Objective To systematically review the efficacy of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) by helmet in adults with acute respiratory failure. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies about noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) by helmet in adults with acute respiratory failure were retrieved in PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2016), Web of Science, EMbase, CBM, CNKI and WanFang Data databases from inception to November 2016. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Stata 12.0 software was then used to perform meta-analysis. Results A total of eight studies were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, NPPV by helmet could significantly reduce the carbon dioxide partial pressure (cohort study: SMD=–0.46, 95%CI –0.75 to –0.18, P=0.001), tracheal intubation rate (RCT: OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.17 to 0.77, P=0.008) and hospital mortality (RCT: OR=0.48, 95%CI 0.24 to 0.98, P=0.044), improve the positive end expiratory pressure (RCT: SMD=1.27, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.67, P<0.05) and respiratory status (RCT: SMD=–0.45, 95%CI –0.81 to –0.08,P=0.017). There was no significant difference in the duration of NPPV(cohort study: OR=–0.20, 95%CI –0.50 to 0.09, P=0.177; RCT: OR=–0.24, 95%CI –0.86 to 0.38, P=0.445). Conclusion NPPV by helmet can reduce the carbon dioxide partial pressure, tracheal intubation rate, hospital mortality and improve the positive end expiratory pressure, respiratory status. But the effects in the duration of NPPV and oxygenation index are uncertain. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched to collect case-control studies on the association between HP and PD from January 2000 to July 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 16 case-control studies involving 2 790 subjects were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the HP infection rate was higher in PD patients than that in healthy patients (OR=1.87, 95%CI 1.38 to 2.54, P<0.000 1). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the infection rate of HP in PD group in Asia and Africa region was significantly higher than that in control group, but not in Europe region. Breath tests and other detection methods were used to detect HP infection, and the HP infection rate in PD group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group. However, there was no significant difference in HP infection between the two groups by ELISA. UPDRS Ⅲ score of PD patients with HP infection was significantly higher than that of PD patients without HP infection. ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that PD patients have a higher HP infection rate than the normal population, and the rates are affected by regions and HP detection methods. In addition, HP infection can aggravate the motor symptoms and motor complications of PD patients. Due to limited quality and quantity of included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.
Objective To investigate the current situation of randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trial (RCT/CCT) on chronic hepatitis B and whether to offer reliable evidence for clinical practice in China. Methods RCT/CCT identified from six Chinese clinical journals were searched manually and assessed according to international standard of evidence-based medicine. Results 308 issues containing 212 therapeutic articles and 88 RCT/CCT on chronic hepatitis B were identified and analyzed. Conclusion the quantity and quality of RCT/CCT of chronic hepatitis B did not meet the need of clinical practice.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of local anesthesia for venipuncture in children, and to provide evidence for related nursing practice.MethodsWeb of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Biomedical Database and VIP databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the application of local anesthesia in venipuncture in children till June 25th, 2021. Two reviewers independently reviewed the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included RCTs. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 19 RCTs were included, comprising 2 566 patients. All of them were high-quality English articles included in SCI or Medline. The results of meta-analysis showed that: the painless rate [odds ratio (OR)=3.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.88, 7.66), P=0.000 2] and satisfaction rate of venipuncture [OR=2.12, 95%CI (1.27, 3.54), P=0.004] in the local anesthesia group were higher than those in the non-anesthesia group, and the pain score [mean difference=?0.62, 95%CI (?0.77, ?0.48), P<0.000 01] in the local anesthesia group was lower than that in the non-anesthesia group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the success rate of the first puncture [OR=1.14, 95%CI (0.77, 1.68), P=0.52], the incidence of transient skin reactions [OR=1.15, 95%CI (0.67, 1.95), P=0.62], the incidence of paleness [OR=1.11, 95%CI (0.57, 2.15), P=0.76], or the incidence of edema at the puncture site [OR=0.64, 95%CI (0.21, 1.96), P=0.44].ConclusionsLocal anesthesia can effectively reduce pain and improve the satisfaction of children with venipuncture, and has good clinical safety. It can be used by nursing staff in clinical practice.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of clinical pathway (CP) in patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). MethodsA retrospective, case-matched, and clinical controlled study was applied. We selected patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) who were hospitalized in 363 Hospital and underwent LC between September 2012 and August 2013, and divided them into two groups (non-CP vs. CP:2 to 1) according to sex, age (±5), nation and complications. The indicators including length of stay (LOS), antibiotic usage and per-average hospital expenses were compared between groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software. ResultsA total of 1 044 patients were included, of which 348 were assigned to CP management (CP group), while the other 696 patients were 2 to 1 matched with those in the CP group. Compared to the non-CP group, the pre-operation LOS and total LOS in the CP group were shortened by 1.23 days and 2.08 days, respectively (P < 0.05); the per-average hospital expenses and per-average expenses of drugs in the CP group were decreased by ¥604.7 yuan and ¥287.5 yuan, respectively (P < 0.05); and the rate of antibiotic and non-restricted antibiotic usage in the CP group were dropped by 4.4% and 7.