Perineal care is a classic topic for obstetrics. After thousands of years of practice, we have accumulated some experience and meanwhile, we are also taking some attempts. The effectiveness and reliability of these methods need evaluation. Nowadays, the best evidence comes from randomized controlled trials (RCT) and systematic reviews (SR). We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2007), MEDLINE (Jan. 1980 to May 2007) databases and CBM-disc (Jan. 1980 to May 2007) to obtain current best evidence for perineal care.
Objective To review randomized controlled trials of blood pressure (BP) lowering therapy on stroke prevention to provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods We searched Medline (1966-2003.6) and the large-sample randomized controlled trials on BP lowering regimen in patients with stroke history were reviewed. Endpoints included the ocurrance of stroke, coronary heart disease and mortality. Results Three trials of PATS, PROGRESS and HOPE were analysed. The review showed that stroke recurrent risk was reduced by 28%, CHD risk decreased by 15% and total mortality risk reduced by 11% in BP lowering treatment group compared with placebo control group. Stroke risk was reduced not only in hypertensive patients with previous cerebrovascular diseases but also in non-hypertensive patients. Conclusions BP lowering therapy is beneficial for the secondary prevention of stroke.
We searched The Cochrane Library（Issue 3, 2005）, MEDLINE（1996-2005） ,CMCC（1996-2005）, VIP（1996-2005） ,CNKI（1996-2005） to summarize the available evidence of topiramate for an intractable epilepsy. After scanning all these articles, we identified 11 articles including meta-analysis, randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews to evaluate. Topiramate offered an alternative in the treament for intractable epilepsy, especially for partial epilepsy, and its efficacy was proven. Patients had good tolerance. And no intercross effects with the traditional anti-epileptic drugs were found. So topiramate had broad clinical value. The primary dosage of topiramate was 200mg/d. The sustaining dosage was 400-600mg/d. And we didn＇t recommend the dosage of more than 600mg/d.
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.
Until Issue 2 in 2008, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews had included 23 systematic reviews
concerning colorectal tumors by the colorectal cancer group. These reviews involved prevention, diagnosis, treatment,
prognosis and follow-up. The preventive ability of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, accuracy of chromoscopy, shortterm
outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal resection and outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision were confirmed.
Meanwhile, the effect of dietary fibre in prevention, mechanical preoperative preparation, and prophylactic anastomotic
drainage was questioned. Because of the low quality of trials, no firm conclusions were revealed in some reviews, such as
traditional Chinese medicine in chemotherapy. Through the study of Cochrane systematic reviews, medical practitioners
and researchers can obtain high-quality evidence, and identify future research direction in the field of colorectal cancer.
Objective To define an evidence-based conclusion concerning ultrasound screening for fetal genital system malformations during pregnancy. Methods In order to assess whether or not ultrasound screening for fetal genital system malformations is effective and feasible, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE (1981 to 2009), ACP Journal Club (1991 to 2008), and BMJ Clinical Evidence (1999 to 2008) for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and controlled clinical trials. Results Five cohort studies and three crosssectional studies were retrieved. The results showed ultrasound screening detected fetal sex determination by the contour of the rump and the angle of the genital tubercle to a horizontal line through the lumbosacral skin surface in the first trimester. Scrotal size and penile length increases with gestational age for male fetuses, and by 32 weeks, bilateral testicular descent was observed in most cases. Ultrasonographic scans, fetal genetic studies, and hormonal assays of amniotic fluid can diagnosis certain diseases, fetal sex differentiation disorders, fetal endocrinal disorders, and chromosome abnormality. Conclusion The findings of this study should reassure physicians and parents alike that ultrasound screening is an reliable option for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal genital system malformations, but more randomized controlled trials are needed to further supply relevant evidence.
Objective To evaluate the effect of vitamin A (Vit A) supplementation on the morbidity and mortality in children with infectious diseases. Methods We searched Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE (1966-2004.3) and The PedsCCM Evidence-Based Journal Club (1992-2002). Relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Vit A supplementation on morbidity and mortality in children with infectious diseases were obtained. Results We collected 107 studies and identified 13 systematic reviews or RCTs. The evidence showed that the effect of Vit A supplementation on morbidity and mortality was affected by the nutritional status of the children. Vit A supplementation given to Vit A deficient children could reduce the morbidity of diarrhea and mortality of measles. However, Vit A supplementation would increase the morbidity of diarrhoea and respiratory infections in children with sufficient nutrition. Conclusions The nutritional status of children correlates with morbidity and mortality of some infectious diseases, and the nutritional status and serum Vit A level should be evaluated before Vit A supplementation applied.
Objective To search evidence of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors for microalbumin-uria in type 2 diabetes for guiding clinical practice. Methods We searched MEDLINE （ 1970 -Jun. 2005 ） to identify randomized controlled trials （RCT）of the effect on angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors to prevent microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes. Results One RCT （n =1 204）was identified. The result showed that angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors were significantly more effective in prevention of microalbuminuria than other medicines in type 2 diabetes. However, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors may increase the risk of cardiac mortality. We explained the evidence to patients and they were satisfied with our explanation. Conclusions Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors can decrease the incidence of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
