Objective To make an individualized treatment plan for a newly diagnosed Barrett esophagus patient by means of evidence-based medicine. Methods After the clinical problems were put forward, both the systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected from The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009) and PubMed (1995 to 2010) and SCIE (1995 to 2010). The treatment protocol was made by combining the evidence and the preference of patient. Results A total of 21 RCTs and 6 systematic reviews (meta-analyses) were identified. A rational treatment plan was made upon a serious evaluation and patient’s preferences: improving the lifestyle and adopting the APC therapy combined with acid-suppressive drugs (Omeprazole, 40 mg, bid) for six weeks. Three months later, the endoscope reexamination showed the patient was much better. After another twelve-month follow-up, the plan proved to be optimal. Conclusion In accordance with the evidence-based methods, the rational treatment plan made for a diagnosed Barrett esophagus male can effectively relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of Chinese medicine injection (CMI) for treating heart failure (HF).MethodsCNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMbase databases were electronically searched from inception to January 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CMI for treating HF. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Network meta-analysis was then performed by RevMan 5.2 software and Stata 16.0 software.ResultsA total of 47 studies were included involving 4 902 patients and 5 types of CMIs, including Shenmai, Shenfu, Yiqi Fumai (lyophilized), Shengmai, and Danhong injections. The results of network meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of combined CMIs was superior to conventional Western medicine alone. For the main efficacy, Shenmai, Shengmai, and Shenfu injections had significant advantages in improving the total clinical effectiveness. Shengmai, Shenmai, and Yiqi Fumai (lyophilized) injections were significantly more effective for reducing NT pro-BNP levels than other injections. Shenfu and Shengmai injections were significantly more effective for reducing BNP levels than other injections. Shenmai, Danhong and Shengmai injections were significantly more effective for improving the left ventricular ejection fraction than the other injections. These CMIs showed similar advantages for secondary efficacy indicators as for main efficacy indicators.ConclusionsThe combined 5 types of CMIs for treating HF can improve the clinical efficacy when compared with conventional Western medicine treatment. Shenmai injection, Yiqi Fumai injection (lyophilized), and Shengmai injection, which is part of Sheng Mai San, have clear advantages in terms of the overall curative effect or on individual indices.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of prophylactic antimicrobial use on preventing infections after arthroscopy.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched to collect clinical studies on the efficacy of prophylactic antimicrobial use on preventing infections after arthroscopy from January 1990 to September 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 15.0 software.ResultsA total of 8 retrospective cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial involving 60 136 subjects were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that: there was no difference in the post-operational infection rate among patients with and without antimicrobial prophylaxis for arthroscopies (OR=0.51, 95%CI 0.25 to 1.04, P=0.06). For knee arthroscopies, the post-operational infection rate had no difference between patients with and without antimicrobial prophylaxis (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.23, P=0.48). However, for shoulder arthroscopies, the post-operational infection rate in the antimicrobial prophylaxis group was significantly lower than that in the group without the antimicrobial prophylaxis(OR=0.18, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.37, P<0.000 01).ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that there is no association between preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis and a decreased infection rate for knee arthroscopies. Antimicrobial prophylaxis appears to lead to fewer infections after shoulder arthroscopies. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the clinical efficacy and effects on pregnancy outcomes of S-adenosy-L-methionine combined with ursodesoxycholic acid in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. MethodsDatabases such as PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data were searched for the studies about the clinical efficacy and effects on pregnancy outcomes of S-adenosy-L-methionine combined with ursodesoxycholic acid in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy up to December 31st, 2013. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and evaluated methodological quality. Then meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.0.24 software. ResultsA total of 11 RCTs involving 776 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, combined medication reduced blood biochemical indexes inlcuding ALT (MD=3.63, 95%CI 0.63 to 6.64, P=0.02), TB (MD=3.70, 95%CI 1.45 to 5.96, P=0.001), and AST (MD=7.61, 95%CI 2.47 to 12.75, P=0.004). Combined therapy significantly decreased the rates of amniotic fluid contamination (OR=0.29, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.45, P=0.000 01), cesarean section (OR=0.53, 95%CI 0.36 to 0.79, P=0.002), postpartum hemorrhage (OR=0.32, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.90, P=0.03), preterm birth (OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.24 to 0.55, P < 0.000 01), fetal distress (OR=0.33, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.58, P=0.000 1) and neonates asphyxia (OR=0.30, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.47, P < 0.000 01). Combined therapy was also beneficial to improving pruritus symptoms (MD=0.20, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.31, P=0.000 08) and benefiting fetus growth (MD=0.45, 95%CI 0.23 to 0.66, P < 0.000 1). ConclusionThe combination of S-adenosy-L-methionine and ursodesoxycholic acid is superior to ursodesoxycholic acid alone in improving clinical symptoms and pregnant outcomes of patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
