Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of single and bilateral lung transplantation in the treatment of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Chinese and English databases were searched by computer, including PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database and CBM. Case-control studies on single lung transplantation or bilateral lung transplantation for COPD were collected from the inception to July 31, 2022. We evaluated the quality of the literature via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). All results were analyzed using Review Manager V5.3 and STATA 17.0. Results A total of 8 studies were included covering 14076 patients, including 8326 patients in the single lung transplantation group and 5750 patients in the bilateral lung transplantation group. NOS scores were≥6 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical difference in the postoperative 1-year survival between the two groups (P=0.070). The 2-year survival rate (P=0.002), 3-year survival rate (P<0.001), 5-year survival rate (P<0.001), overall survival rate (P＜0.001), postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second/predicted value (P<0.001), postoperative forced vital capacity (P<0.001), and postoperative 6-minute walking distance (P=0.002) were lower or shorter than those in the bilateral lung transplantation group, the postoperative intubation time (P=0.030) was longer than that in the bilateral lung transplantation group. Bilateral lung transplantation group showed better surgical results. There was no statistical difference in the mortality, obliterative bronchiolitis, length of hospitalization, primary graft dysfunction, or postoperative adverse events (P>0.05). Conclusion Bilateral lung transplantation is associated with better long-term survival and postoperative lung function compared with single lung transplantation. In-hospital mortality and postoperative complications are similar between them.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE), surgery and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of uterine fibroids.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect relevant studies on comparing the safety and effectiveness of UAE, surgery and HIFU in the treatment of uterine fibroids from January 2000 to August 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies, network meta-analysis was performed by ADDIS 1.16.8 software and Stata 14.0 software.ResultsA total of 11 trials (22 references) involving 3469 patients were included. Compared with surgery, UAE and HIFU patients had higher quality of life (1-year follow-up) improvement, and UAE was higher than HIFU. Network meta-analysis showed that patients treated with HIFU had the lowest incidence of major complications within 1 year, followed by UAE, and surgery. Patients treated with HIFU and UAE had shorter hospitalization and quicker recovery time than surgery. The rate of further intervention after surgery treatment might be lower than that of UAE and HIFU.ConclusionsUAE has the highest quality of life improvement (1-year follow-up) for uterine fibroids. HIFU and UAE are safer with shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery time compared with surgery. However, both UAE and HIFU have the risk of re-treatment. However, limited by the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions are needed to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of fibfinogen-depleting agents (snake venom extracts) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Method A systematic review of all the relevant randomized controlled trails (RCTs) was performed. RCTs were identified from the Cochrane Stroke Group’s Specialized Trials Register, additional electronic and handsearching, and personal contract with pharmaceutical companies. We included all completed and unconfounded truly or quasi-randomized trials in patients with ischemic stroke comparing fibrinogen depleting agents for analysis. Results Ten completed and one ongoing RCTs have been identified so far. Up to 1998, only three trials using ancrod (182 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Ancrod was associated with a significant reduction in early deaths (5.6% vs. 16%; odds ratio [OR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 0.85; 2P=0.02) suggesting that treatment of 100 patients would avoid about 10 early deaths. The frequency of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage shown by computed tomography was similar between ancrod-treated and control groups (7.6% vs. 9.6%; OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.26 to 2.33; 2P=0.65). No major intracranial or extracranial hemorrhages or recurrent ischemic strokes occurred in the ancord-allocated patients. There were nonsignificant trends in favor of ancrod in death from any cause (OR 0.57; 95%CI 0.27 to 1.23; 2P=0.15) and death or disability (OR 0.52; 95%CI 0.26 to 1.03; 2P=0.06) at the end of trial follow-up. Up to 2000, other two trials published results. This review will be updated with new trial results soon, which will provide more data. Conclusions There were too few patients and outcome events to draw reliable conclusions from the present data. Although ancrod-like agents appeared promising, their routine use cannot be recommended at the moment. Future trials should test simpler fixed-dose regimens to allow better generalizability.
ObjectiveZero-events studies frequently occur in systematic reviews of adverse events, which consist of an important source of evidence. We aimed to examine how evidence of zero-events studies was utilized in the meta-analyses of systematic reviews of adverse events.MethodsWe conducted a survey of systematic reviews published in two periods: January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2008, to April 25, 2011. Databases were searched for systematic reviews that conducted at least one meta-analysis of any healthcare intervention and used adverse events as the exclusive outcome. An adverse event was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a patient or subject in healthcare practice. We summarized the frequency of occurrence of zero-events studies in eligible systematic reviews and how these studies were dealt with in the meta-analyses of these systematic reviews.ResultsWe included 640 eligible systematic reviews. There were 406 (63.45%) systematic reviews involving zero-events studies in their meta-analyses, among which 389 (95.11%) involved single-arm-zero-events studies and 223 (54.93%) involved double-arm-zero-events studies. The majority (98.71%) of these systematic reviews incorporated single-arm-zero-events studies into the meta-analyses. On the other hand, the majority (76.23%) of them excluded double-arm-zero-events studies from the meta-analyses, of which the majority (87.06%) did not discuss the potential impact of excluding such studies. Systematic reviews published at present (2015-2020) tended to incorporate zero-events studies in meta-analyses than those published in the past (2008-2011), but the difference was not significant [proportion difference=–0.09, 95%CI (–0.21, 0.03), P=0.12].ConclusionSystematic review authors routinely treated studies with zero-events in both arms as "non-informative" carriers and excluded them from their reviews. Whether studies with no events are "informative" or not, largely depends on the methods and assumptions applied, thus sensitivity analyses using different methods should be considered in future meta-analyses.
