.29%, while 251 patients took Rupixiao oral liquid, an effective rate of 88.45%. TCM external treatment had a significantly better effect than Rupixiao oral liquid [OR=4.52, 95%CI (1.98-10.33) ]. Conclusions TCM external treatment has the same effect with oral liquid of Chinese medicines, massage and acupuncture, while TCM external treatment on hyperplasia of mammary glands which promotes the circulation of qi and blood and eliminates phlegm and frees channels has a significantly better effect than Rupixiao oral liquid. It suggests that in our clinical work we should treat patients based on whatever methods they can withstand so as to improve their satisfaction. Key words: Randomized controlled trial; Hyperplasia of mammary glands; TCM external treatment; Meta-analysis