Objective To determine the efficacy and complication rate of intramedullary nailing versus compression plate in the treatment of adult humeral shaft fracture. Methods We searched the specialized trials register of The Cochrane Collaboration’s Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group, The Cochrane Library (including CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1966 to 2006), EMbase (1980 to 2006), PubMed (1966 to 2006), NRR , CCT and CBMdisc (1979 to July 2006). We also handsearched some Chinese orthopedic journals. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently. Randomize controlled trials comparing intramedullary nailing versus compression plate for humeral shaft fracture in adults were included and the quality of these trials was critically assessed. Data analyses were done using The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.8. Results Three randomize controlled trials involving 215 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that intramedullary nailing may increase the re-operation rate (OR=2.68, 95%CI 1.19 to 6.04, P=0.02), pain in the shoulder (OR=13.02, 95%CI 2.23 to 75.95, P=0.004), and the rate of decreased range of motion of the shoulder (OR=18.60, 95%CI 1.01 to 341.83, P=0.05). The rates of no union, infection and iatrogenic radial nerve injury were comparable between intramedullary nailing and compression plate. Meta-analysis was not conducted for the time of union, because the relevant data were not available for the included trials. Conclusions Further well-designed and large-scale randomize controlled trials are required to determine the effects of intramedullary nailing and compression plate on these outcomes, because the trials available for this systematic review are too few and too small.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of reduced glutathione in the treatment of acute renal failure. Methods Twenty-three patients with acute renal failure were divided into the treatment group (n=10) and the control group (n=13) by simple randomisation. Patients in the treatment group received intravenous reduced glutathione 1200 mg daily. Patients in the control group were not treated with reduced glutathione. The therapeutic course for both groups was 4 weeks. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were determined before treatment as well as at the end of each of the 4 weeks. Proximal and distal renal tubular functions were evaluated at the end of the treatment. The time when clinical symptoms were improved was recorded and adverse drug reactions were monitored. Results The durations of nausea and vomiting as well as the oliguria stage were shorter in the treatment group than in the control group. The serum creatinine level in the treatment group decreased more markedly than that in the control group. At the end of the treatment, the renal tubular function was better in the treatment group than in the control group. Conclusion Reduced glutathione contributes to the early recovery of renal function in patients with acute renal failure. However, more high-quality and large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of yoga treatment for low back pain.MethodsWeb of Science, BBSCO Academic Source Complete, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of yoga intervention for low back pain from inception to November 4th, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 14 RCTs involving 1 684 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: compared with conventional treatment, the RMDQ scores of yoga treatment for low back pain was statistically significant lower (MD=–1.86, 95%CI –2.39 to –1.33, P<0.000 01). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the exercise frequency, low back pain degree, low back pain cause, intervention period and sample size had not altered efficacy of yoga.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that yoga can achieve superior results in low back pain. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of antibiotic treatment in sepsis patients under the guidance of procalcitonin. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 9, 2016), EMbase, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, VIP and CNKI were electronically searched from inception to September 2016 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about antibiotic treatment in sepsis under the guidance of procalcitonin. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk bias of included studies, and then meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 15 RCTs involving 3 328 sepsis patients were included. Among them, 1 649 were in the procalcitionin group and 1 679 patients in the control group. The results of meta-analysis showed that:the PCT group could significantly reduce the using time of antibiotics (MD=-2.37, 95%CI -2.96 to -1.78, P<0.000 01), the ICU length of stay (MD=-0.26, 95%CI -0.46 to -0.07, P=0.007), the hospital length of stay (MD=-2.78, 95%CI -4.53 to -1.04, P=0.002), as well as the 28-day mortality (MD=0.78, 95%CI 0.66 to 0.93, P=0.005). There were no significant differences between the two groups in ICU mortality, in-hospital mortality and clinical cure rate. ConclusionUsing the procalcitontin to guide the antibiotic treatment in sepsis can reduce the patients' use of antibiotics, ICU length of stay, in-hospital length of stay and 28-day mortality, but can not reduce the patients' ICU mortality, in-hospital mortality and clinical cure rate. Due to the limited quality and quantity of included studies, the current conclusions are needed more studies to validate.
