Objective To determine the effectiveness of statins in reducing C-reactive protein in patients with cerebral infarction and the potency of C-reactive protein as an indicator for preventing cerebrovascular events. Methods We searched PubMed, EMbase, Central Register of Controlled Trials, CBMdisc and CNKI from the date of establishment through August 2008. Bibliographies of the retrieved articles were also checked. Data was extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently with a designed extraction form. The RevMan 5.0 software was used to carry out meta-analysis. Results Twenty-three randomized trials involving 1946 patients were included. The results of meta-analyses showed the following: statins reduced C-reactive protein compared to the control group (WMD= –5.79, 95%CI –7.32 to –4.26); statins were associated with a reduction of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (WMD= –0.21, 95%CI –0.25 to –0.17); atorvastatin greatly reduced C-reactive protein than the simvastatin control group (WMD= –1.78, 95%CI –3.92 to 0.36); statins were associated with a slight improvement in neurological deficit (OR= 2.22, 95%CI 0.94 to 5.21). Conclusion The evidence currently available shows that statins can reduce C-reactive protein and carotid IMT in the patients with cerebral infarction compared to the control group. However, it is not clear whether statins reducing C-reactive protein is correlated to the improvement of neurological deficit and prognosis. Similar trials in future should focus on the relationship between the change of C-reactive protein and clinical outcomes.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of promoting neonatal resuscitation technique in treatment of neonatal asphyxia in China.
MethodsElectronical databases including WanFang Data, CNKI, VIP, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Literature Information Center, PubMed and The Cochrane Library (Issue 5, 2016) were searched to collect studies of neonatal resuscitation technique in treatment of neonatal asphyxia up to June 1st, 2016. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk bias of included studies, and then meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.2 software.
ResultsA total of eighteen observational studies were included, involving 28 144 cases of neonatal asphyxia and 32 636 cases of control, 2 148 death cases of neonatal asphyxia and 1 679 cases of controls. The results of meta-analysis showed that neonatal resuscitation technique could reduce newborn suffocation rate compared with the control group in hospital surveys (RR=0.59, 95%CI 0.55 to 0.63, P<0.000 01) and in regional project surveys (RR=0.72, 95%CI 0.69 to 0.75, P<0.000 01). Neonatal resuscitation could also reduce neonatal asphyxia mortality rate in hospital surveys (RR=0.26, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.42, P<0.000 01) and in regional surveys (RR=0.65, 95%CI 0.55 to 0.77, P<0.000 01).
ConclusionThe existing evidence shows that neonatal resuscitation technology could effectively reduce the incidence of neonatal asphyxia and mortality rate in China. Due to the limitations of the quantity and quality of present studies, we need to carry out prospective multicenter cohort studies to verify the current results.
Objective To investigate the effect of penehyclidime hydrochloride as the preanesthetic medication for general anesthesia, and also to provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods We searched The Cochrane library (2007, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to 2007), EMBASE (1988 to 2007), CBM (1978 to 2007), VIP (1989 to 2007) and CNKI (1994 to 2007). Randomised trials comparing penehyclidime hydrochloride with other drugs were collected. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed. Results A total of 23 trials were included, and the quality of all studies was low. Among them, 11 trials compared penehyclidime hydrochloride with atropine, of which only 2 measured the airway secretion volume and indicated that the airway secretion volume was smaller in the penehyclidime hydrochloride group than that in the atropine group (WMD –8.00, 95%CI –8.16 to –7.85, Plt;0.000 01). Twelve trials compared penehyclidime hydrochloride with scopolamine, of which only 2 measured the airway secretion volume and revealed no significant difference between the two groups (WMD –17.07, 95%CI –45.49 to 11.35, P=0.24). Three trials compared penehyclidime hydrochloride with placebo, which showed that the airway secretion volume was smaller in the penehyclidime hydrochloride group than that in the placebo group (WMD –10.60, 95%CI –13.64 to –7.56, Plt;0.000 01). No significant adverse drug reactions were found. Conclusion Current evidence suggested that penehyclidime hydrochloride was not inferior to other drugs in decreasing airway secretion and keeping heart rate stable.