ObjectiveTo conduct a systematical evaluation and meta-analysis of the relation between serum total cholesterol (TC) level and the risk of gastric cancer. MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to March 5, 2023. Two independent reviewers performed the literature search, identification, and screening, as well as performed the quality assessment and data extraction. ResultsA total of 12 studies with 5 143 671 participants and 40 551 patients with gastric cancer were included in the meta-analysis. The results of meta analysis showed that 9 studies reported that the elevated serum TC level decreased the risk of gastric cancer [OR (95%CI) was 0.91 (0.85, 0.98)], and 5 studies reported that the decreased serum TC level increased the risk of gastric cancer [OR (95%CI) was 1.93 (1.17, 3.18)]. Also the results of the subgroup analyses showed that the decreased serum TC level increased the risk of gastric cancer in the studies with cohort study, larger overall sample sizes and gastric cancer sample sizes, with longer duration of follow-up, and in those with habits of alcohol and smoking [0.89 (0.87, 0.92), 0.90 (0.87, 0.94), 0.90 (0.87, 0.93), 0.86 (0.82, 0.90), 0.90 (0.87, 0.93), and 0.90 (0.87, 0.93), respectively] , which was consistent with the overall results. In contrast, there was no statistical difference in the relation between the elevated serum TC level decreased the risk of gastric cancer between male and female patients in the gender subgroup. ConclusionsThe results of this systematical evaluation and meta-analysis suggest that serum TC level [135–294 mg/dL (3.49–7.62 mmol/L)] may be a protective factor for gastric carcinogenesis. The risk of gastric carcinogenesis may be increased when serum TC level decreases, and this change is a long-term and insidious process.
ObjectiveThis meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the feasibility and the safety of total laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (TLPD) by comparing it with open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD).MethodsWe searched the relative domestic and international data bases systematically, such as the Cochrane Library, Medline Database, SCI, CBM, VIP-data, CNKI-data, and WanFang Data. We selected case control studies or cohort studies, and used the Review Manager 5.3 to perform statistical analysis.ResultsIn total, thirteen single-center retrospective case-control studies were included, totally 808 patients involved, and there were 401 cases in the TLPD group and 407 cases in the OPD group. There were no significant difference in terms of the cumulative morbidity, incidence of the Clavien Ⅲ-Ⅴ complication, pancreatic fistula, B/C pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, pulmonary infection, and gastric emptying delay, as well as the ratio of secondary operation, mortality of perioperative period, the ration of R0 resection, and the number of lymph nodes dissected between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Although the operative time was significant longer, TLPD had significant superiority in terms of the amount of bleeding and blood transfusion during operation, the hospital stays after operation, the bowel function recovery time, the time to restart eating, and the time to reactivate (P<0.05).ConclusionIn terms of the relative complications and the parameters of oncology such as the ration of R0 resection, the number of lymph nodes dissected, both of the procedures are safe and feasible, while TLPD is more favorable to control operative bleeding and accelerate rehabilitation.
ObjectiveTo analyze rate of intraperitoneal lymph node metastasis (LNM) in Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) so as to determine optimal extent of lymph node dissection. MethodsA systematic and comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases for study reports on LNM in patients with Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ AEG was performed. The retrieval time ranged from database establishment to October 1, 2021. The pooled LNM rate was analyzed for each lymph node group. In addition, the influencing factors of LNM in AEG were analyzed. ResultsAfter screening, a total of 22 relevant studies were included, with a total of 3 934 cases. For the patients with Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ AEG, the LNM rates of No.1, 2, 1&2, 3, 7 lymph nodes were ≥20%, LNM rates of No.4, 9, 11 (11p+11d), 11p, 16 lymph nodes were 10%–20%, LNM rates of No.4sa, 8a, 10, 11d lymph nodes were 5%–10%, the rest were <5%. For the patients with Siewert type Ⅱ AEG, the LNM rates of No.1, 2, 1&2, 3, 7 lymph nodes were ≥20%, LNM rates of No.4, 9, 11 (11p+11d), 11p lymph nodes were 10%–20%, LNM rates of No.8a, 10 lymph nodes were 5%–10%, and the rest were <5%. For the patients with Siewert type Ⅲ AEG, the LNM rates of No.1, 2, 1&2, 3, 4, 7 lymph nodes were ≥20%, LNM rate of No.11p lymph nodes was 10%–20%, LNM rates of No.4sa, 4sb, 4d, 8a, 9, 10, 11(11p+11d), 11d lymph nodes were 5%–10%, and the rest were <5%. No matter Siewert Ⅱ and (or) Ⅲ AEG patients, the rates of LNM in No.5, 6, and 12a lymph nodes were <5%. The tumor diameter ≥2 cm and higher T stage (T2–T4) increased the probability of LNM in AEG (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe results of this meta-analysis combined with the literature suggest that in clinical practice, No.10 lymph node dissection is not necessary for Siewert Ⅱ and Siewert Ⅲ AEG patients with tumor length diameter <2 cm and T1 of tumor invasion. No matter Siewert Ⅱ or Ⅲ AEG, as long as the tumor length diameter <2 cm and T1 of tumor invasion, the distal perigastric lymph nodes (No.4d, 5, 6) may not be dissected; Siewert type Ⅱ or Ⅲ AEG patients don’t need to clean No.12a lymph nodes.
