Objective To systematically review the occurrence of adverse events/adverse reactions(AEs/ARs) induced by acupoint catgut embedding therapy for psoriasis vulgaris(PV) and its safety. Methods Randomized controlled trials

controlled clinical trials

cohort studies

case-control studies

case-series

and case reports concerning the treatment of PV with acupoint catgut embedding therapy were searched from Chinese and English databases from their inception to January 7

(th)

2021. The AEs/ARs related to acupoint catgut embedding therapy for PV were subjected to descriptive statistics

followed by the analysis of possible reasons. Results Finally

16 studies were included

involving 1 158 patients. A total of 79 cases were reported to present with mild to moderate AEs/ARs related to acupoint catgut embedding therapy for PV

and there were no serious AEs/ARs or death cases. The most common AEs/ARs were local redness

swelling

heat

and pain(31.65%

25/79)

followed by low-grade fever and fatigue(29.11%

23/79)

isomorphic reaction(16.46%

13/79)

local induration(13.92%

11/79)

and fainting(8.86%

7/79). In terms of embedding materials

catgut(93.67%

74/79) and lumbar puncture needles or other puncture needles(49.37%

39/79) were proved the most common AEs/ARs-inducing factors. The proportion of AEs/ARs resulting from treatment interval≤two weeks(67.09%

53/79) and treatment course≤eight weeks(55.70%

44/79) was relatively high. Because the incidence of AEs/ARs fails to be calcula-ted

it is not yet possible to accurately assess the risk and safety of acupoint catgut embedding therapy for PV. Conclusion Available evidence suggests that in the treatment of PV

acupoint catgut embedding therapy may induce a series of mild to moderate AEs/ARs

so its clinical practice deserves attention. We should strictly grasp its indications and contraindications

and prevent the occurrence of related AEs/ARs by standardizing the operation and improving the embedding materials.