Effect of Yiqi Yangyin prescription in treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Yangyin prescription for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for relevant clinical randomized controlled trials of DCM treatment using Yiqi Yangyin prescription (Shengmai and Zhigancao decoction). Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Chinese Biological Medicine from January 1, 1985, to October 31, 2015. After literature screening and data extraction according to previously determined exclusion criteria, data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0. Study heterogeneity was evaluated using the I 2 test and Cochran's Q test. Egger's test was used to detect publication bias. RESULTS: Nineteen trials involving 1024 participants were included in the Meta-analysis. Of these, 15 used Shengmai (treatment group: 421 cases; control group: 344 cases) and 4 used Zhigancao decoction (treatment group: 133 cases; control group: 126 cases). A Meta-analysis demonstrated that the total curative effect was significantly improved by combining Shengmai with conventional treatment [relative risk (RR) = 1.32, 95% confidence intervals (CI) (1.22, 1.43), P < 0.01]. Left ventricular ejection fraction [standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.13, 95% CI (0.55, 1.70), P < 0.01] and left ventricular end diastolic [SMD = -0.46, 95% CI (-0.70, -0.23), P < 0.01] were also improved. Adding Zhigancao decoction achieved the same effect [total efficiency of RR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.16, 1.54), P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional therapy, Yiqi Yangyin prescription can significantly improve the curative effect, increase left ventricular ejection fraction, and reduce left ventricular end diastolic. Thus, it can effectively improve heart function in patients with DCM.