ObjectiveTo compare the short- and long-term efficacy of surgery and endoscopy in the treatment of early esophageal cancer by a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe extracted data independently from The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science for studies comparing surgery with endoscopy from 2010 to 2020. The primary outcomes including R0 resection rate, long-term overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), major complications, recurrence, hospital stay and cost. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Engauge Digitizer was used to extract survival curves from relevant literature, and relevant data were calculated based on statistical methods. ResultsA total of 17 studies involving 3 705 patients were included. It was found that patients in the surgery group had a higher R0 resection rate compared with the endoscopic group (OR=0.13, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.27, P<0.001, I2=6%). The total complications rate of resection of esophageal cancer was higher than that of the endoscopic group (OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.50, P<0.001, I2=68%). The length of hospitalization in the endoscopic group was obviously shorter than that in the surgery group (MD=–8.28, 95%CI –12.44 to –4.13, P<0.001, I2=96%). The distant recurrence rate (OR=0.58, 95%CI 0.24 to 1.41, P=0.230, I2=0%) and the local recurrence rate after resection (OR=1.74, 95%CI 0.66 to 4.59, P=0.260, I2=40%) in the endoscopic group was similar to those of the surgery group. There was no significant difference in 5 year-OS rate between the two groups (HR=0.86, 95%CI 0.67 to 1.11, P=0.25, I2=0%), which was subdivided into two groups: adenocarcinoma (HR=0.55, 95%CI 0.15 to 2.05, P=0.37, I2=0%) and squamous cell carcinoma (HR=0.68, 95%CI 0.46 to 1.01, P=0.06, I2=0%), showing that there was no difference between the two subgroups. There was no significant difference in the DSS rate (HR=0.72, 95%CI 0.49 to 1.05, P=0.090, I2=0%) between the two groups. The cost of the surgery group was significantly higher than that of the endoscopic group (MD=–12.97, 95%CI –18.02 to –7.92, P<0.001, I2=93%).ConclusionThe evidence shows that endotherapy may be an effective treatment for early esophageal neoplasm when considering the long-term outcomes whether it is squamous or adenocarcinoma, even though it is not as effective as surgery in the short-term efficacy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe databases including PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP and CBM were searched for literature about the effects of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion on the prognosis of patients with NSCLC from the inception to May 2020. Two authors independently screened the literature, extracted and cross-checked data, and negotiated to resolve differences in opinions. Review Manager V5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) software was used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 15 articles were included, including 5 897 patients. There were 1 649 patients in the trial group and 4 248 patients in the control group. The results of meta-analysis showed that the overall survival of the control group was significantly higher than that of the trial group (OR=0.58, 95%CI 0.47-0.70, P<0.000 01). The disease-free survival of the control group was significantly higher than that of the trial group (OR=0.43, 95%CI 0.36-0.52, P<0.000 01). The recurrence rate of the control group was significantly lower than that of the trial group (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.34-2.55, P=0.000 2).ConclusionPerioperative allogeneic blood transfusion has adverse effects on the recurrence and survival of patients with NSCLC.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of different stimulation modalities of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with SSRI in improving depressed mood after stroke using network meta-analysis. MethodsThe PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the objectives from inception to October 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Network meta-analysis was then performed by using R 4.2.1software. ResultsA total of 25 RCTs involving 2 152 patients were included. Four types of rTMS stimulation combined with SSRIs were included: high-frequency stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal (l-DLPFC), low-frequency stimulation of l-DLPFC, low-frequency stimulation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal (r-DLPFC), and low-frequency stimulation of the bilateral DLPFC. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that the effect of combining four stimulation methods with SSRI in treating depression was better than that of SSRI alone (P<0.05). Probability sorting results showed that low-frequency stimulated bilateral DLPFC (88.9%) > low-frequency stimulated l-DLPFC (63.1%) > high-frequency stimulation l-DLPFC (57.1%) > low-frequency stimulation r-DLPFC (40.4%). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the four stimulation methods combined with SSRI and the use of SSRI alone (P>0.05). Conclusion?rTMS combined with SSRIs is better than SSRIs alone in improving depressed mood after stroke. Low-frequency rTMS stimulation of bilateral DLPFC may be the best. Meanwhile, the safety of different stimulation methods is good.