The efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for peripheral facial paralysis

Abstract Background: Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) is a consequence of the peripheral neuronal lesion of the facial nerve. It can be either primary (Bell palsy) or secondary. The incidence of PFP is 11.5 to 40.2 per 100,000 people a year. Nearly 70% of patients with PFP recover completely, but almost 30% of patients leave multiple sequelae which caused impacts on the patient's quality of life, both physically and psychologically. The conventional treatments of PFP are limited for some person because of side-effects. Previous studies have suggested that using acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) alone or combined with other therapeutic methods is effective for PFP. However, whether ACE is effective for PFP is still unknown. The purpose of this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis will summarize the present evidence of ACE used as an intervention for PFP. Method/Design: Randomized controlled clinical trials that use ACE for PFP will be searched from four international electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) and 4 Chinese electronic databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, and China Biology Medicine) to search for relevant literature. We only include studies that were published from the initiation to May 2021. The primary outcomes include effectiveness rate based on House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System. Secondary outcomes will include Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system, Portmann score, facial nerve conduction velocity, Facial Disability Index Scale, adverse events. Two reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction, data synthesis, and quality assessment independently. Assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be conducted by using Review Manager 5.3 software. Grade system will be used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Discussion: This systematic review will help establish clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for peripheral facial paralysis. Trial registration number: CRD42021243212 (PROSPERO)