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in efficiency, hospital-related infection rate, the incidence of adverse events, the restricted and special antibiotic usage rate (P > 0.05). The variation coefficient of patients included in the CP group was 15.8%, and the time which did not meet the admission requirement of CP was the main reason for this variation (27, 49.1%). ConclusionClinical pathway could shorten the LOS and cut down the total hospital expenses. However, multidisciplinary cooperation is still needed, and we should optimize the CP processes continuously and enhance the flexibility of CP, so as to improve the quality of medical service.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the influence of nifedipine combined with atorvastatin on hypertension in patients with hypertension.MethodPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nifedipine combined with atorvastatin on hypertension in patients with hypertension from inception to November 20th, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, then, meta-analysis was performed by using Stata 12.0 software.ResultsA total of 17 RCTs involving 1 838 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis indicated that nifedipine combined with atorvastatin was superior to nifedipine alone on SBP (MD=?8.937, 95%CI?11.913 to ?5.962, P<0.001), DBP (MD=?3.702, 95%CI?6.626 to ?0.778, P=0.013) and total effective rate (RR=1.24, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.44, P=0.003). There was no significant difference between two groups in the incidence of adverse reactions (P>0.05).ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that nifedipine combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve total effective rate, decrease the level of SBP and DBP, and increasing of dose not increase the incidence of adverse reactions. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
In medical research, pilot and feasibility studies are conducted to reduce the uncertainty of future main trial and enhance its overall quality and probability of successful completion. The objective of a pilot and feasibility study is to answer whether the main trial can be performed, should be performed, and if so, how. Due to the tremendous resources, time, and funding required for a phase Ⅲ clinical trial, conducting a pilot and feasibility study is generally a pivotal step. While pilot and feasibility studies are gaining increasing attention in clinical research, efforts are largely required to promote the dissemination in China. Therefore, in this article, we briefly introduce the concepts of a pilot and feasibility study, its importance to the main trial, and current practice. Examples are also provided to help illustrate the introduction.
Objective To assess the effectivess and safety of Shenkang capsule in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis (Qiyinliangxu Syndrome). Methods A double blind, double dummy and randomized controlled method was adopted. A total of 96 patients were randomized to the treatment group (Shenkang capsule, 2 capsules, twice a day) and the control group (Shenyankang capsule, 2 capsules, twice a day). The therapeutic course for both groups was 2 months. Results All the results were analyzed on the basis of retention-to-treat(ITT) and per-protocol-population (PP). For effect of chronic glomerulonephritis in the treatment group, the clinical control rates were 12.86% (9/70) with ITT analysis and 14. 75% (9/61) with PP analysis; the good improvement rates were 12. 86% (9/70) with ITT analysis and 14. 75% (9/61) with PP analysis; the total effective rates were 48. 58% (34/70) and 55.73% (34/61). In the control group, the clinical control rates were 4. 17% (1/24) with ITT analysis and 5.00% (1/20) with PP analysis respectively; the good improvement rates were 4. 17% (1/24) with ITT analysis and 5.00% (1/20) with PP analysis respectively; the total effective rates were 45. 83% (11/24) with ITT analysis and 55.00% (11/20) with PP analysis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P〉0.05). For Qiyinliangxu syndrome improvement, in the treatment group, the clinical control rate and good improvement rate were 18. 57% (13/70) with ITT analysis and 21.31% (13/61) with PP analysis respectively; the total effective rates were 81.43% (57/70) with ITT analysis and 93. 44% (57/61) with PP analysis respectively; In the control group, the clinical control rate and good improvement rate were 20. 84% ( 5/24 ) with ITT analysis and 25.00% (5/20 ) with PP analysis respectively; the total effective rates were 75. 00% (18/24) with ITT analysis and 85. 00% (17/20) with PP analysis respectively. The results showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P 〉0. 05). No adverse effects were found. Conclusions No statistical difference was detected between Shengkang capsule and Shenyan capsule groups. No obvious toxic adverse effects were found.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of hyperthermia in combination with radiation, chemotherapy or both for middle/advanced cervical cancer patients (LACC). MethodsThe databases such as PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 6, 2013), CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were searched from inception to July 1st, 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated hyperthermia in combination with radiation, chemotherapy or both for LACC for cervical cancer at middle/advanced stage. Two reviewers screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and evaluated methodological quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.2.6 software. ResultsSix RCTs were included. A descriptive analysis was conducted due to significant heterogeneities among the results of studies. Out of 6 studies, the results of 4 studies showed that hyperthermia increased complete remission rate; the results of 3 studies reported objective effectiveness; while only one study showed statistical significance. Overall survival was reported in all studies, while only one study showed that hyperthermia significantly improved overall survival. Only one study reported 3-year progression-free survival with statistical significance. Two studies reported disease-free survival but only one showed statistical significance. Only two studies reported adverse events, and the data in one study showed acute toxicities of Grade 2-3 were higher for hyperthermia with unclear long-term reaction. ConclusionCurrent evidence is insufficient to confirm the efficacy and safety of hyperthermia for cervical cancer, and large-scale well-designed RCTs are further needed to verify the efficacy and safety of hyperthermia in the combined treatment of cervical cancer.