Objectives To assess the effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, LILACS, databases of ongoing trials, reference lists of reviews on the topic of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and we contacted experts and manufacturers for additional trials. Date of most recent search: December 2003 (Current Contents) and April 2003 (other databases). Randomised controlled trials of at least 12 weeks duration comparing alpha-glucosidase inhibitor monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes with any other intervention and that included at least one of the following outcomes: mortality, morbidity, quality of life, glycemic control, lipids, insulin levels, body weight, adverse events. Two reviewers read all abstracts, assessed quality and extracted data independently. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or by the judgement of a third reviewer. A statistician checked all extracted data entrance in the database. We attempted to contact all authors for data clarification. Results We included 41 trials (8130 participants), 30 investigated acarbose, seven miglitol, one trial voglibose and three trials compared different alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Study duration was 24 weeks in most cases and only two studies lasted amply longer than one year. We found only few data on mortality, morbidity and quality of life. Acarbose had a clear effect on glycemic control compared to placebo: glycated haemoglobin –0.77% (95% confidence interval –0.90 to –0.64), fasting blood glucose –1.1 mmol/L (95% confidence interval –1.4 to –0.9), post-load blood glucose –2.32 mmol/L (95% confidence interval –2.73 to –1.92). The effect on glycated haemoglobin by acarbose was not dose-dependent. We found a decreasing effect on post-load insulin and no clinically relevant effects on lipids or body weight. Adverse effects were mostly of gastro-intestinal origin and dose dependent. Compared to sulphonylurea, acarbose decreased fasting and post-load insulin levels by –24.8 pmol/L (95% confidence interval –43.3 to –6.3) and –133.2 pmol/L (95% confidence interval –184.5 to –81.8) respectively and acarbose caused more adverse effects. Conclusions It remains unclear whether alpha-glucosidase inhibitors influence mortality or morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conversely, they have a significant effect on glycemic control and insulin levels, but no statistically significant effect on lipids and body weight. These effects are less sure when alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are used for a longer duration. Acarbose dosages higher than 50 mg TID offer no additional effect on glycated haemoglobin but more adverse effects instead. Compared to sulphonylurea, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors lower fasting and post-load insulin levels and have an inferior profile regarding glycemic control and adverse effects.
Objective To assess effectiveness of chemotherapy versus non-chemotherapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to Dec. 2008), EMBASE (1984 to Dec. 2008), OVID (1980 to Dec. 2008), CBMdisc (1980 to Dec. 2008), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We also handsearched Journal of Chinese Oncology, Journal of Chinese Clinical Oncology, and Tumor (from inception to Dec. 2008). The quality of the included studies was evaluated by two reviewers independently and meta-analysis was performed for results of the homogenous studies. Results Six studies involving 836 participants related to primary, high grade, nonmetastatic soft tissue sarcoma were included. All included studies were unclear in reporting randomization and blinding; all studies reported the number and the reason of withdraw; and baseline conditions of all studies were compared. The results of meta-analyses showed that there were no significant differences in 5-year overal survival (RR=0.90, 95%CI0.76 to 1.06), local recurrence (OR=0.69, 95%CI 0.36 to 1.32), distant recurrence (OR=0.83, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.11), and overall recurrence (RR=0.91, 95%CI 0.78 to 1.06) between the chemotherapy group and the control group. But as to 5-year disease-free survival, the chemotherapy group was better than the control group (RR=0.73, 95%CI 0.63 to 0.86). Conclusion There is no advantage for the chemotherapy group over the control group in 5-year overal survival, local recurrence, distant recurrence and overall recurrence. Due to the risk of selection bias, performance bias and published bias, the evidence is not b enough to judge whether chemotherapy is better than control in treating soft tissue sarcoma. Our conclusion suggests that larger-scale randomized trials should be performed in future.
