The most important difference between systematic review and traditional narrative review lies in their respective quality, namely the degree of bias control. Generally speaking, the sources of bias include the process of literature searching, study selection, data extraction and original studies. A systematic review may greatly reduce bias, as it takes effective steps such as developing search strategies, undertaking funnel plot analysis, using established criteria for study selection, and assessment of the methodology quality of studies. All these help to control, identify and, describe the possible bias.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates in preventing and treating glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2016), CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related bisphosphonates for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis from inception to January 2016. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 20 RCTs were included, which involved 2 330 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with the placebo group, the bisphosphonates group could significantly increase the bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar and femoral neck (MD=3.70, 95%CI 2.65 to 4.75, P<0.000 01; MD=2.18, 95%CI 1.30 to 3.06, P<0.000 01), but the bisphosphonates group could not decrease the incidence rates of vertebral fracture or non-vertebral fracture (OR=0.66, 95%CI 0.38 to 1.16, P=0.15; OR=0.73, 95%CI 0.42 to 1.28, P=0.28). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of total adverse reactions and total severe adverse reactions between the two groups (OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.28, P=0.53; OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.62 to 1.39, P=0.72). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that, compared with placebo, bisphosphonates canld effectively prevent and treat the decrease of bone mineral density of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis, not decrease the incidence of fracture, but not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the accuracy of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) in screening newborns for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). MethodsThe PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect the diagnostic accuracy studies related to the objects from inception to October 26, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the QUADAS-2 scale. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 and Meta-Disc 1.4 software. ResultsA total of 18 studies involving 6 243 718 neonates were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnosis odds ratio (DOR) were 0.97 (95%CI 0.92 to 0.99), 1.00 (95%CI 1.00 to 1.00), 1447.05 (95%CI 528.49 to 3962.11), 0.13 (95%CI 0.08 to 0.22) and 11698.21 (95%CI 2853.44 to 47958.98), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was 0.97. ConclusionThe application of TRECs in screening neonatal SCID has high accuracy, which is helpful for early diagnosis of SCID. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of Heluo Shugan capsule in the treatment of hepatitis B fibrosis. MethodWe searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2015), CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data from their inception to August 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Heluo Shugan capsule for hepatitis B fibrosis. 