Objective To evaluate prognostic impact of treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or upper airway surgery on the patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods Database search in The Cochrane Library, PubMed, OVID and CBM (from establishment dates to October 2009) were conducted. Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials of OSA with CPAP or upper airway surgery in CHD patients were identified. We assessed the quality of the included trials and extracted the relevant data. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 4.3.2 software. Results A total of 4 cohort studies involving 945 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis were as follows: a) there were no significant differences in the rate of late lumen loss and 10-year mortality between CHD patients with OSA treated by CPAP and those without OSA (RR=1.84, 95%CI 0.73 to 4.68, P=0.20; RR=0.80, 95%CI 0.24 to 2.64, P=0.71). b) CPAP or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty used in the treatment of OSA on CHD patients after PCI had a significant decrease in the rate of 5-year cardiac death when compared with those untreated OSA patients (RR=0.34, 95%CI 0.14 to 0.82, P=0.02). But there were no differences in the rate of 5-year all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between the two groups respectively (RR=0.66, 95%CI 0.39 to 1.10, P=0.11; RR=0.97, 95%CI 0.81 to 1.15, P=0.69). c) CPAP or upper airway surgery in treating OSA significantly reduced the risk of MACE occurrence during the 86.5±39 months follow-up period (RR=0.22, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.72, P=0.01). Conclusion Current evidence indicates that treating OSA with CPAP or upper airway surgery in CHD patients might be associated with a decrease in the risk of cardiac death. But more studies are necessary to evaluate prognostic impact of treatment with CPAP or upper airway surgery on the patients with OSA and CHD. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are need.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different injection sites for collagenase chemonucleolysis for lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (LIDP). Methods We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs in the following electronic databases: Pubmed (1966 to May 2006), EMBASE(1966 to May 2006), The Cochrane library (Issue 2, 2006), CRD(Center for Reviews and Dissemination),York University, CBM (1978 to May 2006 ), CNKI(1994-2006)and VIP(1989-2006). Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. Disagreement was resolved through discussion. Results Eight studies involving a total of 1035 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was not carried out because of apparent heterogeneity. Four studies made comparisons among intradisc, extradisc, and combined intra- and extra-disc injection. One study (62 participants) showed that intradisc injection was superior to extradisc injection (RR 3.71, 95% CI 1.19 to 11.58, Plt;0.05). Another study (240 participants) showed that intradisc injection was superior to combined intra- and extra-disc injection after 3 months and 6 months of follow-up (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.98, Plt;0.05). The other two studies showed no significant difference among intradisc, extradisc, and combined intra- and extra-disc injection. Four studies (436 participants in total) showed that amongst three extradisc injections, both anterior epidural space injection and lateral epidural space injection were superior to posterior epidural space injection (Plt;0.05). Although one study indicated that anterior epidural space injection was superior to lateral epidural space injection (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.51, Plt;0.05), no statistical significance was found between anterior epidural space injection and lateral epidural space injection in two other studies (Pgt;0.05). Conclusions There is insufficient evidence to identify which injection site for collagenase is the most effective for lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion. The included studies showed that both anterior and lateral epidural space injection were superior to posterior epidural space injection. However, these studies are too small and poor quality, and have different diagnostic criteria, follow-up time points, outcome measures and efficacy parameters. Thus, more high quality and large-scale RCTs are needed.
Objective To investigate the effects of two formulations of artesunate, and to provide evidence for the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (2006, Issue 4), MEDLINE ( 1966 to 2007), EMbase (1988 to 2007), CBM (1978 to 2007), VIP (1989 to 2007) and CNKI (1994 to 2007). Randomised trials comparing the two formulations of artesunate with other drugs were eligible for inclusion. We applied the methods of The Cochrane Collaboration to assess the effects of artesunate, compared to placebo and active controls. Results Eleven trials were included, of which 6 compared intravenous artesunate with intravenous quinine. The quality of each study was high, 6 out of the 11 studies were graded A according to the criteria of The Cochrane Collaboration. The other 5 were graded B. The meta-analysis suggested that the mortality rate was lower in the intravenous artesunate group than in the intravenous quinine group [RR 0.65, 95%CI (0.52, 0.80), Plt;0.0001]. Three trials compared intravenous artesunate with artemisinin suppositories. These trials generated similar estimates and confidence intervals for mortality rates, showing no significant difference between the two treatments [0.94 (0.35 to 2.56), 0.58 (0.19 to 1.74) and 2.00 (0.39 to 10.26)]. Two trials compared intravenous artesunate and intramuscular artesunate, and no significant difference in mortality rate was identified between the two treatment groups [RR 1.50, 95%CI 0.52 to 4.31]. Mortality rates were not statistically significantly different for intravenous artesunate compared to alternative drugs. No significant adverse drug reactions were observed. Conclusions Artesunate is effective and safe in the treatment of severe malaria.
Objective To evaluate the prognostic value of the level of serum neurone specific enolase (NSE) in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMbase, CBMdisc, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1950 to December 2007). Studies meeting the eligibility criteria were retrieved and their bibliographies were checked for other relevant publications. The quality of included studies was evaluated by 2 reviewers independently. Meta-analyses were performed for the results of homogeneous studies using STATA 7.0 software. Results Nine studies involving 2 021 SCLC patients were included. About 66.0% of patients had high serum levels of NSE, according to the cut-off value defined by the authors. The hazard ratio (HR) of high levels of NSE for overall survival (OS) was 1.27 times of that of low levels of NSE for OS in SCLC patients (95% CI 1.19 to 1.35, P=0.281). Conclusion Patients with high levels of NSE appear to have a poorer OS compared with those with low levels of NSE, thus the level of NSE has a prognostic value in SCLC patients. Due to the potential publication bias, selection bias, and measurement bias among these studies, the conclusion should be interpreted carefully. More high-quality homogeneous studies are required to accurately evaluate the prognostic value of NSE.
