1.Chinese herbal medicine for incomplete immune reconstruction in patients with AIDS undergoing antiretroviral treatment:A systematic review of randomized trials
Shen CHEN ; Li JING ; Lian YAJUN ; Lan HUIDI ; Pu FENGLAN ; Zhang WENJING ; Kong LINGYAO ; Liu JIANPING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2021;8(4):291-301
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) for incomplete immune reconstruction in patients with HIV/AIDS.Methods:Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of CHM for patients with HIV/AIDS with incomplete immune reconstruction.Outcomes included CD4+ cell count,quality of life,and adverse events/effects.The Cochrane Risk of Bias was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the included RCTs.Results:We identified 13 eligible RCTs,with an overall high risk of bias,on 10 different CHMs.There was a significant increase in CD4+ cell count after the use of Jianpi Yiqi medicinal paste for 3 months;tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGTs) for 3 months (mean difference[MD]52.63 cells/μL,95% confidence interval[CI,46.98,58.28]),6,9,and 12 months;Wenshen Jianpi granules for 6 months;Shenling Fuzheng capsules for 6 months (MD 49.53 cells/μL,95% CI[8.45,90.61]) and 12 months;Aikeqing granules for 9 months (MD 61.51 cells/μL,95% Cl[16.25,106.77]) and 12 months;Guipi decoction for 12 months;Mianyi No.2 granules (JT) for 12 and 18 months;and Chinese medicine granules for 18 months.The increase in the mean difference ofCD4+ cell count from 6 to 18 months was larger in Chinese medicine granules and Mianyi No.2 granules (JT).Guipi decoction and Jianpi Qushi decoction improved the Karnofsky score.Four RCTs reported the outcome of adverse events/effects,while four cases of minor adverse effects were reported in the TGTs group.Conclusion:Jianpi Yiqi medicinal paste,Wenshen Jianpi granules,Shenling Fuzheng capsules,Aikeqing granules,Guipi decoction,and TGTs may be effective in increasing CD4+ within 12 months,and Mianyi No.2 granules (JT) and Chinese medicine granules may show long-term effects.High-quality large RCTs on the effectiveness and safety of CHMs are still warranted.