Chinese Patent Medicine As An Adjuvant Treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients: A Protocol for A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, chronic, irreversible, and lethal interstitial lung disease (ILD) with unknown etiology occurring mainly in elderly. In recent years, the morbidity and mortality of IPF steady increase. However, there are currently no therapies that reverse fibrosis, the median survival time reported ranging from 2 to 5 years from diagnosis. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese patent medicines as an adjuvant treatment in combination with Western medicines in the treatment of patients with IPF. Methods We will search electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Database (SinoMed), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP information (CQVIP), and Wanfang database using keywords related to IPF and Chinese patent medicine. Search was also carried out on ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and the Chinese Clinical Trials Register (ChiCTR). Reference lists of literature included and relevant systematic reviews will be checked. Two independent reviewers will involved in screening studies, extracting data, and evaluating works. Any disagreements will be resolved by discussion or in consultation with a third reviewer. Data analysis will be conducted using the Review Manager software (version 5.4.1). The risk of bias of each study and the quality of evidence will be respectively assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tools and GRADE system. Discussion This review will integrate the current evidence and provide evidence regarding use of Chinese patent medicine as an adjuvant treatment in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to provide clarity regarding the potential benefits and best practice. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42021252806