Acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis: A protocol of systematic review.

Background: Diabetic gastroparesis (DG) is a common complication to diabetes mellitus (DM). A lot of clinical researches have focused on acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted. We aim to systematically review the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on diabetic gastroparesis.

Methods: The databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Ovid LWW, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang Database will be searched. Studies published from the time when the database establishment to July 2019 will be retrieved. Randomized controlled clinical trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials on acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis will be included. The primary outcomes are gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) or a similar scale to score dyspeptic symptoms. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used to perform the analyses.

Results: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of the effectiveness and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis.

Conclusion: This systematic review will provide a high-quality evidence to judge whether the acupoint catgut embedding is beneficial to treat diabetic gastroparesis.

Prospero Registration Number: CRD42019140951.