ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical, radiographic characteristics and differential diagnosis of pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) mimicking metastasis of cancer in radiography. MethodsClinical data of 2 patients with PLCH manifesting as metastatic cancer on HRCT and PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. Patients reported as PLCH on WanFang Database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and Pubmed were reviewed to screen misdiagnosis literature and further analyzed the clinical and radiographic characteristics. ResultsTwo cases both presented with cough and sputum. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed increased 18F-FDG up-take in both nodules in the lungs. One patient presented with multiple nodules, diffuse multiple cystic changes in lungs and osteoclasia in the right 4th rib on HRCT who was diagnosed by a video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy of rib biopsy. The other patient presented with diffuse multiple nodules on HRCT who was diagnosed by a video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy of lung biopsy. The pathological characteristics of both biopsy specimen demonstrated infiltration by Langerhans cells (LC) and eosinophils. The LC were positive for CD1a. Literature review found seven PLCH cases who were misdignosed as depression, eosinophilic pneumonia, interstitial lung disease involvement of autoimmune disorders and malignant tumor. ConclusionWhen clinician faced with a patient suspected as metastatic cancer by HRCT and PET/CT, it is reasonable to consider PLCH as a differential diagnosis and obtain the pathological information as soon as possible so that better prognosis can be achieved through early intervention.
Objective To evaluate the diagnosis value of temporal Done high-resolution computed tornography (HRCT) in cholesteatoma. Methods There were 30 causes that had received the mastoid surgery because of cholesteatoma. Each patient’s mastoid plain films (Schuller’s and Mayer’s ) and HRCT had been taken and compared with each other and surgical findings and evaluated with health economic evaluation methods. Results The sensitivity rate in diagnosing cholesteatoma with HRCF was much higher than that with mastoid film (Plt;0.005). The more important benefit with HRCT was that it can afford the detail information in ear such as the ossicular chain, facial nerve canal, tympanic sinus, etc. which were basis for otologist in surgery to remove the focus thoroughly and reconstruct the middle ear function at the same time. In the view of health economic evaluation, HRCT is also much better than mastoid X-ray film. Conclusion HRCT should replace masloid Schuller’s and Mayer’s film in diagnosis cholesteatoma and HRCT should use as ordinary examination in chronic otitis media.
Objective To investigate the efficacy of LDL-C lowering treatment on NSTE-ACS, and to analyze the target LDL-C level for clinical treatment. Methods PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science databases were searched up to January 2016 for randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of LDL-C lowering therapy on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with NSTE-ACS. Two reviewers independently screened litertures, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, and then meta-analysis was performed by using Stata12.0 and RevMan 5.3 software. Result A total of 12 RCT including 4 702 individuals with NATE-ACS were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the statin group could significantly reduced the risk of MACE (RR=0.68, 95% CI 0.549 to 0.834,P=0.000). With 18.68 months of follow-up, patients in target LDL-C level from over 70 mg/dL to less than 100 mg/dL group had lower risk of MACE than other LDL-C level group. When LDL-C lower 20% to 40% than baseline with 28.99 months follow-up, patients in target of LDL-C level from over 70 mg/dL to less than 100 mg/dL group had lowest risk of MACE (RR=20.143, 95% CI 6.946 to 58.414,P=0.000). Conclusion LDL-C lower treatment can lower the risk of MACE in patients with NSTE-ACS. Patients in target LDL-C level from over 70 mg/dL to less than 100 mg/dL group have relatively low risk of MACE, in which patients who lower 20% to 40% LDL-C than baseline will get more benefits from LDL-C lowering therapy.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of prostacyclin for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, CBM and CNKI databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared prostacyclin with placebo from inception to April 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsEleven RCTs including 2 549 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with placebo group, prostacyclin group was superior to the placebo group in 6-min walk distance (MD=31.10, 95%CI 16.89 to 45.30, P<0.001), mortality (RR=0.62, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.94,P=0.03), Brog score (MD=–0.88, 95%CI –1.28 to –0.49, P<0.001), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MD=–3.31, 95%CI –4.34 to –2.29,P<0.001) and cardiac index (MD=0.32, 95%CI 0.14 to 0.51,P<0.001). However, there were no differences between two groups in reducing delaying time to clinical deterioration (RR=1.27, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.63,P=0.06), tolerability (RR=0.74, 95%CI 0.42 to 1.31, P=0.30) and pulmonary vascular resistance (MD=–4.35, 95%CI –8.85 to 0.15, P=0.06).ConclusionsCurrent evidence reveals that prostacyclin therapy appears to be superior to the placebo in reducing the mortality, improving excise capacity, respiratory and cardiac function, and ameliorating mean pulmonary arterial pressure for pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the efficacy of prostacyclin in delaying time to clinical deterioration, tolerability and pulmonary vascular resistance for PAH is not clear. Due to the limited quality and quantity of included studies, more high quality RCTs are required for further verification.
