Methodological and reporting quality evaluation of systematic reviews on acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews (SRs) on acupuncture treatment for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: A comprehensive search on multiple databases was performed. Methodological and reporting quality of reviews were assessed by revised assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR 2) and preferred reporting items for SRs and meta-analyses (PRISMA), respectively.

Results: Ten SRs were included. Among the SRs using AMSTAR 2, two achieved a good overall rating (percentage of items with "yes" > 50%) and severe limitation existed in eleven items (percentage of items with "yes" < 50%). Among the SRs using PRISMA, six reviews achieved a good overall rating (percentage of items with "yes" > 50%), while twelve items were poorly reported (percentage of items with "yes" < 50%).

Conclusion: There were many deficiencies in the methodological and reporting quality of SRs assessing acupuncture in women with PCOS.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Methodological and reporting quality; Polycystic ovarian syndrome.