The Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Protocol of an Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is a common chronic disease with an annual incidence of 25 per 10000 of the population, which will result in severe joint damage,disability and death. It is strongly supported by systematic reviews (SRs) as part of the treatment of these patients. However, the evidence has not been methodically integrated. This overview aims to describe,synthesize,evaluate the reliability of evidence come from current systematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for RA.Methods: We will search for SRs and meta-analyses from Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, Wan-Fang Databases,China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Citation Information by National Institute of Informatics, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM),Chinese Scientific Journal Database(VIP Database). Additionally, we will search for the ongoing, unpublished, or recently completed SRs on the PROSPERO database. Two reviewers will assess those SRs, select data independently. Any disagreement will be resolved through discussion or arbitrated by the third author if necessary. The overview of SRs and meta-analysis will be reportedaccording to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)statement.Results: The results in this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Conclusion: The conclusion of our study expects to provide extensive evidence from multiple meta-analysis and systematic reviews for patients with RA.INPLASY registration number:INPLASY202080031.