Comparison of the effect and safety of Kuntai capsule and hormone replacement therapy in patients with perimenopausal syndrome: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Kuntai capsule and hormone replacement therapy in treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. METHODS: Articles were retrieved from the databases Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database. Only randomized controlled trials were included; 15 trials involving 1243 patients were identified from January 2005 to April 2015. A systemic review and Meta-analysis of publications was performed. The review was limited to randomized controlled trials that compared Kuntai capsule and hormone replacement therapy to treat perimenopausal syndrome for at least 3 months. The primary outcome assessed was the treatment efficacy at 3 months, including effective rate of Kupperman menopausal scores, Kupperman menopausal scores, and blood estradiol (E2) or blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Other outcomes assessed were safety or adverse events, such as gastrointestinal complaints, breast distending pain, or vaginal bleeding. RESULTS: Kupperman menopausal scores showed no significant difference in effective rate [odds ratio (OR): 1.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.71 to 1.55] and changes in FSH level [mean difference (MD): 2.14, 95% CI: -2.36 to 6.65]. There was a significant statistical difference in Kupperman menopausal scores (MD: -1.14, 95% CI: -2.03 to -0.25) and changes in E2 level (MD: -16.41, 95% CI: -18.83 to -13.69). There were fewer adverse events in the Kuntai capsule group than in the hormone replacement therapy group (OR: = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.48, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Compared with hormone replacement therapy, Kuntai capsule can improve perimenopausal symptoms and blood E2 levels, and reduce the incidence of adverse events.