Objective To assess the response rate, improvement in neurological function and safety of cinepazide maleate injection for patients with cerebral infarction. Methods Based on the principles and methods of Cochrane systematic reviews, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 1, 2010), PubMed (1948 to March 2010), EMbase (1966 to March 2010) and Chinese Bio-Medicine Database (1978 to March 2010). We also hand searched relevant literatures and obtained unpublished trials from pharmaceutical companies. The Cochrane Collaboration’s software RevMan5.0 was used for meta-analysis. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials involving 1 456 patients were included. The results of meta-analyses indicated that: 1) Neurological deficits: We identified 11 trials involved 978 patients. Cinepazide maleate injection group compared with the control groups (placebo, Xuesaitong, Dansen and Nimodipine) could significantly improve the neurological deficits. The difference was statistically significant with WMD= – 4.64, 95%CI – 6.43 to – 2.85, WMD= – 2.39, 95%CI – 4.37 to – 0.42, WMD= – 3.67, 95%CI – 5.26 to – 2.07 and WMD= – 6.14, 95%CI – 8.39 to – 3.89, respectively. 2) Response rate: A total of 14 trials involved 1 349 patients were identified. Compared with control groups (placebo, Xuesaitong, Dansen and Nimodipine), cinepazide maleate injection group were more efficient, the difference was statistically significant with RR=1.33, 95%CI 1.16 to 1.54; RR=1.24, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.50; RR=1.33, 95%CI 1.23 to 1.43 and RR=1.29, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.49, respectively. 3) Adverse events: No serious adverse events were observed. But the difference of adverse events reports of headache and skin itching in cinepazide maleate injection group was statistically significant compared with the control groups. Conclusion Current evidence shows that cinepazide maleate injection can reduce neurological deficits in patients with acute cerebral infarction, improve the clinical treatment efficacy without serious adverse events. Due to limited quality of included studies, high-quality, large sample randomized controlled trials are required.
Objective To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for tension-type headache. Methods A systematic review of the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for tension-type headache was performed using the methods of The Cochrane Collaboration. Trials were collected from The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2003, MEDLINE (1966 to March 2004), CBM (1978 to August 2003), VIP (1989 to April 2003) and handsearched all related articles published in Chinese in 2003. The quality of literature was reviewed, and data were extracted by two reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 4.2 software. Results Thirteen RCTs involving 571 patients were included, of the thirteen RCTs, six were of high methodological quality according to Jadad scale (the Jadad score≥3), and “sham acupuncture” was used as controlled intervention in eight trials. Meta-analysis indicated that no statistical difference was detected between acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups on effectiveness with RR 1.55, 95%CI 0.97 to 2.47 and P=0.07 at the end of treatment. No statistical difference was detected between acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups on visual analogue scale at the end of treatment with WMD －0.55, 95%CI －1.20 to 0.09 and P=0.09; at the end of follow-up of less than 2 months with WMD －0.22, 95%CI －0.87 to 0.42 and P= 0.50 and at the end of follow-up of more than 2 months with WMD －0.65, 95% CI －1.41 to 0.11 and P=0.09. Conclusions Comparing acupuncture with sham acupuncture and other treatments, current evidence can not evaluate whether acupuncture is significantly effective for tension-type headache, more RCTs of high methodological quality are required.