Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of efalizumab in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT) on efalizumab in the treatment of psoriasis were identified from The Cochrane Library ( issue 1, 2006) , specialized trials registered in Cochrane Skin Group (2006), MEDLINE (1966 - 2006) and EMBASE (1974 - 2006). The quality of the trials was assessed by two reviewers independently. RevMan 4.2.7 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for statistical analysis. Results Three RCTs involving 1 651 patients were included, all of which were of high methodological quality. All the patients were diagnosed as chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with the age of 18-75 years. Meta-analysis indicated that at week 12, significantly more patients in both 1mg/kg/w and 2 mg/kg/w efalizumab subcutaneous groups achieved PASI50, PASI75, PASI90 improvement compared to the placebo group (Plt;0.0001), while there was no significant difference in PASI50, PASI75 and PASI90 responses between 1mg and 2mg efalizumab groups (P gt;0.05). No serious adverse effects were identified. Extended treatment for another 12w may contribute to further efficacy without increasing toxicty. Conclusions Efalizumab 12w therapy is safe and effective for treating adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. More RCTs are required to assess the efficacy of the extended treatment.
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of sevoflurane versus ketamine in the anesthesia of child short period surgery. Methods Such databases as EMbase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBMdisc, Ongoing Controlled Trial and Conference Articles were searched from their establishment to April 2011 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the quasi-RCTs. The quality of those studies meeting the inclusive criteria was assessed, the data were extracted and the meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.1.1 software. Results Ten studies involving 600 participants were included. Seven studies showed that the intraoperative heart rate of the sevoflurane group was lower than that of the ketamine group (MD= –11.85, 95%CI –16.47 to –7.23, Plt;0.000 01). Nine studies showed that the revival time of the sevoflurane group was shorter than that of the ketamine group (MD= –29.05, 95%CI –37.98 to –20.12, Plt;0.000 01). Three studies showed that the anesthesia induction time of the sevoflurane group was shorter than that of the ketamine group (MD= –208.45, 95%CI –359.22 to –57.68, P=0.007). Six studies showed that the influence on mean arterial pressure (MAP) had no significante difference (MD= –4.86, 95%CI –10.02 to 0.29, P=0.06). Meanwhile, seven studies showed that the adverse events of the sevoflurane group were fewer than those of the ketamine group (Peto OR=0.29, 95%CI 0.20 to 0.40, Plt;0.000 01). Conclusion The results of this system review show that sevoflurane is more effective than ketamine with fewer adverse reactions, and it provides a new choice for clinical anesthesia for child short period surgery. However, ketamine is still the main drug in clinical anesthesia for the child short period surgery at present, so high quality studies are needed for further clinical researches.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PPC) for chronic hepatitis. Methods We searched EMBASE (1980May,2003), MEDLINE(1966May,2003), CBM (1979May,2003), The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2003 and handsearched 8 related Chinese journals. Randomized controlled trials(RCT) comparing PPC versus placebo/no treatment for chronic hepatitis were included with no restrictions of blinding, language and publication. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and assessed the quality . Data were entered and analyzed by RevMan 4.2 software supplied by the Cochrane Collaboration .Results Six high quality trials involving 568 patients were included. Four studies involving 451 patients showed the clinical effective rate of PPC for chronic hepatitis was 52.5% while the control group was 37.5% with statistical difference [RR1.81,95%CI(1.41,2.33),Z=4.69, Plt;0.00001].A meta-analysis involving three studies with 100 patients showed the PPC can statically improve histopathology of chronic hepatitis comparing with control group [RR 2.58,95%CI (1.61,4.15),Z=3.91,Plt;0.0001].No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions PPC is a safe medicine used for treating chronic viral hepatitis and may relieve clinical symptoms and signs.At the same time ,it has positive effect on hepatic histopathology for patients .However ,more high quality clinical trials are required.
Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicinal herbs for female immune-caused subfertility. Methods Databases included: MEDLINE (1966-2002.2), EMBASE (1984-2002.2), CBM (1978-2002.2) and Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, CCTR (Issue 1, 2002). Reference lists of trials were handsearched. Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) whether blind or unblind, any languages and length of follow up were included. Treatments included Chinese medicinal herbs (single or compound). Controls were placebo and western medicine, or no intervention. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and analyzed with Revman 4.2. Results Six RCTs were included, all of which were poor in methodological quality. Because of different therapies in the treatment and control groups, we did not perform meta-analysis. The No.1 anti-immune tablet was more effective than corticosteroid plus condom during intercourse both in the pregnancy rate (RR 3.75, 95%CI 1.61 to 8.75, P=0.002) and AsAb negative rate (RR 1.66, 95%CI 1.23 to 2.22, P=0.000 8). Bushen Xiezhuo Soup was more effective than antibiotic in the pregnancy rate (RR 2.97, 95%CI 1.60 to 5.50, P=0.000 6) and antisperm antibody (AsAb) negative rate (RR 2.33, 95%CI 1.54 to 3.54, Plt;0.000 1)。Zhenqi Zhuanyin Soup was as effective as IUI in pregnancy rate (RR 1.80, 95%CI 0.58 to 5.60, P＝0.31) but more effective than IUI in AsAb negative conversion rate (RR 9.61, 95%CI 3.22 to 28.67, Plt;0.000 1), Zhenqi Zhuanyin Soup combined with IUI was more effective than IUI in pregnancy rate (RR 3.60, 95%CI 1.32 to 9.85,P=0.01) and AsAb negative rate (RR 8.92, 95%CI 2.98 to 26.75, Plt;0.000 1). Conclusions Some Chinese medicinal herbs may work well in subfertility treatment. However, the evidence is too weak to draw a conclusion for there are deficiencies in strict randomization, blinding and follow-up.More strictly designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are required.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of intravenous glutamine on patients with severe acute pancreatitis. MethodsThe Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, CNKI and CBM databases were searched up to January 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared non-glutamine nutrition with intravenous glutamine supplemented nutrition in patients with severe acute pancreatitis were included. A method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration was used to perform a meta-analysis of those RCTs. ResultsFour RCTs involving a total of 190 participants were included. Analysis of these RCTs revealed the presence of statistical homogeneity among them. Results showed that glutamine dipeptide had a positive effect on reducing the mortality rate[OR=0.26, 95%CI (0.09, 0.73), P=0.01], length of hospital stay[WMD=-4.85 d, 95%CI (-6.67, -3.03) d, P<0.001], and the rate of complications[OR=0.41, 95%CI (0.22, 0.78), P=0.006]. No serious adverse effects were found. ConclusionCurrent best evidence demonstrates that glutamine is effective for severe acute pancreatitis. Further high quality trials are required and parameters of nutritional condition and hospital cost should be considered in future RCTs with sufficient size and rigorous design.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam in the prevention of etomidate-induced myoclonus. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2015), CBM, WanFang Data, VIP, and CNKI were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about midazolam in the prevention of etomidate-induced myoclonus from inception to August, 2015. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.2 and Stata 12.0 softwares. ResultsA total of 14 RCTs involving 1 274 patients were included. The results of metaanalysis showed that, compared with placebo, pretreatment with midazolam injection could reduce the incidence of myoclonus (RR=0.28, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.42, P<0.000 01). The sub-group analysis based on different doses of midazolam showed that all three different doses of midazolam (0.015 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg and 0.05-0.1 mg/kg) could reduce the incidence of myoclonus effectively (all P values <0.05). ConclusionPretreatment with midazolam injection can reduce the incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus without increasing the risk of recovery latency and over sedation. Due to the limited quality of included studies, the above conclusion needs to be further verified by more high quality studies.
Objective To assess the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy(RT) for endometrial cancer compared to other treatmen. Method The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBAS, CancerLit, CBMdisc, CNKI. The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2007). Correlative websites, such as ‘google’, were searched by hand. The studies included in the references of eligible studies were additionally searched RCTs of adjuvant radiotherapy before March, 2007 comparing adjuvant radiotherapy with other treatment for endometrial cancer were included. Eligible RCTs were assessed for quality by two reviewers independently: criteria of concealment of treatment, blinding, standard validity and reliability of outcome measures, withdraw rate, intention-to-treat analysis and homogeneity between centers were analyzed for each study. All data were performed by a meta-analysis. Result Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria/ Methodological quality was level B. Five RCTs were compared adjuvant radiotherapy (external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and /or intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) with other treatment, Two RCTs including one RCT was compared two different fractionation schedules for postoperative vagina high-dose-rate(HDR) irradiation in endometrial carcinoma the other RCT was compared two different radiotherapy method (pelvic radiotherapy and vagina radiotherapy vs vagina radiotherapy) for endometrial carcinoma. No survival different were identified; none of the studies was powered enough to show a survival benefit. But who received RT had fewer local (pelvic and/or vagina) recurrences compared to women not receiving