1.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
2.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
3.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
4.Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing Serum on CircRNA_0001543/NF-κB Expression in Co-cultured PBMCs and Human FLSs from Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Yajun QI ; Jian LIU ; Qiao ZHOU ; Yuedi HU ; Xiang DING ; Chengzhi CONG ; Xu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):87-95
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum on the expression of CircRNA_0001543/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in co-cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsVenous blood was collected from patients with AS to isolate PBMCs. FLSs were co-cultured with AS patients' PBMCs, and FLSs were harvested after co-culture for subsequent experiments. The normal control group consisted of normal FLSs, while the model group comprised co-cultured AS PBMCs and FLSs to simulate AS pathology. The Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules group involved adding Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum to the co-cultured cells(6.48 g·kg-1). To investigate the effect of HQC-containing serum on the viability of co-cultured cells, and the experiment was divided into the following groups based on the dilution concentration: blank group, 10% HQC group, 20% HQC group, and 30% HQC group.To study the influence of the optimal concentration of HQC-containing serum on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into three groups: normal group, model group, and optimal concentration HQC-containing serum group.For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 interference plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, si-NC group (with transfection reagent), si-circ_0001543-1 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 1 targeting circ_0001543), si-circ_0001543-2 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 2 targeting circ_0001543), and si-circ_0001543-3 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 3 targeting circ_0001543).For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 overexpression plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, OE-NC group (with transfection reagent), and OE-circ_0001543 group (with transfection reagent and overexpression plasmid targeting circ_0001543).To study the effects of CircRNA_0001543 interference/overexpression on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into the following groups: si-NC group, si-CircRNA_0001543 group, OE-NC group, and OE-CircRNA_0001543 group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-37, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of CircRNA_0001543, IκBα, and NF-κB p65. ResultsAfter 48 hours, 30% Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of co-cultured PBMCs and FLSs, which was determined to be the optimal experimental drug-containing serum concentration. Compared with those in the normal group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly increased (P<0.05), with the most prominent changes in the 30% drug-containing serum group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the si-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly reduced in the si-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the OE-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly increased in the OE-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01), indicating that the si-CircRNA_0001543 and OE-CircRNA_0001543 plasmids were successfully transfected. Based on the optimal drug-containing serum of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules, si-CircRNA_0001543 transfection led to significantly increased expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α and decreased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). In contrast, OE-CircRNA_0001543 transfection significantly decreased the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01) and increased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum can improve immune inflammation in AS by increasing the expression of CircRNA_0001543, regulating the NF-κB pathway, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
5.Dynamic Monitoring and Analysis of Ammonia Concentration in Laboratory Animal Facilities Under Suspension of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System
Qingzhen JIAO ; Guihua WU ; Wen TANG ; Fan FAN ; Kai FENG ; Chunxiang YANG ; Jian QIAO ; Sufang DENG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):490-495
ObjectiveTo monitor the real-time changes in ammonia concentration in the laboratory animal facility environment before, during, and after the air conditioning system stops supplying air, so as to provide a basis and reference for developing emergency plans for the shutdown of the air conditioning system. MethodsThe laboratory animal facilities of the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products were used as the research object. Ammonia concentration detectors were used to monitor ammonia concentration continuously in the environment of conventional rabbit production facility, SPF hamster production facility, and SPF guinea pig experimental facility before and after the passive shutdown due to repairs and active maintenance shutdown of the air conditioning system, as well as the time for the ammonia concentration to return to daily levels after resuming air supply. ResultsUnder both shutdown modes of the air conditioning system, the trend of ammonia concentration changes in different laboratory animal facilities was consistent, showing a rapid increase after shutdown and a rapid decrease after resuming air supply. Under active maintenance shutdown, the maximum ammonia concentrations in the conventional rabbit production facilities, SPF hamster production facilities, and SPF guinea pig experimental facilities were 9.81 mg/m³, 14.27 mg/m³, and 6.98 mg/m³, respectively. Within 12 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. Under passive long-term shutdown, ammonia concentration value was positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. As the shutdown duration increased, ammonia concentration continued to increase. The maximum ammonia concentration values in the three facilities occurred at 88 minutes (38.06 mg/m³), 40 minutes (18.43 mg/m³), and 34 minutes (15.61 mg/m³) after air supply suspension, respectively.Within 11 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. ConclusionShutdown of the air conditioning system causes a rapid increase in ammonia concentration in laboratory animal facilities, and the rise in ammonia concentration is positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. Therefore, when an emergency shutdown of the air-conditioning system is required due to maintenance or other reasons, backup fans should be provided in accordance with the requirements of GB 50447-2008 "Architectural and Technical Code for Laboratory Animal Facilities". Older facilities should make adequate preparations and develop a scientifically sound emergency plan.
