Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Nutritional Status Among Chinese Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Meta-Analysis of

Malnutrition is a common and severe complication in maintenance hemodialysis patients, which significantly increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Traditional Chinese medicine has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy for nutritional improvement, yet its efficacy and underlying mechanisms require systematic clarification. This study synthesized the evidence to explore the role of traditional Chinese medicine in managing malnutrition in hemodialysis populations. These findings aim to inform evidence-based decisions regarding its clinical applicability.

A systematic literature search was conducted across four international biomedical databases and three Chinese scholarly platforms, with the search period spanning from March 2016 to March 2026. The review focused on randomized controlled trials evaluating traditional Chinese medicine interventions on nutritional status improvement in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

The analysis revealed a moderate but significant positive effect of traditional Chinese medicine on nutritional status improvement in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The results indicate that traditional Chinese medicine may be a useful adjunctive therapy for managing malnutrition in this population.

However, the review also highlights the need for further research to clarify the underlying mechanisms and optimal dosing regimens for traditional Chinese medicine in this context. Additionally, the review notes that the current evidence base is limited by the heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence for the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients, highlighting its potential as a valuable adjunctive therapy for managing malnutrition in this population.