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 15 RCTs involving 1 840 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: (1) As for reduced level of serum hyaluronic acid (HA), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=82.31, 95%CI 37.44 to 127.19, P=0.000 3), but worse than Fuzheng Huayu capsule (MD=-137.45, 95% CI-196.29 to-78.62, P < 0.000 01), Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (MD=-51.19, 95% CI-67.58 to-34.81, P < 0.000 01) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-82.13, 95% CI-102.37 to-61.88, P < 0.000 01). (2) As for reduced level of serum laminin (LN), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=36.83, 95% CI 11.84 to 61.82, P=0.004), but worse than Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (MD=-36.00, 95% CI-64.29 to-7.71, P=0.01), Ganfujian capsule (MD=-22.14, 95% CI-37.28 to-7.00, P=0.004) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-38.64, 95% CI-75.00 to-2.29, P=0.04). (3) As for reduced level of serum procollagen type III peptide (PCIII), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=47.17, 95% CI 32.68 to 61.66, P < 0.000 01), but worse than Fuzheng Huayu capsule (MD=-4.80, 95% CI-9.08 to-0.51, P=0.03), Dahuang Zhechong pills (MD=-53.77, 95% CI-105.01 to-2.53, P=0.04), Ganfujian capsule (MD=-46.82, 95% CI-66.30 to-27.34, P < 0.000 01) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-28.68, 95% CI-55.59 to-1.77, P=0.04). (4) As for reduced level of serum type-IV-collagen (IV-C), Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo (MD=72.77, 95% CI 47.65 to 97.89, P < 0.000 01), but worse than Fuzheng Huayu capsule (MD=-34.69, 95% CI-56.65 to-12.73, P=0.002), Dahuang Zhechong pills (MD=-21.26, 95%CI-38.79 to-3.73, P=0.02), Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (MD=-69.04, 95%CI-124.38 to-13.69, P=0.01), Ganfujian capsule (MD=-19.84, 95% CI-37.41 to-2.27, P=0.03) and Anti-fibrosis decoction (MD=-37.98, 95% CI-72.99 to-2.96, P=0.03). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that, Heluo Shugan capsule was superior to placebo, but worse than Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet, Fuzheng Huayu capsule, Dahuang Zhechong pills, Ganfujian capsule and Anti-fibrosis decoction in reducing the level of serum hepatic fibrosis. Due to the limited quantity and quality of included studies, more high-quality, large-scale RCTs are need to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the changes in placental protein expressions in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their correlations with maternal insulin resistance (IR). Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfang Database and CBMdisc were searched for case-control studies published from January 2009 to November 2021, which reported the placental protein expressions in GDM and their correlations with IR. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature, extracted data and evaluated the literature quality. RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis, and descriptive analysis was performed on data that cannot be combined. ResultsA total of 19 studies were included, comprising 2 012 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that: the expression level of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) [standard mean difference=2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.64, 2.58), P<0.000 01] and the positive rate of protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) [relative risk (RR)=1.56, 95%CI (1.29, 1.88), P<0.000 01] were up-regulated, and the positive rate of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) [RR=0.69, 95%CI (0.60, 0.78), P<0.000 01] was down-regulated. The protein expression levels of RBP4 (P<0.000 01) and PTP1B (P<0.000 01) were positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), while the protein expression levels of IRS-1 (P<0.000 01) and APN (P=0.002) were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) was not correlated with HOMA-IR (P=0.79). Descriptive analysis found that the expression levels or positive rates of adipocytokines (leptin, resistin), oxidative stress markers (xanthione oxidase, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostaglandin),inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor α, Toll-like receptor 4, Galectin-3, Galectin-2, migration inhibitory factor),fetuin-A, forkhead box transcription factor 1, forkhead box transcription factor 3a and estrogen receptor α in GDM placenta were up-regulated and all were positively correlated with HOMA-IR. The expression levels or positive rates of insulin signaling pathway proteins [phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinases B (AKT), phospho-protein kinases B (p-AKT), GLUT 4] were down-regulated, PI3K and AKT were negatively correlatedwith HOMA-IR, while p-Akt had no correlation with HOMA-IR. ConclusionsThe dysregulation of placental protein expressions may mediate maternal IR exacerbation, thus promote the occurrence and development of GDM and other pregnancy complications. The causal relationship and regulatory mechanism are still unclear, which need to be further studied.