6.Protective effect of secreted secretomes derived from three-dimensional cultured mesenchymal stem cells on mouse hippocampal neurons with seawater immersion and trauma
Xiao-Juan LAN ; Sheng-Qiang XIE ; Bing-Xian WANG ; Wen-Jing MA ; Qiao-Mi CHEN ; Gang CHENG ; Wen-Ying LYU ; Jian-Ning ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):324-331
Objective To investigate the protective effects of secretomes released by three-dimensional cultured mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)on neurons subjected to seawater immersion(SW)and stretch injury(SI),and to provide new insights into neuronal repair following SW combined with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Methods MSCs were cultured using the hanging drop method,and the conditioned medium(CM)containing MSCs secretomes was collected.A cellular model combining SW with SI was established using mouse hippocampal neuronal cells(HT22 cells).HT22 cells were randomly assigned to five groups:control,SI,SI+SW,SI+CM,and SI+SW+CM groups.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay,apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry,cell migration ability was evaluated by scratch assay,and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-2-associated protein(Bax),and ferroptosis-related proteins long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4(ACSL4)and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)were detected by Western blotting.Results Immersion in 15%seawater for 12 h significantly decreased HT22 cell viability(P<0.05).The CCK-8 assay indicated that cell viability in both the SI and SI+SW groups was significantly lower than that in control group after 12 h of treatment(P<0.05).Treatment with CM containing MSCs secretomes significantly increased cell viability in SI+CM group compared to SI group(P<0.0001),and in SI+SW+CM group compared to SI+SW group(P<0.001).Flow cytometry results revealed that the apoptosis rate in SI and SI+SW groups was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05 or P<0.001),while in SI+CM group was lower than that in SI group(P<0.05),and in SI+SW+CM group was lower than that in SI+SW group(P<0.05).Western blotting showed that compared to control group,SI and SI+SW groups exhibited reduced Bcl-2 expression level(P<0.01 or P<0.0001)and increased expression levels of Bax,ACSL4,and COX-2(P<0.01 or P<0.0001).Compared to SI group,the SI+CM group displayed increased Bcl-2 expression level(P<0.05)and decreased expression levels of Bax,ACSL4,and COX-2(P<0.05).Compared to SI+SW group,SI+SW+CM group exhibited increased Bcl-2 expression level(P<0.01)and decreased expression levels of Bax,ACSL4,and COX-2(P<0.01 or P<0.001).Scratch assay results demonstrated that at both 12 h and 24 h,the cell migration rate in SI and SI+SW groups was significantly lower than that in control group(P<0.01 or P<0.0001),while the migration rate in SI+CM group was significantly higher than that in SI group(P<0.0001 or P<0.01),and the migration rate in SI+SW+CM group was significantly higher than that in SI+SW group(P<0.0001).Conclusion Secretomes derived from MSCs cultured using the hanging drop method can alleviate neuronal damage caused by SW and TBI,potentially offering a therapeutic approach for SW combined with TBI.
7.Epidemiological survey of knee osteoarthritis and analysis of related risk factors among military personnel in plateau regions
Pei-Jie LI ; Yong-Jie QIAO ; Ya-Fei CAO ; Jian-Kang ZENG ; Fei TAN ; Jia-Huan LI ; Rui-Ling XU ; Shuo YE ; Sheng-Hu ZHOU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1374-1381
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)among military personnel in plateau regions and to explore its risk factors.Methods From July 2023 to July 2024,a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey the prevalence of KOA and related risk factors among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China,covering different altitudes(1500-4500 m)and geographical areas(Gansu,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang).All study subjects were divided into KOA and non-KOA groups based on the presence or absence of KOA.Variables including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),education level,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury were selected for univariate analyses between groups.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analyses were included in the binary multifactor logistic regression to identify risk factors for KOA.Results A total of 3000 questionnaires were distributed,and 2854 valid questionnaires were collected,with a response rate of 95.13%.The sample included 2584 males and 270 females,with 510 cases of KOA,resulting in a prevalence rate of 17.9%.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between KOA and non-KOA groups in terms of age,BMI,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were found in gender and education level(P>0.05).Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age(OR=1.382,P=0.017),higher BMI(P<0.01),smoking(OR=1.929,P<0.01),higher military rank(OR=1.485,P=0.007),being a member of the Armed Police(P<0.01),longer service duration(P<0.01),higher regional altitude(OR=1.459,P<0.01),lower annual average temperature(OR=1.188,P=0.001),longer training duration(P<0.01),higher perceived training intensity(OR=2.450,P<0.01),and history of knee injury(OR=2.768,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for KOA.Conclusions Older age,overweight/obesity,smoking,higher military rank,being a member of the Armed Police,longer service duration,higher altitude,cold climate,longer training duration,higher training intensity,and history of knee injury are independent risk factors for KOA among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China.