ObjectivesTo collect the methodology and original articles on the published cohort multiple randomized controlled trial (cmRCT), and evaluate the development and application of cmRCT.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect studies on cmRCT from inception to September 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies, then qualitative analysis was conducted.ResultsA total of 21 studies were enrolled, including 5 original studies and 16 methodology studies. The design of cmRCT was proposed in year 2010 and continuous progress was observed, including aspect of informed consent and statistical analysis, etc. This design has been mainly utilized for chronic diseases (oncology etc.) in Europe; most of these ongoing studies were unpublished. However, to our knowledge, there were none published Chinese original studies or protocols using cmRCT design.ConclusionscmRCT design has been continuously developed and applied since its introduction. This design can be considered in Chinese studies based on Chinese large cohorts to provide more evidence for disease prevention and treatment.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) versus anti-coagulation (AC) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang Data and CNKI databases to collect randomized clinical trials (RCTs) about CDT versus AC for DVT from inception to March 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 5 RCTs and 989 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the two group in incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (RR=0.73, 95%CI 0.49 to 1.09, P=0.13), iliofemoral venous patency rate (RR=2.57, 95%CI 0.59 to 11.24, P=0.21), bleeding (RR=2.03, 95%CI 0.50 to 8.28, P=0.32), severe bleeding (RR=1.77, 95%CI 0.91 to 3.42, P=0.09) and recurrence rate of venous thromboembolism (RR=1.00, 95%CI 0.42 to 2.36, P=0.99). However, the incidence of moderate-severe PTS decreased in CDT group was lower than that in the control group (RR=0.70, 95%CI 0.53 to 0.92, P=0.01). ConclusionsCompared with the control group, catheter-directed thrombolysis does not reduce the incidence of PTS and VTE recurrence rate, cannot improve the long-term patency of the iliofemoral vein, yet can prevent the occurrence of moderate to severe PTS. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) combined with chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.MethodsCNKI, VIP, WanFang Data and PubMed databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials on the CHM combined with chemotherapy for ovarian cancer from inception to March 31st, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and evaluated the risk bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsThirteen studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that, CHM combined with chemotherapy group was superior to the chemotherapy alone group in effective rate of TCM syndrome (RR=1.72, 95%CI 1.46 to 2.03, P<0.00.000 1), effective rate of tumor change (RR=1.40, 95%CI 1.21 to 1.63,P<0.000 01), physical condition score (MD=9.19, 95%CI 5.89 to 12.48,P<0.000 01), tumor markers (MD=–18.00, 95%CI –20.62 to –1.538,P<0.000 01), leukocyte reduction (RR=0.67, 95%CI 0.58 to 0.77,P<0.000 01), granulocy tedepletion (RR=0.67, 95%CI 0.55 to 0.81,P<0.000 1), thrombocytopenia (RR=0.55, 95%CI 0.45 to 0.69,P<0.000 01), and digestive tract reaction (RR=0.66, 95%CI 0.50 to 0.87,P=0.004).ConclusionsThe current evidence shows that CHM combined with chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Due to limited quality and quantity of included studies, the above conclusions are required to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of metformin for metabolic syndrome. