External application of Ruyi Jinhuang powder for phlebitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: To systematically review the effectiveness of the external application, Ruyi Jinhuang powder, on phlebitis Methods: Relevant literature was retrieved from Medline, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), Cochrane Central Register, Chongqing Vip, Wanfang Data and SinoMed using the search terms “Ruyi Jinhuang San”, “Ruyi Jinhuang powder”, “Ruyi Jinhuang cream”, “Agreeable golden powder”, “satisfactory golden powder”, “Jinhuang cream”, “phlebitis”, “prevention and (or) treatment”, “randomized controlled trials” and “RCRs”. Two researchers independently arranged and analyzed the data. Results: Significant differences were observed in the total effectiveness rate of Ruyi Jinhuang powder [relative risk (RR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19 to 1.36, and p < 0.0001). Ruyi Jinhuang powder can reduce the incidence of phlebitis versus conventional therapy in preventing phlebitis (RR = 0.32, 95 % CI 0.24 to 0.42, and p < 0.0001). Shorten the average healing time [mean difference (MD) =- 32.17, 95 % CI= -48.39 to -15.94, and p = 0.0001). Reduced pain relief time for phlebitis (MD = -3.29, 95% CI -5.42 to -1.16, and p = 0.002). However, no statistical difference was observed with regard to the onset time of phlebitis (MD = -0.62, 95 % CI -1.76 to 0.52, and p = 0.29). Conclusion: Clinicians consider Ruyi Jinhuang powder a viable complementary and alternative medicine for phlebitis following the stronger evidence being offered.