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 Methods of evidence-based medicine were used to make an individualized treatment plan concerning newly diagnosed diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma in elderly patients. Methods After clinical problems were put forward, evidence was collected from MEDLINE (Jan. 1990 to Dec. 2004) and http://sumsearch.uthscsa.edu/searchform4.htm. Subject words were: NHL; aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma; chemotherapy; CHOP; rituximab; RCT; economic evaluation; older patient. Results A total of 11 randomized controlled trials and 8 systematic reviews about chemotherapy regimen, and 1 systematic review about economic evaluation were identified. A rational treatment plan was made upon a critical evaluation of the data. After 5 months follow-up, the plan was proved optimal. Conclusions The treatment effectiveness in newly diagnosed diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma in the elderly has been improved by an individual treatment plan according to evidence-based methods.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based treatment for a patient newly diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. Methods Based on the clinical questions we raised, evidence including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials was collected from ACP Journal Club (1991 to November 2007), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2007) and PubMed. The retrieved studies were further critically appraised. Results The addition of rituximab to chemotherapy (R-chemo) was superior to chemotherapy alone in patients with follicular lymphoma. The regimen of CVP chemotherapy plus rituximab (R-CVP) was administered to the patient. After 4 courses of R-CVP, the patient had a complete response (CR). Conclusion In newly diagnosed patients with follicular lymphoma, R-chemo is an effective treatment regimen.
Objective To identify the best therapy regime for dyspnea in an end-stage cancer patient.Method We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2006), SUMsearch (1978 to 2006) and MEDLINE (1978 to 2006), and identified 4 systematic reviews and 28 randomised controlled trials. We critically assessed the quality of these studies. Result Evidence supported the use of breathing exercise, desensitisation, oral or parenteral opioids and antianxiety drugs to pall iate breathlessness. Patients with hypoxemia were found to benefit from oxygen therapy. Conclusions Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, oxygen therapy, opioids and antianxiety drugs can be considered in treating cancer patients with dyspnea.
Objective?To identify an evidence-based treatment for an elderly patient with intertrochanteric fractures. Methods?Clinical problems were presented on the basis of the patient’s conditions, and evidence was collected from the NGC (2000 to 2009), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), TRIP Database, PubMed (1966 to 2009) and CBM (1978 to 2009). Treating strategies were formulated in terms of the three-combination principle (best evidence, the doctor’s professional knowledge and the patient’s desire). Results?Three guidelines and sixteen studies were included. The current evidence indicated that surgery was the preferred solution to intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly patient. The sliding hip screw (SHS) appeared superior to others. There was insufficient evidence to support the routine use of closed suction drainage in orthopedic surgeries. Early surgery was associated with shorter hospital stay and improved mortality. Antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced infections. In order to lower the risk of venous thromboembolism, pharmacological prophylaxis should be carried out when the patient was admitted to hospital and be assisted with mechanical prophylaxis after surgery. Nutritional supplementation was conducive to the recovery of the patient. Rehabilitation ought to be performed as soon as possible. Considering the patient’s condition, the treatment option was established according to the available evidence and guidelines. Short-term follow-up showed a good outcome. Conclusion?Through the evidence-based method, an individual treatment plan could obviously improve the treatment effect and prognosis.
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 Making an individualized pharmacological treatment plan for a patient of acute respiratory distress syndrome after operation. Methods First, six clinical problems were put forward after assessing the patient’ s health state. Then we searched OVID versions of the ACP Journal Club (1991~2009), CENTRAL (1st Quarter 2009), CDSR (1st Quarter 2009), and MEDLINE (1991~2009) databases. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials about treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome were included. The pharmacological treatment plan was made accordingly.Results After evaluation, 13 studies were eligible. The evidence indicated that the restrictive strategy of fluid management, corrected hypoproteinaemia, diuresis, and low-dose corticosteroids given in the early phase could improve oxygenation and prognosis; inhaled nitric oxide, exogenous surfactant supplement, other pharmacological drugs were associated with limited improvement in oxygenation in patients with ARDS but confer no mortality benefit and may cause harm, so we did not recommend their routine use in ARDS patients. The individual treatment plan was made based on the evidence found. After 8 days of treatment, the patient was out the ICU. He recovered and was discharged after 1 month. Conclusions The individual treatment plan, which was made based on high quality evidence and patient’s condition, improved treatment efficacy, shortened the stay in ICU, reduced mortality, and decreased adverse reactions.
Through searching and evaluating the evidence on advanced prostate cancer, we found that different types of androgen deprivation had similar effect, and immediate androgen deprivation had survival benefit. For the patient with hormone-refractory prostate cancer, therapies including mitoxantrone, prednisone, docetaxel and surmine were more effective. Strontium-89 provided more effective pain relief than external beam radiation. And bisphophonate had no effect. Antiandrogen withdrawal suggested prostate specific antigen would decline, but the clinical outcome wasn’t reported.
Objective To make an individulized treatment plan for a patient with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods After clinical problems were put forward, evidence was collected from http://www. nccn.org. The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2008), Medline (PubMed 1990. 1-2008.11) and CHKD periodical database were searched. Results A total of 21 RCTs, 5 systematic reviews and 13 CT phase Ⅲ trials were identified. A rational treatment plan was made upon a serious evaluation of the data. After nine monthes of follow-up, the plan was proved optimal. Conclusion For locally advanced NSCLC patients, an individulized treatment plan made by evidence-based methods not only can inprove the treatment efficacy but also can lead both of doctors and patients to assume the indeterminateness of medicine.