RT. Adverse effects is found more often in RT than in not RT, there is less localrecurrences in combined radiotherapy (pelvic radiotherapy and vagina radiotherapy) than in vagina radiotherapy. lowdose vagina radiotherapy had few vagina shortening than high-dose radiotherapy, there are the same 5-overall surviva, local recurrences and distant recurrences. Conclusions Adjuvant radiotherapy for endometrial can cer can better control local recurrences than observation for postoperative endometrial cancer. Effects about overall survival, distant recurrences and disease-free survival are similar; low-dose vagina radiotherapy has few vagina shortening than high-dose radiotherapy, there are the same 5-years overall survival, local recurrences and distant recurrences for endometrial cancer, there is less local recurrences in combined radiotherapy (pelvic radiotherapy plus vagina radiotherapy) than in vagina radiotherapy for endometrial cancer; postoperative high-dose brachytherapy can get good cost-effectiveness; Effect of adjuvant radiotherapy for overall survival and disease-free survival of endometrial carcinoma are needed to further assessed by rigorously designs, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials adjuvant radiotherapy for endometrial carcinoma.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Polypill on cardiovascular risk factors. MethodSuch databases as Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastracture, WanFang, and China Biology Medicine Disc were searched from their establishment to May 2015 for randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of Polypillon on cardiovascular risk factors. Meta-analyses were performed by using the RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsSix studies were included which all came from overseas including 1 155 patients treated with Polypill and 1 149 treated with placebo or single or combined medicaiton. The meta-analysis showed that:when compared with the controls, Polypills could significantly reduce systolic blood pressure[WMD=-9.39 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), 95%CI (-14.44, -4.33) mm Hg, P=0.0003], diastolic blood pressure[WMD=-5.32 mm Hg, 95%CI (-8.10, -2.55) mm Hg, P=0.0002], total cholesterol[WMD=-1.11 mmol/L, 95%CI (-1.48, -0.74) mmol/L, P<0.00001], and low density lipoprotein[WMD=-0.91 mmol/L, 95%CI (-1.25, -0.57) mmol/L, P<0.00001]. However, those who took Polypill were easier to discontinue medication [OR=1.49, 95%CI (1.19, 1.87), P=0.0005]. In the respect of adverse effects, there was no significant difference between the two groups[OR=1.47, 95%CI (0.67, 3.25), P=0.34]. ConclusionsThe efficacy of Polypill on cardiovascular risk factors is obvious. Polypills can significantly reduce blood pressure and lipids. Tolerability is lower in those taking Polypills, but the difference is minor. There is no significant difference in the respect of adverse effects.
Objective To assess the necessity and safety of ureteral stenting after ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treatment of middle and distal ureteral calculi. Methods We electronically searched MEDLINE, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CBM, VIP and CNKI to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving men with or without ureteral stenting after ureteroscopic lithotripsy from 2000 to March 2010. The quality of included trials was assessed. Data were extracted and analyzed with RevMan5.0 software. Results Six RCTs involving 543 patients were identified. The results of meta-analysis showed that: a) There was no statistical difference between two groups in stone clearance rate (RR=0.45, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.01, P=0.15), dysuria rate (RR=1.35, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.84, P=0.06), and hematuria rate (RR=2.12, 95% CI 1.00 to 4.49, P=0.05); b) There was statistical difference between two groups in frequent micturition rate (RR=2.17, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.17, P=0.02), the mean visual analog score 3 days postoperatively (WMD=0.94, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.42, P=0.000?1), and the operation time (WMD=3.57, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.72, P=0.001). Without postoperative ureteral stenting can shorten the operation time, decrease the irritation signs of bladder, and can improve quality of postoperative life without influence on stone clearance. Couclusions The routine ureteral stenting after ureteroscopic lithotripsy may be not necessary in order to keep patients from unsafety. More reasonable randomized double blind controlled trails with large sample are required to provide proofs with high quality because the methodology quality of included studies is lower.
Objective To determine the efficiency and safety of dexmedetomidine in general anesthesia. Methods Trials were located through electronic searches of the PubMed, EBSCO, OVID, Springer, Foreign Journals Integration System, CNKI, CMBdisk (from the date of establishment of the databases to April 2008). Bibliographies of the retrieved articles were also checked. Result A total of 25 trials involving 1 241 patients were included. The Meta-analysis showed: dexmedetomidine reduced peri-operative heart rate and blood pressure, reduced the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomitting [RR=0.57, 95%CI (0.38, 0.84)], postoperative agitation [RR=0.29, 95%CI (0.17, 0.51)], shivering [RR=0.45, 95%CI (0.29, 0.68)], increase the occurrence of bradycardia [RR=2.16, 95%CI (1.58, 2.95)], hypotension [RR=2.97, 95%CI (1.42, 6.18)]. Dexmedetomidine reduced administration of thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, while there was no difference in muscle relaxant. Dexmedetomidine showed no difference in emergency time compared with the control group. As a result of low incidence of adverse reaction, dexmedetomidine showed superior in discharge time [WMD15.17, 95%CI (3.87, 26.46)]. Conclusions The limited current evidence shows that dexmedetomidine is better in maintaining the hemodynamic balance; reducing occurrence of nausea, vomiting, agitation and shivering; and reducing doses of anesthetics. In emergency time, dexmedetomidine shows no difference except discharge time.