Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Meridian-Sinew Release Therapy (MSRT) combined with conventional Western medicine (MSRTW) in the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA) and to provide scientific evidence for clinical practice. METHODS: A comprehensive search of both Chinese and English literature databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. The study compared MSRTW to Western medicine treatment (WM) alone. The primary outcome was changes in serum uric acid levels (SUA), and secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, the safety and incidence of adverse events were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 6 RCTs involving 376 participants were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the MSRTW group was significantly more effective than the WM group in reducing SUA levels (MD = -99.94, P < 0.001), relieving pain (VAS score: MD = -1.50, P < 0.001), and improving ESR and CRP levels. Additionally, fewer adverse events were reported in the MSRTW group, indicating good safety. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. Subgroup analyses suggested that treatment duration, gender, and the use of urate-lowering therapy or colchicine may be potential sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: MSRT, as an adjunct therapy, may offer clinical benefits in managing gouty arthritis by reducing urate deposition, relieving inflammation, and improving joint function with good safety. However, due to the limited sample size and variability among studies, further high-quality, multi-center trials are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms.