Objective To explore the methods of evidence-based individualized treatment for a patient with oral pemphigus. Methods According to chnical problems, we searched The Coehrane Library （Issue 1,2005 ） , MEDLINE （1966 -Jan. 2005 ）, SUMSEAR.CH （Jan. 2005 ）, TRIPDATABASE （1997 - 2005 ）, CMCC （1994 - 2004 ）and handsearched four Chinease journals （starting pubhcation -2004）. Results No Systematic review was found. Six randomised controlled trials, two reviews of high quality and one guidehne were identified. We found that corticosteroid was the firsthne medicine in the treatment of pemphigus. However, corticosteroid at higher dose did not work more effectively than that at lower dose. Corticosteroid at middle-dose was preferred in treating oral pemphigus. Additionally, corticosteroid combined with immunosuppressants led to lower mortality. Among them, cyclophosphamide and azathioprine were recommended, and methopterin should be avoided. Plasma exchange in combination with corticosteroid at lowor middle-dose should not be recommended in conventional therapy. Chinese traditional treatment combined with Western medicine might work. A treatment with prednisone at the dose of 60 mg/d and in combination with azathioprine 100mg/d was made based on the evaluation of the data available and was proved optimal by 6 months following-up. Conclusions The therapeutic effect of pemphigus has been improved by evidence-based treatment.
Objective Evidence-based medicine was used to make an individualized treatment plan for newly diagnosed prostatic hyperplasia in an elderly patient. Methods After clinical problems were discovered, evidence was collected from CBM, CNKI, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Springer, and ProQuest databases according to our predefined search strategy. The search was done through 2008. The internal and external validity of the evidence was assessed. The evidence, combined with the patient value, was applied to the patient. Results A total of 39 systematic reviews involving 137 randomized controlled trials were identified. A rational treatment plan was made upon a critical evaluation of the data. After one year follow-up, the treatment protocol was proven correct. Conclusion The treatment efficacy in newly diagnosed prostatic hyperplasia in the elderly has been improved by determining an individualized treatment protocol according to evidence-based methods.
Objective To make an individualized treatment plan for a premature menopause female who was diagnosed as stable coronary heart disease with the symptom of frequent palpitation after physical activity for over 1 month.. Methods Seven clinical problems were put forward after assessing the patient＇s health state. We searched The Cochrane Library （Issue 2, 2005 ） , evidence-based medicine reviews （EMBtk） （1991 - 2005 ） , and MEDLINE （1991 - 2005 ） databases. Systematic review, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials about the treatment of coronary heart disease were included. The treatment plan was developed accordingly. Results After evaluating, thirty-four studies were ehglble. The evidence indicated that three kind of drugs （aspirin, h-blockers and statins）, exercise and dietary therapy, and 75mg/d aspirin for secondary prevention, could improve the therapy effect and the prognosis by controlling LDL below 2.6 mmol/L; ACEIs should be used depending on the patient＇s condition; coronary arteriography and interventional strategy helped little for patients without coronary artery events in recent 3 months, and their cost-effectiveness was lower; hormone replacement therapy even increased the risk of thrombosis. The individualized treatment plan was developed based on the available evidence. After 2 months, the patient＇s weight declined, the symptom of angina disappeared and the lipidemia reduced to aimed level. Conclusions The individualized treatment plan based on the high quality evidence and patient＇s condition is optimal for the short-term treatment of stable coronary heart disease. However, the long-term prognostic benefits need to be confirmed by continuing follow-up.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based treatment for a patient newly diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. Methods Based on the clinical questions we raised, evidence including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials was collected from ACP Journal Club (1991 to November 2007), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2007) and PubMed. The retrieved studies were further critically appraised. Results The addition of rituximab to chemotherapy (R-chemo) was superior to chemotherapy alone in patients with follicular lymphoma. The regimen of CVP chemotherapy plus rituximab (R-CVP) was administered to the patient. After 4 courses of R-CVP, the patient had a complete response (CR). Conclusion In newly diagnosed patients with follicular lymphoma, R-chemo is an effective treatment regimen.
Objective We searched and reviewed medical evidence to find the guide of treatment for local advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods Firstly, we put forward clinical questions. Secondly, we searched medical evidence from Medline (1985-2002), Embase (1984-2000), Cochrane library (2002.1) and ACP. And then we reviewed the results. The key words we used were "nasopharyngeal carcinoma, chemotherapy and radiotherapy randomized" and "meta analysis or randomized control trial". Results Through searching, we got 17 papers including 1 systematic review and 16 randomized control trials, in which there were 8 prospective randomized phase Ⅲ trials. Most of these trials concluded that combination chemo-radiotherapy were better than radiotherapy alone. We think these results were suitable for our patient’treatment decision. Conclusion To treat our patients,we choosed the method of the mutimodality of squeitial neoadjuvant chemotherapy, concurrent chemo-radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with the drug doses down-adjusted.