8.Investigation on the current status of information systems in CSSD of hospitals in China
Ying ZHANG ; Yuhua GAO ; Sainan QIAO ; Jian SHEN ; Baohua LI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(5):142-146
Objective:To investigate the status of development and application of information system of central sterile supply department(CSSD)in hospitals of China,so as to provide references for the promotion of CSSD information system in hospital.Methods:Hierarchical sampling method was adopted to combine with CSSD Professional Committee of Chinese Nursing Association to design questionnaire for Questionnaire Star Network Survey about basic information,CSSD information system,whether the CSSD information system connected with equipment,tracing links and tracing levels,identification method of apparatuses,automation of equipment in 3,074 hospitals of 22 provinces,4 municipalities directly under the central government,and 5 autonomous regions.Results:In 3,074 hospitals,1,811 hospitals(accounting for 58.91%)adopted the CSSD information system.The utilization rate of tertiary hospitals was 81.90%for the information system,which was higher than that(34.51%)in secondary hospitals,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=636.65,P<0.05).The proportion of hospitals that included the recycling,cleaning,disinfection,inspection and packaging,sterilization,storage,and distribution links of CSSD internal management into information management was all>88%,while the utilization link only accounted for 15.18%.The proportion that surgical apparatuses and the apparatuses of clinical diagnosis and treatment were included in management was higher in 1811 hospitals that used CSSD information system,which were respectively 88.02%and 84.70%,while the proportion of surgical soft endoscope was lower,which only was 49.20%.A total of 84.37%of hospitals conducted informatization management for using extracorporeal apparatuses and implants.The connection rates of the main CSSD equipment,which included the washing and disinfection machine,the pressure steam sterilizer and the low-temperature sterilizer,were connected with information system were respectively 56.60%,63.06%and 43.95%.The full compatibility between the information system and all monitoring methods did not be realized in these hospitals.Barcode was the main identification form(69.91%)of the CSSD information system,and personnel management was the most common management module(53.62%)of the information system.The utilization rate(2.93%-5.14%)of automated equipment was low,and 35.45%of the CSSD information systems had the function of automatic emergency handling.Conclusion:The CSSD informatization management of China has achieved remarkable results,but there are still problems such as insufficient connection of equipment,inclusion of monitoring data,and insufficient automation and intelligence.It is necessary to increase the promotion efforts to promote the high-quality development of hospitals.
9.Constructing core outcome set for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment of post-stroke aphasia.
Ya-Nan MA ; Min-Jie XU ; Yu-Ai YANG ; Jian CHEN ; Qiao-Sheng REN ; Ying LI ; Jing-Ling CHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):238-253
According to the principle and current domestic and international construction processes of core outcome set(COS) and the characteristics of post-stroke aphasia, this study built COS with evidence-based support for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Firstly, a comprehensive review was conducted on the articles about the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia that were published in the four major Chinese databases, three major English databases, and three clinical registration centers over the past five years. The articles were analyzed and summarized, on the basis of which the main part of the COS for clinical research on the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia was formed. Secondly, clinical doctors and related nursing personnel were interviewed, and important outcome indicators in the clinical diagnosis and treatment process were supplemented to form a pool of core outcome indicators. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were carried out to score the importance of the core outcome indicators in the pool. Finally, a consensus meeting of experts was held to establish the COS for clinical research on the TCM treatment of post-stroke aphasia. The final COS included a total of 268 studies [236 randomized controlled trials(RCTs), 21 Meta-analysis, and 11 clinical registration protocols] and 20 open questionnaire survey results. After two rounds of Delphi surveys, a total of 14 outcome indicators and their corresponding measurement tools were included in the expert consensus meeting. The final expert consensus meeting determined the COS for post-stroke aphasia, which included 9 indicator domains and 12 outcome indicators.
Humans
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Aphasia/therapy*
;
Stroke/complications*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Treatment Outcome
10.Different Acupuncture Therapies for Postherpetic Neuralgia: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis.
Yun-Fan XIA ; Ruo-Han SUN ; Shi-Min LI ; Yi-Yi WANG ; Rong-Rong LI ; Jian-Qiao FANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(1):55-67
BACKGROUND:
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster infection and affects patients' quality of life. Acupuncture therapy is regarded as a competitive method of treatment for analgesia.
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different acupuncture therapies for treating PHN.
METHODS:
Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception to August 5, 2022, including 4 international electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and 4 Chinese databases (Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database and Wanfang Database). Methodological quality was assessed by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2). The Risk of Bias in Systematic Review (ROBIS) tool was used to assess the risk of bias in SRs. Evidence level was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS:
Totally, 7 SRs were included, including 128 studies and 9,792 patients. In AMSTAR 2, most of the SRs were of low or critically low levels since they had more than 1 critical deficiency. In ROBIS, 1 SR (14.29%) was rated as high risk, and the other 6 (85.71%) were rated as low risk. In the GRADE system, 9 outcomes (28.13%) were valued as high level, 5 (15.63%) as moderate level, 1 (3.13%) as low, and 17 (53.13%) as very low. In the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy, the group "moxibustion vs. original medical treatment" [mean difference (MD)=-1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.80 to -1.08, I2=99%, P<0.00001] was of the highest heterogeneity and the group "bloodletting vs. original medical treatment" (MD=-2.80, 95% CI: -3.14 to -2.46, I2=0, P<0.00001) was of the lowest heterogeneity. Six SRs have reported the safety of their studies and no serious events were shown in the treatment and control groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture therapy seems to be effective in treating PHN. Despite the evidence that suggested the advantages of acupuncture therapy in relieving pain and promoting efficacy and safety, the methodological quality was quite low. Further studies should pay more attention to the quality of original studies and evidence for SRs to confirm these findings. (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42022344790).
Humans
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Neuralgia, Postherpetic/therapy*
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Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
;
Systematic Reviews as Topic

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