Hirudo (Leech) for proliferative vitreous retinopathy: A protocol for systemic review and meta-analysis
Meta-analysis published in Medicine (2021)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Proliferative vitreous retinopathy (PVR) is characterized by proliferation of cells and contraction of membranes on either the retinal surface or in the vitreous cavity, which leads to retinal detachment and visual impairment. PVR is commonly seen in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy, which seriously affects the patient's work and life. Previous studies indicated that Hirudo (Leech) or compound prescription containing Hirudo (Leech) for treatment of PVR would be effective. However, due to the lack of evidence, there are no specific methods or suggestions, so it is necessary to carry out systematic evaluations on Hirudo (Leech) for PVR and provide effective evidence for further research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following 8 databases will be searched: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database. All randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese related to Hirudo (Leech) for PVR will be included. Outcomes will include change in Vitreous opacity, Vision changes, production of the anterior macular membrane, and retinal detachment again. The incidence of adverse events will be assessed for safety evaluation. Study inclusion, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. Assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be performed using Review Manager V.5.3. RESULTS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we will synthesize the studies to assess the safety and efficacy of Hirudo (Leech) for PVR. CONCLUSION: The summary of our study will clarify whether Hirudo (Leech) therapy could be an efficient and safe method for PVR, which can further guide the promotion and application of it. OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/FP7VG (https://osf.io/fp7vg).
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Proliferative vitreous retinopathy (PVR) is characterized by proliferation of cells and contraction of membranes on either the retinal surface or in the vitreous cavity, which leads to retinal detachment and visual impairment.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This article presents a registered protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the safety and efficacy of Hirudo (Leech) or compound prescriptions containing Hirudo for proliferative vitreous retinopathy (PVR), a condition marked by cellular proliferation and membrane contraction that can cause retinal detachment. The authors outline plans to search eight databases for randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese, assessing outcomes such as vitreous opacity, vision changes, retinal re-detachment, and adverse events. This work is directly relevant to hirudotherapy, as it aims to critically appraise and synthesize clinical trial evidence for leech-based interventions in an ophthalmological disorder where prior studies have suggested therapeutic benefit. However, this is a protocol only—no searches have been conducted, no data extracted, and no results synthesized—so no evidence, effect estimates, or safety conclusions can yet be drawn; the ultimate value depends on completion of the planned review and the quality and quantity of trials identified.
Citation
Hirudo (Leech) for proliferative vitreous retinopathy: A protocol for systemic review and meta-analysis.
Huang H et al. · Medicine, 2021
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