Objective To evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on breast conserving surgery and the outcomes of treatment for women with operable breast cancer. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2007), CENTRAL (1970 to 2007), PUBMED (1978 to March 2007), CBM (1978 to 2006), CNKI (1994 to 2007), CMCC (1994 to May 2007) and other relevant databases and journals. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NAC plus breast conserving therapy (BCT) or mastectomy versus BCT or mastectomy plus postoperative chemotherapy in women with operable breast cancer. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Meta-analyses were performed for homogenous studies by using The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.10. Results Three eligible studies involving 2?391 women were included. The median follow-up in the studies ranged from 17 to 137 months. The methodological quality of the three RCTs was high. Meta-analyses showed that NAC had no significant effect on overall survival (OS) (RR 0.99, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.07), disease-free survival (RR 1.04, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.15) and ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence (RR 1.34, 95%CI 0.84 to 2.13). Two RCTs revealed that NAC significantly increased the rate of BCT in operable breast cancer patients, but the other RCT reported similar rates of BCT in both groups. One RCT indicated that NAC did not increase the incidence of surgery-related local complications. Conclusions NAC is safe for the treatment of women with operable breast cancer, which may increase the rate of BCT and help to evaluate chemosensitivity. There is insufficient evidence to assess the effect of NAC on conserving surgery procedure and survival rate in operable BCT patients. More large-scale RCTs are needed to define further the role of NAC in the treatment of operable breast cancer patients.
Objective To evaluate the short and long term effectiveness and safety of rapamycin-based immunosuppression regimes with CsA preserving versus CsA withdrawal. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and CNKI from Jan. 1995 to Dec. 2005. We identified randomized controlled trials of rapamycin-hased immunosuppression regimes with CsA preserving versus CsA withdrawal for renal transplantation patients. The quality of included trials was evaluated by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted on homogeneous studies. Results Ten studies （1 121 patients） undergoing renal transplantation were included. All included studies were graded in term of randomization, allocation concealment and bhnding. Six studies were graded A and the other 4 were graded B. Meta-analysis results showed CsA withdrawal in sirolimus-based therapy in renal transplantation patients survival rate OR.（95% CI ） values were 0,77（0.17, 3.52）, 1.24（0.48, 3.16）, 1.32（0.57, 3.08）, 1.21（0.60, 2.41） at the end of 6, 12, 24, 36 months respectively; renal allografts survival rate OR. （95% CI） values were 1.79 （0.63, 5.06）, 1.15 （ 0.56, 2.36） , 1.39 （0.68, 2.85）, 1.80（0.99, 3.29）, 2. 13（1.16, 3.89）, 2.01（1.15, 3.51） at the end of 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 54 months respectively; and acute rejection OP,（95% CI） values were 0.92（0.48, 1.78）, 1.90（1.25, 2.89）, 2. 01 （0.94,4.27）, 1.93（0.93, 4.00）, 1.52（0.77, 3.02） at the end of6, 12, 24, 36, 48 months respectively. Conclusions Available evidence shows that compared with CsA preserving, CsA withdrawal in rapamycin-based immunosuppression regimes can lead to higher incidence rates of acute rejection at the end of one year while there is no statistical difference to survival rate of patients/renal allograft in cases with stabilized renal function post-transplantation. And CsA withdrawal is of benefit to allografts for long term survival rate and is helpful to recovery of renal function. Owing to high possibility of selection bias and measurement bias in included studies, there must be a negative impact on evidence intensity of our results. We expect best evidence from with high quality double blind randomized control trials.
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.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect of self-management intervention on the prevention and management of lymphedema in breast cancer patients. MethodsThe Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect studies on self-management intervention on the prevention and management of lymphedema in breast cancer patients, from inception to June 16. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 37 references were included, comprising 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 12 controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and a total of 3 697 patients. There were 26 studies in the meta-analysis, and the results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group exhibited better performance in lymphedema management-related behaviors (SMD=2.65, 95%CI 1.53 to 3.78, P<0.01), symptoms related to lymphedema (SMD=?2.01, 95%CI ?3.66 to ?0.37, P<0.05), occurrence of lymphedema (RR=0.37, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.45, P<0.01), upper limb function (SMD=?1.88, 95%CI ?2.83 to ?0.92, P<0.01), quality of life (SMD=2.79, 95%CI 2.05 to 3.54, P<0.01), and the difference was statistically significant. The intervention mainly included information support, material support, emotional support and decision support. ConclusionThere are currently a variety of self-management interventions, but they mainly focus on information support. Self-management interventions can improve the self-management behavior of breast cancer patients with lymphedema and reduce the impact of lymphedema on patients.
