Effectiveness and safety of Maxing Shigan Decoction for community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background and Objective Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an acute lung infection disease with high morbidity and mortality. The treatment of CAP has become more and more challenging due to the gradual increase of antibiotic resistance and adverse events. Relevant evidence indicates that Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSG) may play a unique therapeutic advantage. Our aim is to evaluate the overall effectiveness and safety of MXSG for CAP. Methods Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Yiigle, and Sinomed) were searched from their inception to January 20, 2025. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of MXSG alone or in combination with conventional western medicine (WM) for CAP were included. We conducted meta-analysis by RevMan 5.4 software or just performed qualitative analysis. Results We included 81 RCTs with 6682 participants in total. Compared with western medicine (WM) alone, MXSG plus WM showed a more beneficial effect on reducing the duration of fever (MD = −1.58 days, 95% CI: −1.88 to −1.29, p < 0.00001), cough (MD = −2.30 days, 95% CI: −2.61 to −1.99, p < 0.00001), phlegm (MD = −2.40 days, 95% CI: −2.56 to −2.23, p < 0.00001), dyspnea (MD = −2.11 days, 95% CI: −2.73 to −1.49, p < 0.00001), pulmonary crepitation (MD = −2.13 days, 95% CI: −2.47 to −1.79, p < 0.00001) and length of hospitalization (MD = −1.38 days, 95% CI: −2.54 to −0.23, p = 0.02). Furthermore, MXSG plus WM was significantly superior…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 6,682 participants or records.
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