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 find individualized evidence-based treatments for a patient with lower rectal cancer. Methods Based on the clinical questions raised, evidence was collected and critically assessed. Patient preferences and physician clinical experience were also taken into consideration in the decision-making treatment. Results Twenty-four systematic reviews or meta analyses and 1 clinical guideline were included. The evidence showed that preoperative chemoradio- therapy reduces risk of local recurrence and death from rectal cancer compared to preoperative radiotherapy alone. Preoperative combined chemoradiotherapy, enhanced pathological response and improved local control in the resectable stage II and III rectal cancer. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy reduced the risk of local recurrence as compared with postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Postoperative radiotherapy alone did not improve survival for the patients with resected stage II and stage III rectal cancer, whereas either chemotherapy alone or combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy improved survival in comparison with observation. As compared with conventional radical surgery, total mesorectum excision (TME) resulted in lower postoperative local recurrence rate and higher survival rate. No significant differences in terms of disease-free survival rate, local recurrence rate, mortality, and morbidity were found between laparoscopic and open total mesorectal excision. Conclusion The patients with lower rectal cancer might benefit from preoperative chemoradiotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy. TME is the standard rectal cancer surgery. However, long-term prognostic benefits need to be confirmed by further follow-up.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based treatment plan for a patient with hepatitis C after kidney transplantation with combination of interferon-α and ribavirin. Methods Based on an adequate assessment of the patient’ s condition and using the principle of PICO, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009), PubMed (1995 to March 2009), and CHKD (1995 to 2008.12). Results Eighteen studies were identified including 17 in English (5 case reports, 11 cohort studies, and 1 meta–analysis) and 1 in Chinese. According to the current evidence as well as the patient’ s clinical condition and preference, PEG-IFNα-2b 50 µg /week plus ribavirin 600 mg/day was given to the patient for 6 months. Conclusion Evidence-based approaches help us to prepare the anti-viral therapy plan and will improve the assessment of the efficacy and safety in kidney transplantation.
Objective To summarize the available clinical research evidence for the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Methods Using the basic methods and principles of evidence-based medicine, we searched and evaluated clinical studies involving the treatment of HRS. Results We found that plasma expansion, vasoconstrictor, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) and liver transplantation were effective interventions for patients with HRS. Conclusion HRS is a common complication of end-stage liver diseases and the prognosis for patients with HRS is extremely poor. However, due to the small number of clinical trials, small sample sizes and low methodological quality, the strength of the current evidence is limited. Rigorously-designed, randomized, multi-center, large-scale trials on HRS are required.
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.
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of nebulized budesonide for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and to formulate an evidence-based treatment protocol for a patient with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), MEDLINE (1990 to February 2010), ACP Journal Club (1991 to February 2010) and Chinese Journal Full-text Database (1979 to February 2010), and critically appraised the available evidence. Results Four randomized controlled trials were included, and all were of relatively high quality. Evidence showed that nebulized budesonide could alleviate symptoms, improve pulmonary function without any serious side effects. Given the current evidence, we used nebulized budesonide which helped the control of symptoms with no adverse effects. Conclusion Nebulised budesonide may be an effective and safe alternative to systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Lung cancer is an epithelial cancer arising from the bronchial surface epithelium or bronchial mucous glands. Non-small lung cancer constitutes about 75%-80% of all lung cancer. At the time of diagnosis, a lot of people have got stage Ⅲb non-small lung cancer which is unresectalbe. Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used in unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small lung cancer. The regimes of chemotherapy or radiotherapy are varied too. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials have provide much convincing evidence for us to choose and utilize the most appropriate treatment.
Objective The objective of this study is to find individualized, evidence-based treatment for a patientwith extensive small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural effusion, and liver metastasis.Methods According to the PICO (patient intervention comparison outcome) principle, evidence was collected and critically assessed. The patient’s preference was also taken into consideration in the decision making process. Results We included 10 randomized controlled trials, 13 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and three clinical guidelines. The evidence indicated that chemotherapeutic treatment prolongs survival in patients with extensive small cell lung cancer and AiDi injections could relieve adverse effects caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Cisplatin and etoposide are considered major standard cytotoxic drugs for small cell lung cancer. We drained the pleural cavity and infused Bleomycin into the pleural cavity. We also used an EP regimen of chemotherapy after the patient’s condition had improved. This patient survived longer than the average survival time for small cell lung cancer patients and has enjoyed a higher quality of life. Conclusion Chemotherapy is the main medical treatment for patients with extensive small cell lung cancer, backed up by symptomatic treatment and supportive care. Prophylactic cranial irradiation decreases brain metastases incidence and improves survival in complete response small cell lung cancer patients.
Objective To report an evidence-based treatment of Mycophenolate Mofetil for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1978 to 2006) and CNKI (1978 to 2006), and critically appraised the available evidence. Results The available Level C (low quality) evidence showed that Mycophenolate Mofetil was effective for the remission of proteinuria, and effective in patients who were resistant to steroid or cytotoxic agents. However, there was no evidence on its long-term effect on renal survival. Given the current evidence, together with our clinical experience and the patient’s preference, Mycophenolate Mofetil and glucocorticoid were administered to the patient. After 3 months of treatment, proteinuria was relieved. The patient is still can followed up. Conclusions We only find Level C evidence to support the short-term efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil on the remission of proteinuria. Further studies on its long-term effects on renal survival, and a health economics evaluation are needed.