Objective To give an individualized treatment to a young woman with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods According to the basic principle and methods of evidence-base medicine, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009), MEDLINE (PubMed, January 1950 to May 2009), ACP Journal Club (OVID, January 1991 to May 2007) for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to acquire the best clinical evidence on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Results A total of 11 systematic reviews and 1 RCT were identified. A reasonable treatment plan was made through combining the patient’s will with her family members’. Conclusion The treatment effect on primary dysmenorrhea of the young woman is improved by an individualized treatment plan based on an evidence-based method.
Objective To summarize the available clinical evidence on the treatment of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Methods Based on the basic methods and principles of evidence-based medicine, we searched and evaluated the NPDR-related evidence from the Cochrane Library(Issue 3,2007), PubMed (1966 to June 2007) and CBM(1979 to June 2007) Results We finally identified 1 systematic review and 20 randomized controlled trials. Clinical evidence showed that critical glycemic control and blood pressure control were essential in the treatment of NPDR, which might delay the progression of retinopathy. The effectiveness of other therapeutic measures needed to be further investigated. Conclusion NPDR is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Relevant systematic reviews and high-quality randomized controlled trials have confirmed the effectiveness of critical control of blood glucose and blood pressure for NPDR. The effectiveness of other therapeutic measures needs to be confirmed by systematic reviews of high quality and rigorously designed randomized, multi-center and large-scale trials.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based nursing scheme of eye care for an unconscious patient undergoing mechanical ventilation with eye complication. Methods Under the principle of PICO, the issue was put forward aiming directly at patient’s clinical manifestations, and the following databases as The Cochrane Library (Issue 12, 2011), PubMed (January 1980 to November 2011), EMbase (1974 to 2011) and CBM (1978 to 2011) were searched. Results A total of 3 guidelines, 2 systematic reviews and 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The evidence showed that eye cleaning was the very important part of eye care, and the commonly-used cleaning or rinsing solutions were saline and sterile water. Both moist cover and lubricating eye drops / ointment were used to prevent dryness in the eyes. For instance, polyethylene moisture covers could effectively prevent corneal abrasion, and lubricating eye drops / ointment were beneficial to eye observation, so these two methods needed to be properly selected in combination with patient’s conditions. Nurses had to assess the ability of the patient to close eyelids daily and helped the patient to close eyes, but the passive eyelids closure was inferior to the artificial tear ointment in the effect on preventing corneal abrasions; the integrated intervention of maintaining eyelids closure and forming eyeballs moisture chamber was more effective to prevent eye complications. According to the available evidence mentioned herein and the patient’s conditions, the following nursing scheme of eye care was formulated: cleaning the eyelids and peripheral skin using 0.9% saline gauze, covering the eyes with sterile polyethylene films which were fixed by anti-allergic adhesive tapes, changing the dressing every 12 hours, and observing closure of the eyelids every day. Seven days later, eye symptoms got obviously improved, with decreasing secretion, without congestion and chemosis, and negative results of fluorescein staining test. Conclusion Eye cleaning removes secretion and bacteria from the eyes. Polyethylene film prevents tear from evaporation and fully promotes the immune function of tears which can reduce the risk of infection. Eyelids closure and local moisture environment benefit the corneal epithelial repair.
Objective To explore the methods of evidence-based individualized treatment for a patient with Graves’ disease. Method We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2006), SUMSEARCH (Jan.1980 to Mar. 2006), PubMed (1980 to Mar.2006), CNKI (Jan.1980 to Mar. 2006) and VIP (Jan.1980 to Mar.2006) to identify the best evidence for antithyroid drugs, iodine radioisotopes and thyroidectomy for patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism and evaluate the quality of available evidence. Results We identified 1 clinical guideline, 1 Cochrane systematic review, 1 meta-analysis and 15 randomized controlled trials. There was no significant difference between the titration regimen and the block-replace regimen in the relapse of hyperthyroidism, while the block-replace regimen was associated with more adverse effects. Prescribing replacement thyroxine, either with or after the anti-thyroid drug treatment, had no significant effect on relapse. Methimazole was more effective than propylthiouracil in the induction of euthyroidism. There was no significant difference in the quality of life between the drugs, 131I and the thyroidectomy therapy, and the relapse was lower with thyroidectomy therapy but the cost was higher. Given the current evidence together with our clinical experience and considering the patient and her family’s values and preferences, methimazole (10 mg tid) was administered to her and then gradually reduced. No obvious adverse effects occurred within 4 months’ follow-up. Conclusion Drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy are all effective in the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Methimazole is an effective and well tolerated drug for the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism and further research into side effect are needed. Prescribing replacement thyroxine has no significant effect on relapse.
Objective To identify the best therapy regime for dyspnea in an end-stage cancer patient.Method We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2006), SUMsearch (1978 to 2006) and MEDLINE (1978 to 2006), and identified 4 systematic reviews and 28 randomised controlled trials. We critically assessed the quality of these studies. Result Evidence supported the use of breathing exercise, desensitisation, oral or parenteral opioids and antianxiety drugs to pall iate breathlessness. Patients with hypoxemia were found to benefit from oxygen therapy. Conclusions Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, oxygen therapy, opioids and antianxiety drugs can be considered in treating cancer patients with dyspnea.