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of tacalcitol and calcitriol on vitiligo. Methods?We searched the MEDLINE (1966 to June 2008), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, issue 4, 2008), OVID (1978 to June 2008), EMbase (1980 to June 2008), CBM (1978 to June 2008), CNKI (1979 to June 2008) to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We also hand searched relevant journals and conference proceedings. The language was confined to English and Chinese. We screened the retrieved studies according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality of included studies, and performed meta-analyses by using the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 software. Results?Ffiteen trials involving 120 patients in 5 self-control trials and 793 patients in other 10 randomized controlled trials were included and assessed. The time of repigmentation onset of good responders and normal responders in the side treated with a combination of topical talcitol and NB-UVB was shorter than that in the control group [WMD= –?75, 95%CI (–?93.93, –?56.07); WMD= –?48, 95%CI (–?76.36, –?19.64)]. The mean number and cumulative dose of excimer light exposures for initial repigmentation in the side treated with tacalcitol and 308-nm monochromatic excimer light were less than those in the control group [WMD= –?0.78, 95%CI (–?1.02, –?0.54; WMD= –?1.06, 95%CI (–?1.36, –?0.76)]. The mean number of UVA exposures for initial repigmentation and complete repigmentation in the side treated with calcipotriol and PUVA were less than those in the control group [WMD= –?2.67, 95%CI (–?3.06, –?2.28); WMD= –?2.67, 95%CI (–?3.42, –?1.92)], and the cumulative UVA dose for iniitial and complete repigmentation in the combination group were also lower than those in the control group [WMD= –?25.68, 95%CI (–?29.44, –?21.92); WMD= –?27.14, 95%CI (–?34.80, –?19.48)]. The mean time of initial pigmentation was much shorter in the group treated with calcipotriol and corticosteroid was shorter than that in the control group [WMD= –?3.87, 95%CI (–?5.45, –?2.29)]. Conclusion?The limited evidence indicated that combination of topical tacalcitol with NB-UVB or monochromatic excimer light, or the combination of topical calcipotriol with PUVA or corticosteroid shortened the time of repigmentation and decreased the cumulative irradiation dose. The side effects were limited. No obvious effect was seen on re-pigmentation degree.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of glucose-insul in-potassium (GIK) in patients with acute myocardialinfarction (AMI). Methods Both foreign language databases including The Cochrane Library (issue 4, 2007), PubMed, EMBASE and Chinese databases involving CBM, VIP and CJFD were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the effect of GIK on the heart function (left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF, ST changes, left ventricular remodel ing) of patients with AMI. Two reviewers assessed the qual ity of each trial and extracted data independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.10 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Five RCTs were included, all of which came from abroad. The methodological qual ity of the included studies was good. The basel ine data of each trial were comparable. Meta-analyses showed that no significant difference was observed in the improvement of LVEF between the GIK group and the control group (WMD=1.87, 95%CI -0.32 to 4.06, P =0.09), whereas GIK was more beneficial in decreasing ST (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.25 to 2.96,P =0.003) and preventing left ventricular remodel ing (OR=0.08, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.68, P=0.02). Conclusion Based on the above evidence, although GIK may, to some extent, be beneficial for both ST decreasing and long-term prognoses in patients with AMI, it can not yet be concluded that GIK can improve the heart function of those patients. Therefore, it is imperative to design and implement further stricter, large-scale RCTs, so as to accurately identify the therapeutic effect of GIK solution in patients with myocardial infarction.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of treatment with Fuzheng Huayu capsule for liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials (CCTR), CBMweb and CNKI up to March 2008. The references of retrieved literature were also hand searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared Fuzheng Huayu capsule with placebo or other drugs were collected. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’ s software RevMan 4.2.10 was used for data analyses. Results Seven RCTs involving 590 cases of liver fibrosis of CHB were included. As for their methodological quality, one was graded A, one was graded B and the others were graded C. We carried out subgroup analyses based on treatment course and intervention measures. In terms of reducing haluronic acid, Fuzheng Huayu capsule was more effective than Huoluo Shugan capsule when the treatment course was 3 months (WMD=–61.75, 95%CI –105.20 to –18.30); significant differences were also noted between Fuzheng Huayu capsule and placebo (WMD=–187.72, 95%CI –244.23 to –31.21) or Huoluo Shugan capsule (WMD=–120.03, 95%CI –158.41 to –81.65) when the treatment course was 6 months. In terms of reducing IV-C, Fuzheng Huayu capsule was more effective than Gantaile when the treatment course was 6 months (WMD=–72.32, 95%CI –84.30 to –60.34). As for improving liver fibrosis at stage S, significant differences were observed between Fuzheng Huayu capsule and Gantaile (RR=2.33, 95%CI 1.37 to 3.96) or Huoluo Shugan capsule (RR=1.30, 95%CI 1.03 to 1.65). Except a very small number of gastrointestinal reactions, no significant adverse reactions were reported. Conclusion Fuzheng Huayu capsule is effective in reducing haluronic acid and improving liver fibrosis at stage S, especially when the treatment course is prolonged from 3 months to 6 months. No significant adverse reactions are reported. Because most of the included trials are of poor quality and small sample size, more high-quality RCTs are needed.
