ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Radix Astragali(Huang Qi)for newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE). Methods We searched the Cochrane library,PubMed,Cochrane,EMBASE,CBM,CNKI,VIP and Wan?fang database,randomized controlled trial(RCT)evaluating the efficacy and safety of Huang Qi for newborns with HIE would be in?cluded and the methodological quality of RCT was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interven?tions version 5.1.0. Results Thirteen studies were included(1031 patients),11 RCT used open control as control,2 RCT used posi? tive control. There was no trial reported the death or disability at the end of 12 months follow-up period. Meta-analysis of one study showed Huang Qi group could not significantly reduced mortality rate of HIE compared with open control group〔RR=0.33,95%CI (0.04,3.07)〕. Meta analysis of 7 studies(n=597)showed that the efficacy rate of huang Qi group was significantly higher than that of open control group in treatment of HIE〔RR=1.22,95%CI(1.07,1.39),I2=48%〕. Meta-analysis of 3 trials(n=163)showed that there was significant difference in the improvement of NANA scale on the seventh day〔MD=5.37,95%CI(1.46,9.27),I2=89%〕be?tween Huang Qi group and open control group. Meta-analysis of 2 trials(n=111)showed that there was significant difference in the im?provement of NANA scale on the tenth day〔MD=2.03,95%CI(1.37,2.69),I2=0〕between Huang Qi group and open control group. No fatal side effects were reported. Conclusion Based on the current evidence,due to the limitation of quality of included studies and sample size,the routine use of Huang Qi for treatment of HIE in newborns is not recommended. The long-term efficacy and safety studies are required to confirm it.