Objective The purpose of this study, which focuses on the number of the Cochrane Systematic Review’s (CSR) full texts, protocols and registered titles from Chinese authors, is to show the development of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and promote EBM’s further development in China. Methods On the basis of The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009) and the Cochrane Collaboration (March 2009) periodicals, we performed statistical analysis of different countries that released CSR’s full texts, protocols and registered titles, as well as the time, authors and distribution of the CSR’s full texts, protocols and registered titles in China. Results The publishing rates of the CSR’s full texts, protocols and registered titles in China ranked the seventh, fifth and second, respectively. Although the number of CSR’s full texts and protocols showed an increased annual trend in China, the development of area distribution was unbalanced. Moreover, China’s published articles contained 47 Cochrane collaboration groups, without effective practice and health care groups, consumers and communication groups, and methodology and multiple stenosis groups. Conclusions The current Chinese EBM situation has a great potential in writing CSR. However, there are still many problems that need to be resolved.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the risk factors for knee osteoarthritis among Chinese population.MethodsCNKI, WanFang Data, PubMed and EMbase databases were electronically searched to collect studies related to risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in Chinese population from January 2005 to November 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies; meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsA total of 18 studies involving 46 375 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that body mass index (BMI)≥28 kg/m2 (OR=1.78, 95%CI 1.47 to 2.14, P<0.000 1), females (OR=2.20, 95%CI 1.98 to 2.45, P<0.000 1), family history of osteoarthritis (OR=3.56, 95%CI 1.88 to 6.73, P<0.000 1), age≥60 years old (OR=1.42, 95%CI 1.26 to 1.59, P<0.000 1), history of joint trauma (OR=4.11, 95%CI 2.85 to 5.93, P<0.000 1), manual labor (OR=1.57, 95%CI 1.32 to 1.86, P<0.000 1), heavy housework (OR=1.63, 95%CI 1.20 to 2.22, P<0.000 1), humid environment (OR=4.33, 95%CI 2.99 to 6.29, P<0.000 1), drinking habit (OR=1.69, 95%CI 1.21 to 2.36, P=0.002), non-elevator building (OR=1.78, 95%CI 1.18 to 2.70, P=0.006), joint load (OR=9.14, 95%CI 3.05 to 27.45, P<0.000 1), cold environment (OR=2.13, 95%CI 1.32 to 3.44, P=0.002), and habit of sitting cross-legged (OR=7.56, 95%CI 1.74 to 32.79, P=0.007) were risk factors for knee osteoarthritis among Chinese population.ConclusionsControlling and reducing weight, preventing knee injuries, keeping joints warm, controlling alcohol consumption, improving humid and cold living environment, appropriately reducing heavy physical labor, reducing joint weight, and changing the habit of sitting cross-legged can prevent the occurrence of knee osteoarthritis.