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.
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.
Objective To systematically review the efficacy and safety of interferon based antiviral therapy for children with hepatitis B. Methods PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interferon based antiviral therapy for children with hepatitis B from inception to December 2016. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. Results A total of 12 studies involving 723 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: follow-up <12 months, the virological response rate (RR=2.82, 95%CI 1.98 to 4.02, P<0.000 01), serum HBeAg clearance rate (RR=3.02, 95%CI 1.95 to 4.67,P<0.000 01) and ALT normalization rate (RR=1.42, 95%CI 1.19 to 1.70,P=0.000 1) were significantly higher in the interferon group than the control group. Follow-up >12 months, the virological response rate (RR=1.75, 95%CI 1.18 to 2.60, P=0.006) and serum HBeAg clearance rate (RR=2.17, 95%CI 1.28 to 3.65, P=0.004) were also significantly higher in the interferon group. Severe adverse effects were not reported in included studies. Conclusion Current evidence shows that higher virological response is found in HBV infected children with interferon treatment. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify above conclusion.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia versus epidural patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative analgesia, sedation, and the incidence of side effects. Methods We searched the specialized trials registered in the Cochrane anesthesia group, The Cochrane Library (CCTR), MEDLINE (1966 to Sept. 2008), EMbase (1966 to Sept. 2008), PubMed (1966 to Sept. 2008), and handsearched some Chinese anesthesia Journals and Clinical anesthesia journals. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of intravenous versus epidural analgesia for post-operation were included. The quality of the trials was critically assessed. RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for meta-analyses. Results Thirteen RCTs involving 580 patients of intravenous versus epidural analgesia for post-operation were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that there were no significant differences in postoperative analgesia and sedation at the hour-points of 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th hours after operation. There were no significant differences in plasma fentanyl concentration in the two groups on the same analgesia effects. There were also no significant differences in side effects. Conclusion Both intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and epidural patient-controlled analgesia have the same clinical effects. Compared with epidural patient-controlled analgesia, intravenous patient-controlled analgesia has fewer side effects and is more convenient. At the same time, it can reduce more costs of hospitalization. But because of the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more well-designed, large scale, randomized controlled trials are needed.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) for cervical cancer. MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 10, 2013), CBM, CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data (from inception to October, 2013) through computer, and manually searched related journals. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on LRH versus abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in the treatment of cervical cancer were identified according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted, and methodological quality of the included studies was accessed by two reviewer independently. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsSeven RCTs involving 462 patients were finally included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: there were significant differences between LRH and ARH in the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, recovery time of gastrointestinal function, postoperative pain, postoperative hospital stay, and surgical site infection (MD=20.25, 95%CI 0.26 to 40.24, P=0.05; MD=-56.18, 95%CI-74.84 to-37.52, P < 0.000 01; SMD=-1.54, 95%CI-2.92 to-0.16, P=0.03; MD=-1.37, 95%CI-1.85 to-0.89, P < 0.000 01; MD=-2.32, 95%CI-3.57 to-1.06, P=0.000 3; RR=0.42, 95%CI 0.18 to 0.97, P=0.04). But there was no significant difference in the number of lymph node biopsy (MD=1.34, 95%CI-4.26 to 6.94, P=0.64) and some operative complications (lymphocyte: RR=1.19, 95%CI 0.54 to 2.63, P=0.66; DVT: RR=1.23, 95%CI 0.48 to 3.20, P=0.67; urinary retention: RR=0.85, 95%CI 0.41 to 1.75, P=0.66; cystotomy: RR=1.91, 95%CI 0.49 to 7.51, P=0.35). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that although applying LRH costs longer time, and with high-level technology, its safety and short-term efficacy are superior to ARH. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, its long-term efficacy still needs to be further confirmed by conducting more high-quality, multi-centre RCTs with large sample size.
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.
Objectives To explore the quality of the reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).Methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2006), PubMed, EMbase, the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBMdisc), VIP Information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (from establishment to February 2007). We also checked the reference lists of included studies. The quality of the reporting of RCTs was assessed using the 22-item checklist of the CONSORT Statement and other self-established criteria. Results Thirty-eight RCTs were included. The word “randomization” was not present in any of the trials, and only 17 reports used a structured abstract. All trials did not report the scientific background and the rational for the trial, the estimation of the necessary sample size, the methods of allocation concealment and blinding, participant flow chart, ITT analysis, and ancillary analyses. Some authors misunderstood the diagnostic criteria and inclusion criteria, some selected inappropriate control interventions, and some did not clearly describe their statistical methods or used incorrect methods. All 38 trials reported positive outcomes, few reported adverse effects. No report included a general interpretation of the new trial’s results in the context of current evidence in their discussion section, and none mentioned the limitations of the study, the clinical and research implications or the external validity of the trial findings. Conclusion The overall reporting quality of RCTs of TCM for CFS is poor. Defects are found in each section of the reports. Researchers and journal editors should learn and use the principles and methods of evidence-based medicine—especially the use of a transparent prospective clinical trial register and the CONSORT Statement—to improve the design, conduct and report TCM trials.
Objective To systematically review the effectiveness of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) with versus without Mitomycin C (MMC) for nasolacrimal obstruction. Methods Databases such as PubMed, EMbase, CENTRAL (Issue 12, 2012), VIP, WanFang Data, CBM and CNKI were electronically searched to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which investigated the comparison between En-DCR with and without MMC for nasolacrimal obstruction. The searched data was updated to December 31st, 2012. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature was screened, data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the included studies was also assessed. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2.0 software and the quality of evidences was graded using GRADEpro 3.6 software. Results A total of 9 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis showed that, the recovery rate in the MMC group was significantly elevated (RR=1.13, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.22, P=0.003), the area of ostium in the MMC group was bigger at 1, 6 and 12 months than in the control group, postoperatively (MD=6.68 mm2, 95% 5.43 to 7.94, Plt;0.000 01; MD=11.61 mm2, 95%CI 4.67 to 18.55, P=0.001; MD=15.65 mm2, 95%CI 2.95 to 28.34, P=0.02), respectively, but the area of ostium in the MMC group at the third month was bigger than that in the control group (MD=8.20 mm2, 95%CI –6.67 to 23.08, P=0.28). The operative time was significantly prolonged in the MMC group (MD=10.1 min, 95%CI 8.00 to 12.20, Plt;0.000 01). Conclusion En-DCR combined with MMC could improve the recovery rate and prevent the over shrinkage of ostium area effectively due to nasolacrimal obstruction.