Use of the hCONSORT Criteria as a Reporting Standard for Herbal Interventions for Common Dermatoses - A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing in western countries, including in the area of dermatology. However, western healthcare providers have not integrated CAM into regular practice due to a lack of reliable data supporting its use. In order to encourage high quality research related to the use of CAM and specifically herbal interventions, the CONSORT extension criteria on reporting herbal interventions (hCONSORT) were published in 2006.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the adherence of randomized controlled trials investigating herbal interventions for 3 common dermatoses (acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis) to the hCONSORT criteria.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases was conducted. Randomized control trials published between 2009 and 2014 assessing therapeutic outcomes of plant-based interventions for acne, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis were included. Investigators determined the number of unique hCONSORT criteria satisfied per report. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in scores by disease entity.

Results

The vast majority of reviewed studies reported less than 50% of information recommended in the hCONSORT criteria.

Limitations

Limitations include small number of dermatologic conditions examined, exclusion of reports based on language, and lack of assessment of overall adherence to CONSORT criteria

Conclusions

Our data indicates lack of adherence to hCONSORT extension criteria. Adherence to hCONSORT guidelines should be encouraged in order to provide high quality reporting of research on herbal interventions in dermatology. Doing so may ease the integration of CAM into conventional medical practice and provide actionable data to providers.

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