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of piolitazone combined with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsThe Cochrane Library (Issue 9, 2015), PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were searched up to September 2015 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about pioglitazone combined with metformin versus sulfonylurea combined with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted date, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 7 RCTs involving 3 005 patients were included. The results of metaanalysis showed that when the course of treatment was ≤24 weeks, no significant difference was found in the level of HbA1c between the piolitazone plus metformin group and the sulphonylurea plus metformin group (MD=-0.04, 95%CI -0.26 to 0.19, P=0.74), but the piolitazone plus metformin group had lower risk of hypoglycemia (RR=0.39, 95%CI 0.15 to 1.01, P=0.05); when the course of treatment >24 weeks, only one RCT was included, we didn't conduct pool analysis. ConclusionPiolitazone combined with metformin has similar effect to sulphonylurea combined with metformin in controlling blood sugar, but piolitazone combined with metformin has lower incidence of hypoglycemia. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, the above conclusion need to be verified by more high quality studies.
治疗经前期综合症妇女的临床证据显示:①溴隐停(只对乳房症状):RCT所提供的有限证据提示,溴隐停的副作用虽然较常见,但与安慰剂相比对乳房胀痛的缓解更有效.②认知行为治疗:RCT发现,认知行为治疗较对照组能显著缓解经前期症状,但有关疗效大小的证据不足.③达那唑:RCT发现,达那唑较安慰剂能显著缓解经前期症状,但长期持续使用可能导致男性化等严重的副作用.④利尿剂:RCT发现,螺内酯较安慰剂能显著缓解乳房胀痛、水肿等症状.2个RCT发现,甲苯喹唑酮或氯化铵与安慰剂相比,能降低经前期水肿和抑制体重增加.⑤体育锻炼:1个RCT发现,有氧运动较安慰剂更能显著改善经前期症状.另1个RCT发现,高强度的有氧运动比低强度的有氧运动能更有效地缓解症状.⑥促黄体生成素释放激素类似物:RCT发现,促黄体生成素释放激素类似物(过去称GnRH类似物)较安慰剂能显著缓解经前期症状.RCT发现,促黄体生成素释放激素类似物+孕激素+雌激素(反向添加治疗)缓解症状的评分低于单用促黄体生成素释放激素类似物,但其评分优于安慰剂组.1个小样本RCT发现,促黄体生成素释放激素类似物+7-甲异炔诺酮缓解症状评分与单用促黄体生成素释放激素类似物相当.因为持续使用促黄体生成素释放激素类似物超过6个月将带来骨质疏松的危险,所以其长期使用受限.⑦子宫切除术伴或不伴双卵巢切除术:缺乏相关RCT.但观察性研究发现,子宫切除术伴双卵巢切除术具有治愈效果.只行子宫切除术也可缓解症状,但由于缺乏对照,导致证据强度有限.该疗法的危险主要是由手术造成的.双卵巢切除术后的不育也是不可逆的.⑧非选择5-羟色胺重摄取抑制剂--抗抑郁药/抗焦虑药:RCT发现,非选择性5-羟色胺重摄取抑制剂,包括抗抑郁药和抗焦虑药,较安慰剂能显著改善经前期综合症的至少一个症状,但部分妇女因副作用而中断治疗.有关β-阻滞剂和锂剂效果的RCT样本量太小,证据不足.⑨非甾体类抗炎药:一些RCT发现,前列腺素抑制剂较安慰剂能显著改善部分经前期症状,但不能缓解经前期乳房胀痛.⑩雌激素:一些小样本RCT的有限证据提示,雌激素较安慰剂能有效地改善症状,但有效程度尚不明确.(11)口服避孕药:RCT发现,口服避孕药较安慰剂改善经前期症状的证据不足.(12)孕酮:1个系统评价发现,孕酮可以小幅度缓解经前期综合症的所有症状且不增加由于副作用导致的治疗中断,其缓解程度与安慰剂有明显差异,但缓解的程度还达不到理想的临床疗效.目前尚不清楚给药的时间和途径对孕酮的作用是否有影响.(13)孕激素(人工合成):1个小样本RCT比较了孕激素和安慰剂的疗效,但证据不足.(14)Vit B6:1个纳入低质量RCT的系统评价发现,证实Vit B6疗效的证据不足.在这篇系统评价中,一些质量不高的RCT提示Vit B6较安慰剂能有效缓解症状,但另一些方法学质量不高的RCT发现,证实Vit B6效果的证据互有矛盾.(15)选择性5-羟色胺重摄取抑制剂:1篇系统评价和其后的RCT发现,选择性5-羟色胺重摄取抑制剂较安慰剂能显著缓解经前期症状,但也更易出现副反应.(16)7-甲异炔诺酮(替勃龙):1个小样本RCT的有限证据提示,替勃龙较安慰剂(复合维生素)更能缓解经前期症状.(17)其他治疗,如按摩疗法、饮食补充、子宫内膜切除术、月见草油、腹腔镜下行双卵巢切除术、反射论、放松疗法等的疗效证据不足.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of cisplatin combined with etoposide versus other platinum combined with etoposide in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). MethodsWe searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2013), MEDLINE (Ovid), CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the efficacy and safety of cisplatin combined with etoposide (the cisplatin group) versus other platinum combined with etoposide (the control group) for SCLC. The search was up to August 2013. Two reviewers screened literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. And then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 6 RCTs involving 684 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in disease control rate (DCR) (RR=1.03, 95%CI 0.91 to 1.17, P=0.63), overall response rate (ORR) (RR=1.04, 95%CI 0.97 to 1.11, P=0.33), occurrence of leukocytopenia (RR=0.97, 95%CI 0.81 to 1.17, P=0.77), decreased hemoglobin (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.61 to 1.31, P=0.56) between the cisplatin group and the control group. Occurrence of thrombocytopenia was lower (RR=0.49, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.63, P<0.000 01) while occurrence of nausea and vomiting was higher (RR=1.80, 95%CI 1.40 to 2.31, P<0.000 01) in the cisplatin group. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the clinical efficacy of cisplatin combined with etoposide for SCLC is equal to other platinum combined with etoposide, but it has a certain advantage in decreasing the aggregative rate of platelets, while the gastrointesnial reaction patients should avoid using cisplatin combined with etoposide.