[Evidence mapping analysis of clinical studies in treatment of chronic kidney disease with traditional Chinese medicine in recent ten years]

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has significant advantages in treatment of chronic kidney disease, but its clinical research evidence needs to be further summarized and improved. By means of evidence mapping, this paper systematically categorized the clinical research on TCM in treating chronic kidney disease in recent ten years, so as to understand the existing evidence level in this field and offer a reference for addressing current issues. The relevant literature published between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2023 was systematically searched in both Chinese and English databases. Literature screening and information sorting were carried out by two researchers, respectively, and data were presented by combining text descriptions with graphs to clearly reveal the distribution of evidence. A total of 1 414 relevant literature were included, including 1 301 intervention studies, 77 observational studies, 30 systematic reviews/Meta-analysis, and 6 guidelines/consensus. The overall number of literature remained stable, but the trend decreased slightly in recent two years. The intervention methods were mainly oral administration of TCM, and the intervention course was mainly 1-3 months. The literature involved a total of 55 kinds of TCM formula and 29 kinds of Chinese patent medicine, with Shenqi Dihuang Decoction, Jiawei Liuwei Dihuang Decoction, Zhenwu Decoction, Hei Dihuang Pills, and Niaoduqing Granules accounting for the highest proportion. The types of syndrome included in relevant literature were mainly spleen and kidney deficiency. Outcome indicators paid more attention to renal function and safety and less attention to clinical symptoms/signs and ultrasound results. Most randomized controlled trials had an "unknown risk of bias", and the quality scores of systematic review/Meta-analysis were mostly 4-7 points. The result shows that in the field of chronic kidney disease treatment, TCM has carried out many small-scale and short-term studies and has made a lot of progress. In clinical application, a cautious and scientific attitude should be held to verify and explore more effective treatment schemes.