Objective To evaluate efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus（FK506）for atopic dermatitis. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from specialized trials registered in Cochrane Skin Group (July, 2003), the Cochrane Library (issue 2, 2003), Medline (1996-2003), Embase (1984-2003) and CBM (1978-2003). We handsearched the published and unpublished data and Cochrane Skin Group 8th Annual Meeting. RCTs comparing tacrolimus with placebo or hormone were included. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently. Results Eight randomized controlled trials involving 4 122 patients were included, with all trials of high methodological quality. Meta-analysis indicated that 0.03% tacrolimus was more effective than placebo, 1% hydrocortisone acetate and 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate with odds ratio of 3.03 [95%CI (1.05, 8.73), P=0.04], 0.1% tacrolimus was more effective than placebo, 1% hydrocortisone acetate and 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate with odds ratio of 3.84 [95%CI (1.43, 10.32), P=0.008], 0.3% tacrolimus was more effective than placebo with odds ratio of 3.20 [95%CI (1.31, 7.79), P=0.01], the odds ratio of 0.1% tacrolimus vs 0.03% tacrolimus was 1.40 [95%CI (1.13, 1.72), P=0.002]. No serious adverse effects were identified. Conclusions Topical tacrolimus for atopic dermatitis is more effective than placebo and 1% hydrocortisone acetate. 0.1% tacrolimus is more effective than 0.03% tacrolimus. No conclusion could be drawn when tacrolimus is compared with 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate. Tacrolimus tends to improve EASI scores, head and neck scores as well as HRQL scores, but more randomized controlled trials are necessary to draw definite conclusions.
Objective To determine the effect of closed tracheal suction system versus open tracheal suction system on the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia in adults. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2007), PubMed (1966 to 2006) and CBM (1980 to 2007), and also hand searched relevant journals. Randomized controlled trials involving closed tracheal suction system versus open tracheal suction system for ventilator-associated pneumonia in adults were included. Data were extracted and the quality of trials was critical assessed by two reviewers independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for data analyses. Result Five randomized controlled trials involving 739 patients were included. Results of meta-analyses showed that compared to open tracheal suction system, closed tracheal suction system did not increase the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.50 to 1.37) or case fatality (RR 1.05, 95%CI 0.85 to 1.31). No significant differences were observed between open tracheal suction system and closed tracheal suction system in the total number of bacteria (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.50 to 1.37), the number of SPP colony (RR 2.87, 95%CI 0.94 to 8.74) and the number of PSE colony (RR 1.46, 95%CI 0.76 to 2.77). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the duration of ventilation and length of hospital stay. Conclusion Open or closed tracheal suction systems have similar effects on the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia, case fatality, the number of SPP and PSE colonies, duration of ventilation and length of hospital stay. However, due to the differences in interventions and statistical power among studies included in this systematic review, further studies are needed to determine the effect of closed or open tracheal suction systems on these outcomes.
Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of additional bedtime H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) in suppressing nocturnal gastric acid breakthrough (NAB). Methods We identified eligible trials by searching The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMbase and CINAHL. We handsearched the data from the proceedings of correlated conferences, eight kinds of important Chinese journals and references of all included trials. All randomized controlled trials evaluating H2RAs for the control of NAB were eligible for inclusion. The systematic review was conducted using methods recommended by The Cochrane Collaboration. Results Only two randomized crossover studies including 32 participants met the inclusion criteria. Because the design, dosage and duration of the treatment were different between the studies, it was impossible to conduct Meta-analysis. There was no consistent conclusion between the two included studies in evaluating H2RAs for the control of NAB. Conclusion We can not conclude any implications for practice at this stage. Appropriately designed large-scale randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to decide the effects of additional bedtime H2RAs in suppressing NAB.
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 evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongxiening granule （TXNG） in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） （stagnation of the liver-qi attacking the spleen）. Methods In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 60 patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS were randomly divided into the TXNG group （TXNG, 5.0g, 3 times daily; n =30） and the placebo group （placebo, 5. 0g, 3 times daily; n =30）. The treatment was administered for 3 weeks, and the follow-up was conducted for 4 weeks.Results （1）Abdominal pain： The cure rates were 57. 7% vs. 16. 0% （ by per-protocol analysis, PP） and 31.0% vs. 7.1% （ by intention-to-treat analysis （ITT） ; and the overall improvement rates were 92.3% vs. 44.0% （PP） and 82.7% vs. 39.3% （ITT） in the TXNG and the placebo groups respectively （ P 〈0. 05）. （2） Diarrhea ： the cure rates were 46. 2% vs. 20. 0% （PP） and 41.4% vs. 17. 9% （ITT） , and the overall improvement rates were 96. 2% vs 48. 0% （PP） and 86. 2% vs 42.9% （ITT） in the two groups respectively （P 〈0.05）. （3）Traditional Chinese medicine symptoms： the cure rates were 30.8% vs. 4.0% （PP） and 27.6% vs. 3.6% （ITT） ; and the overall improevment rates were 92.3% vs. 48.0% （PP） and 82.7% vs 42.9% （ITT） in the two groups respectively （P 〈0. 05）. The pain duration after treatment in the TXNG group was significantly shortened compared with the placebo group （7.6 ±4. 6d vs 14. 4 ±4. 3d, P =0. 0125）. After 4-week follow-up, it suggested that the recrudescent duration in symptoms related to IBS in the TXNG group was longer than that in the placebo group （11.5 ±5.3 d vs 6.2 ±6.9 d, P = 0. 019）. No adverse effects were found in the TXNG group. Conclusion It was demonstrated that TXNG is effective and safe in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant ms （stagnation of the liver-qi attacking the spleen）.
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.