Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autohemotherapy (AHT) combined with various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external treatments for chronic urticaria (CU).

Approach:

Key Findings:

• 20 studies involving 1,461 participants were included.
• The intervention group showed a significantly better overall response rate (RR: 1.17; p < 0.001).
• Significant improvements in recurrence rate (RR: 0.31; p < 0.001), serum IgE level (SMD: −1.33; p < 0.001), pruritus severity (SMD: −1.36; p < 0.001), and wheal duration (SMD: −3.05; p < 0.005) were observed.
• Results for pruritus severity and wheal duration showed significant publication bias, questioning their reliability.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• Concerns regarding unclear randomization and blinding.
• Diverse outcome measures across studies.
• Methodological limitations and high clinical heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

More rigorous prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AHT combined with TCM external treatments for CU.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration
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