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, China Biological Medicine Database, VIP, and CMAC up to the year of 2007. Handsearches and additional searches were also conducted. Randomized controlled trials of metformin for metabolic syndrome were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data from eligible studies and evaluated the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed for the results of homogeneous studies by The Cochrane Collaboration’s software RevMan 4.2.9. Results Six trials involving a total of 2442 patients with metabolic syndrome were included. Meta-analysis was not performed due to the apparent heterogeneity. Metformin, compared with placebo, exhibited more favorable effects in reducing the proportion of patients with metabolic syndrome (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.60), the proportion of patients with low HDL-c (RR 1.61, 95%CI 1.16 to 2.23), wide waist circumference (RR 1.64, 95%CI 1.06 to 2.55), and high FPG (RR 1.55, 95%CI 1.17 to 2.05). Metformin was also more effective in improving FPG and insulin sensitivity. The addition of metformin to atenolol plus nitrendipine was superior to atenolol plus nitrendipine alone in reducing the proportion of patients with high TG (RR 5.57, 95%CI 1.56 to 19.84), abdominal obesity (RR 14.47, 95%CI 3.34 to 62.61), and IGT (RR 16.51, 95%CI 6.06 to 45.0). Compared with low-fat diet therapy, metformin was superior in improving FPG, 2-hour postload plasma glucose, and insulin sensitivity. No differences were observed between metformin and acarbose in the reduction of TG and FPG, but metformin was less effective than acarbose in improving 2-hour postload plasma glucose. No adverse drug reactions were reported. Conclusion Metformin has beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of high FPG, IGT, and abdominal obesity. It also proved beneficial in reducing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and increasing insulin sensitivity. The therapeutic effects of metformin on blood pressure, obesity, and lipid profile are uncertain. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of metformin in the treatment of metabolic syndrome due to low methodological quality, small sample size, and limited number of trials. More high quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of sufentanil versus fentanyl used in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after cesarean section.MethodsAn online search of computerized searches of the database of MEDLINE (OVID), Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and SinoMed were conducted. Randomized controlled trials published since the inceptions of these databases until April 1st 2018, involving the comparison of sufentanil versus fentanyl for PCIA after cesarean section were included. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.1 software.ResultsA total of 19 studies were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with the fentanyl group, the sufentanil group had statistically significant lower VAS scores at 4-hour (MD=–0.99, 95%CI –1.03 to –0.95, P<0.001), 8-hour (MD=–0.30, 95%CI –0.40 to –0.21, P<0.001), 12-hour (MD=–0.54, 95%CI –0.62 to –0.46, P<0.001) and 24-hour (MD=–0.35, 95%CI –0.41 to –0.28, P<0.001); statistically significant higher Ramsay scores at 4-hour (MD=0.72, 95%CI 0.66 to 0.78, P<0.001), 8-hour (MD=0.93, 95%CI 0.86 to 1.00, P<0.001), 12-hour (MD=0.98, 95%CI 0.91 to 1.05, P<0.001), 24-hour (MD=0.07, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.11, P=0.000 5), 48-hour (MD=0.05, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.08, P<0.000 1). As for the adverse reactions, sufentanil group had lower risks of having nausea and vomiting (RR=0.25, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.31, P<0.001), pruritus (RR=0.41, 95%CI 0.30 to 0.57, P<0.001), dizziness (RR=0.27, 95%CI 0.17 to 0.44, P<0.001) and urinary retention (RR=0.35, 95%CI (0.15, 0.82), P=0.02).ConclusionsThe current evidence shows that, sufentanil has better analgesia and sedative effects, and less risks of adverse reactions for safer clinical use.