论文部分内容阅读
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rhubarb-based Chinese herbal formulae (RCHF),which are widely used to treat hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in China.METHODS:Nine online databases were searched from inception to November 22,2016.Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with HE.Outcomes such as mortality rate,clinical response rate,blood ammonia level,and alanine aminotransferase were evaluated between TCM group and control group.RESULTS:Thirty studies involving 2661 HE patients were analyzed.Most studies used RCHF treatment.Compared with conventional treatment as usual,lactulose,and vinegar,RCHF were associated with significant improvement in clinical response rate [risk ratio (RR) =1.33,95% confidence interval (CN =1.25,1.43,I2=0%;RR=1.26,95% CI=1.14,1.38,I2 =22%;and RR =1.1 9,95% CI=1.06,1.33,I2 =0%,respectively] and significant reductions in levels of blood ammonia and alanine aminotransferase.Only minor RCHF-associated adverse events,such as abdominal pain (0.3%),anal tenesmus (0.3%),and diarrhea (2.3%),were reported,and there were no significant differences in these events between the treatment group and the three types of control group.CONCLUSION:The findings suggest that RCHF may be an altative treatment option for HE patients.More rigorous multicenter studies with larger samples and longer observational periods are needed to confirm these findings.