A systemaic review and meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic cough

ZHANG Heng-heng, SUN Hui-zhuo, HE Wen-feng, SUN Qian-hui, LI You-lin

1.Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China

2.The 2nd Department of Pulmonary Disease in TCM, the Key Unit of SATCM Pneumonopathy Chronic Cough and Dyspnea, Beijing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Allergic Diseases with TCM (No.BZ0321), Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital;National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases.Beijing 100029, China

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ABSTRACT

Objective: To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the treatment of chronic cough.Methods: Databases CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP,CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library from inception to February 2021 were electronically searched by two researchers, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs)of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic cough, UACS/PNDS, CVA, EB,AC,GERD and other types of cough.Revman 5.3 software was used to analyze and summarize the collected literature, and the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated by the bias risk assessment scale of Cochrance Collaboration Network.Results: A total of 26 articles involving 2 820 patients, with 1 420 in the experimental group and 1 400 in the control group were included.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared to the control group which was treated with western medicine alone, TCM significantly improved the clinical effective rate [RR=1.20, 95% CI(1.16,1.25), P＜0.000 01], alleviated cough syndrome score [SMD=-0.83, 95% CI(-1.21,-0.44)], and enhenced the score of quality of life [MD=-2.18, 95%CI(1.63,2.74), P＜0.000 01]; at the same time, the experimental group was better than the control group in improving lung function and reducing the time of cough relief.In terms of safety, a total of 24 patients in 5 literatures had adverse reactions, but the symptoms were mild and could be relieved quickly.In addition, there was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the control group and the experimental group, showing good safety.Conclusion: TCM treatment can significantly improve the cure rate of cough, reduce cough score, improve systemic symptoms, relieve psychological anxiety, improve lung function, and improve cough symptoms rapidly, with good safety.