Objectives The aim of the review was to assess the effectiveness of anti-reflux therapy for patients with hoarseness, in the absence of other identifiable causes, whether or not a definitive diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal and gastro-oesophageal reflux has been made. This was assessed by evaluation of prospective randomised controlled studies that were identified by a systematic review of the literature. Both medical and surgical treatments were evaluated. Method The Cochrane ENT Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to 2005), EMBASE (1974 to 2005) and conference proceedings were searched with prespecified terms. The date of the last search was September 2005.Randomised controlled trials recruiting patients with hoarseness in the absence of other identifiable causes, such as malignancy, cord palsy or nodules, whether or not a definitive diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal and gastro-oesophageal reflux has been made. Data collection and analysis Three reviewers examined the search results and identified studies before deciding which would be included in the review. Results 302 potential studies were identified by the search strategy. No trials were identified which met our inclusion criteria. Six randomised controlled trials were identified in which some, but not all patients presented with hoarseness, and were treated with proton pump inhibition. As we could not determine with certainty whether all these patients had hoarseness among the other laryngeal symptoms, these were excluded. However, these studies suggest a significant placebo response, which is comparable to the benefit derived from anti-reflux therapy in some studies. As no trials met our criteria, we are unable to reach any firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness of anti-reflux treatment for hoarseness. Conclusions There is a need for high quality randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-reflux therapy for patients with hoarseness which may be due to laryngopharyngeal and gastro-oesophageal reflux.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the prognosis of fetal isolated hyper echogenic kidneys (IHEK) on prenatal ultrasound examination. MethodsPubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect cross-sectional studies on the prognosis of fetal IHEK on prenatal ultrasound examination from January 1990 to January 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed by using R 3.5.2 software. ResultsA total of 9 cross-sectional studies involving 348 fetuses were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence rate of live births was 79% (95%CI 69% to 88%), termination of pregnancy/neonatal mortality (TOP/NND) was 30% (95%CI 15% to 45%), normal kidneys was 34% (95%CI 15% to 53%), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) was 21% (95%CI 12% to 30%), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was 13% (95%CI 5% to 21%), and multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) was 4% (95%CI 2% to 7%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prognosis of normal amniotic fluid subgroup was significantly superior to that of reduced amniotic fluid subgroup. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with IHEK on prenatal ultrasound examination is high, the prognosis is superior when IHEK with normal amniotic fluid volume, and is worse when with small amniotic fluid volume. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of Shenfutuodu capsule in the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library （Issue 1 , 2005 ） , MEDLINE （1966 -2005） , EMBASE （1974-2005） , and some Chinese databases for additional articles （CBMdisc, CMCC, VIP, CNKI ） （1980-2005 ）. The quality of included randomized controlled trials was evaluated and meta-analysis was performed.Results Our initial search identified just three studies involving 293 patients met the inclusion criteria and were of higher quality. There was a statistical difference between Shenfutuodu capsule and clonidine groups on the fifth day in withdrawl symptom score with weight mean difference （WMD） -3.14 and 95% confidence interval （CI） -6.28 to -0.01. And no statistical difference was detected between the two groups in withdrawal symptom score on the 0th-4th day and the 6th-10th daywith WMD 58.45（95% CI 53.88 to 63.02）, -1. 15 （95% CI -5.69 to 3.40） , -0.42（95% CI -4.55 to 3.70）, -0.77（95%CI -4.37 to 2. 84）, -1.54（95%CI -4.78 to 1.69）, -1.76（95%CI -4.25 to0.74） , -1.74（95%CI -3.89 to0.41）, -1.24（95%CI -3.28 to0.80）, -0.52（95%CI -1.96 to0.92 ） and -0.27（95% CI -1.64 to 1.11 ） respectively. There was no statistical difference on effectiveness between the two groups on the third day with WMD 1.52, （95% CI 0.79 to 2.95）. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in HAMA score on the first , fifth and tenth day with WMD -0.55（95% CI -3.74 to 2.64） , 0.34 （95% CI -2.02 to 2.70） , 0. 63 （95% CI -0.21 to 1.47 ） respectively. There was a statistical difference between the two groups in dizziness rate with RR 0.73 （95% CI 0.62 to 0.87 ） . No statistical difference was detected between the two groups in dry mouth with RR 1.11（95% CI 0.95 to 1.29） , somnolence with RR 0.99（95% CI 0.82 to 1.21） , and blurred vision with RR 0.92（95% CI 0.70 to 1.19）. Statistical difference was detected between the two groups in side effect score on the second day with WMD -1.26 （95% CI -2.40 to -0. 12 ）. No statistical difference was detected between the two groups in side effect score on the first day, the third to tenth day with WMD -0.55 （ 95% CI -1.48 to0.38）, -0.63 （95%CI -1.67 to0.42）, -0.84 （95%CI -1.77 to0.09）, -0.29 （95%CI -1.09 to 0.51）, 0.15 （95% CI -0.52 to 0.81）, 0. 22 （95% CI -0.22 to 0.67）, 0.09（95% CI -0.25 to 0.44）, 0.03 （95% CI -0.21 to 0.27） , -0.03 （95% CI -0.33 to 0.26） respectively. Conclusions Based on the current evidence, Shenfutuodu capsule may be an effective and safe drug or abstinence of drug addiction. More well designed randomized controlled trials are required .
