Compound Danshen Dripping Pill for Treating Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Meta-Analysis of 13 Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE We assess the clinical effect of compound Danshen dripping pill (CDDP) for treating diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS Electronic databases were searched from January 2001 to October 2016 to locate randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Efficacy was measured as main outcome and microaneurysms, hemorrhage, exudate, vision, and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) were measured as second outcomes. Methodological quality for each study was evaluated, RevMan 5 software was used to assess treatment effects, and GRADE was used to rate quality of evidence. RESULTS We located 13 RCTs and methodological quality was evaluated as high risk. Statistics indicated CDDP for treating DR was better than controls and DR risk was reduced 64% with CDDP (RR: 0.36, P = 0.68); retinal microaneurysms (MD = -4.32NO, P < 0.00001); retinal hemorrhages (MD = -0.70PD, P = 0.03); exudate improvements (MD = -0.09PD, P = 0.79); visual changes (MD = -0.12 letter, P = 0.006); FFA (RR: 0.40, P = 0.003). About GRADE, quality of evidence was "low." Conclusion. CDDP may be safe and efficacious for treating or delaying DR and may improve vision or delay vision loss.