Objective To conduct bibliometric analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Chinese Journal of Evidence-based Medicine. Methods Based on the Chinese academic periodical network as a data pool, literature on systematic reviews (involving meta-analysis) and clinical decision-making researches were retrieved in the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Magazine from 2001 to 2010, screened and categorized by the medical and hygienic standards of Chinese Library Classification (fourth edition), and then were counted and sorted. Results There were 425 articles about systematic reviews (involving meta-analyses) and clinical decision-making studies in the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Magazine, with an yearly increasing number. Basically, those articles involved all subjects such as clinical medicine, preclinical medicine, hygenics, pharmacy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Conclusion Development levels of evidence-based research in medical subjects are different, each of which has its own feature. Also, some systematic reviews do not strictly follow the Cochrane Handbook. Therefore, high-quality systematic review is still needed in each subject.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the independent physical risk factors associated with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMbase, CBM, CNKI and VIP for all studies about the independent physical risk factors associated with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus up to December 2012. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Then meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 11 studies involving 12 957 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Of these 11 studies, 9 were cross-sectional studies, two were cohort studies, and one was case-control study. The results showed that:the main physical factors associated with DKD were:duration of diabetes (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.18), waist circumference (OR=1.02, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.04), fasting glucose (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.16), glycosylated hemoglobin (OR=1.20, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.36), systolic blood pressure (OR=1.03, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.05), diastolic blood pressure (OR=2.41, 95%CI 1.15 to 4.64), triglycerides (OR=1.24, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.51), high-density lipoprotein (OR=0.558, 95%CI 0.369 to 0.844), blood uric acid (OR=1.005, 95%CI 1.002 to 1.009), blood urea nitrogen (OR=1.58, 95%CI 1.37 to 1.82), past history of kidney disease (OR=3.26, 95%CI 1.20 to 8.87) and family history of kidney disease (OR=1.83, 95%CI 1.29 to 2.60). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that multiple physical factors were associated with the development of type 2 diabetic kidney disease. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify the conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, VIP, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of CP in the treatment of COVID-19 from inception to September 15th, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. ResultsA total of 16 RCTs involving 15 301 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that CP treatment did not reduce mortality compared with no-placebo (RR=0.99, 95%CI 0.93 to 1.05, P=0.63) or normal saline (RR=1.06, 95%CI 0.60 to 1.86, P=0.84). However, compared with standard plasma, the mortality of CP group was lower (RR=0.59, 95%CI 0.37 to 0.95, P=0.03). In addition, compared with no-placebo or normal saline, CP treatment could not improve the clinical condition at 28-30 days, reduce mortality at early treatment and in patients without invasive mechanical ventilation when randomized. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that compared with no-placebo or normal saline, CP does not reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19. However, when the disease progresses to the point where standard plasma is required, CP may reduce mortality. In addition, use of CP in patients with early or non-critical COVID-19 failed to reduce mortality. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To systematically review the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of tumor-related cognitive dysfunction. Methods The PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect studies on acupuncture for the treatment of tumor-related cognitive dysfunction from the establishment of the database to February 13th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Results A total of 16 studies involving 1 361 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the mini-mental state examination (MD=1.82, 95%CI 1.49 to 2.15, P<0.000 01) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MD=1.56, 95%CI 0.83 to 2.29, P<0.0001) scores of the acupuncture treatment group were superior to those in the control group. Furthermore, the acupuncture treatment group showed a reduced incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RR=0.50, 95%CI 0.39 to 0.63, P<0.000 01) and decreased levels of interleukin-6 (MD=−10.43, 95%CI −14.91 to −5.95, P<0.000 01), interleukin-1β (MD=−47.14, 95%CI −63.92 to −30.36, P<0.000 01), and tumor necrosis factor-α (MD=−9.13, 95%CI −12.38 to −5.89, P<0.000 01). In contrast, the visual analog scale score of the acupuncture treatment group (MD=−1.26, 95%CI −2.06 to −0.47, P=0.002) was better than that of the control group. No significant difference was found in the level of central nervous system-specific protein (S100β) (MD=−0.06, 95%CI −0.13 to 0.01, P=0.12) between the two groups. Conclusion Acupuncture therapy can improve tumor-related cognitive function in patients. Its curative effect is better than that of non-acupuncture therapy; however, its ability to reduce S100β levels is not significantly different from that of non-acupuncture therapy. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of palliative care in heart failure patients. MethodsPubMed, EMbase, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, VIP, CNKI, CBM and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of palliative care in heart failure patients from inception to September 2021. 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 11 RCTs involving 912 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that palliative care could improve the quality of life of patients with heart failure (KCCQ & McGill QoL: SMD=0.85, 95%CI 0.13 to 1.58, P=0.02; MLHFQ: SMD=−1.32, 95%CI −2.10 to −0.54, P=0.000 9), reduce the level of depression (SMD=−0.58, 95%CI −0.87 to −0.28, P=0.000 1) and anxiety (SMD=−0.51, 95%CI −0.89 to −0.13, P=0.008), improve the adverse symptoms (SMD=−1.46, 95%CI −2.67 to −0.24, P=0.02), reduce the readmission rate (RR=0.64, 95%CI 0.42 to 0.98, P=0.04) and the per hospitalization time (MD=−0.94, 95%CI −1.28 to −0.60, P<0.000 01). However, it had no obvious effect on the mortality of patients (RR=1.00, 95%CI 0.63 to 1.57, P=0.99). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that palliative care can improve the quality of life, emotional state and adverse symptoms of patients with heart failure, and reduce the length of hospital stay and readmission rate. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.