ObjectiveTo analyze the significance of application of pulse indicated continuous cardiac output (PICCO) as hemodynamic monitoring for low cardiac output patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation. Method We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 110 patients conducted non-extracorporeal circulation CABG operation in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2013 and October 2014. The patient were divided into two groups including a PICCO applied group and a non-PICCO applied group. There were 49 patients including 29 males and 20 females at average age of 60.80±9.34 years in the PICCO group. There were 61 patients with 37 males and 24 females at age of 62.22±10.41 years in the non-PICCO group. We compared the treatment effects between the two groups. ResultsComparing to the non-PICCO group, the PICCO group had shorter average days of postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) usage (t=2.155, P=0.039), less usage rate of endotracheal reintubation (χ2=5.098, P=0.039), shorter average postoperative mechanical ventilation time (t=2.087, P=0.044), less occurrence rate of cardiac arrhythmia (χ2=4.011, P=0.045), less occurrence rate of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (χ2=5.075, P=0.035), shorter days in ICU (t=2.141, P=0.040) and in-hospital time (t=2.061 P=0.048). During monitoring, the PICCO group had slower average heart rate, higher average arterial pressure, lower blood lactate, greater oxygenation and greater left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) than those in the non-PICCO group. ConclusionThe application of PICCO reduces occurrence of postoperative complications for low cardiac output patients with post coronary artery bypass grafting operation, increases cure rate.
Tracheal stents are often used to maintain the patency of the trachea and bronchia in patients suffering from central airway lesions. Metallic tracheal stents are now widely used in the clinical setting, but these types of stents can cause many intractable material-related complications. Biodegradable tracheal stents are made of biodegradable polymer materials with good mechanical strength for maintaining the patency of the lesion segment during a certain period of time, and then they can be gradually degraded into harmless products in human body. Compared with conventional metallic tracheal stent, biodegradable tracheal stents have a good prospect in clinic. In this article, we review the choice of biodegradable tracheal stent materials, experimental progress in biodegradable tracheal stent as well as the challenges we are facing.
Objective To analyze published literature about the clinical studies on elective single versus double embryo transfer using meta-analysis, so as to provide more convincing evidence for the clinical application of elective single embryo transfer. Methods We electronically searched foreign and domestic biomedical databases including PubMed, Ovid, EMbase, MEDLINE and CENTRAL, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on elective single versus double embryo transfer. According to Cochrane systematic review method, two reviewers independently screened studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of the included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of 9 RCTs involving 2 784 cases were included, of which, 1 452 were in the trial group while the other 1 332 were in the control group. The results of meta-analysis indicated that, compared with elective double embryo transfer, during each transfer period elective single embryo transfer reduced the live birth rate (RR=0.66, 95%CI 0.59 to 0.73, Plt;0.000 01), multiple pregnancy rate (RR=0.05 95%CI 0.02 to 0.11, Plt;0.000 01), preterm birth rate (RR=0.39, 95%CI 0.26 to 0.60, Plt;0.000 1), and low birth weight rate (RR=0.25, 95%CI 0.15 to 0.44, Plt;0.000 01). However, it had no effect on the ectopic pregnancy rate (RR=0.55, 95%CI 0.11 to 2.77, P=0.47), miscarriage rate (RR=1.33, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.91, P=0.13), and neonatal mortality rate (RR=0.31, 95%CI 0.03 to 2.76, P=0.29). Conclusion Compared with elective double embryo transfer, during each transfer period elective single embryo transfer reduces the live birth rate, multiple pregnancy rate, preterm birth rate, and low birth weight rate. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the other indicators.
Objective To systematically review the effectiveness of letrozole combined with GnRH antagonist for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in poor responders. Methods Such databases as VIP, CNKI, PubMed, EMbase and FMJS were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs on the effectiveness of letrozole combined with GnRH antagonist for IVF-ET. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results Six studies involving 977 patients were finally included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, for IVF-ET poor responders, compared with the control group, the letrozole combined with GnRH antagonist group had less dosage of Gn (MD=–8.05, 95%CI –13.67 to –2.43, P=0.005), and lower serum E2 value on the day of HCG administration (MD= –1 026.41, 95%CI –1 949.61 to –103.20, P=0.03). However, no significant difference was found in the number of ocytes obtained (MD= –0.61, 95%CI –2.41 to –1.19, P=0.51) and clinical pregnancy rates (OR=1.03, 95%CI 0.53 to 2.02, P=0.92) between the two groups. Conclusion As for the effectiveness of impelling-ovulation treatment for IVF-ET in poor responders, letrozole combined with GnRH antagonist is similar to the control scheme in clinical outcomes, but it reduces the dosage of Gn and treatment costs of IVF-ET, which provides another clinical option for poor responders. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies as well as the difference in methodology, we suggest this above conclusion could be taken as a reference for clinical analysis which needs to be further evaluated in its effects.
Objective To systematically evaluate impact of perioperative use of clopidogrel on coronary bypass grafting (CABG) patients for anti-platelet treatment, in order to provide evidence for the rational drug use of such patients in the perioperative period. Methods PubMed, EMbase, HighWire, CENTRAL and its affiliated clinical trial registered data center, CBM and CNKI were electronically searched from 2003 to November, 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized clinical trials on perioperative use of clopidogrel of CABG patients were collected. References of included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to exclusion and inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results 18 studies (including 10 RCTs and 8 non-randomized clinical trials) involving 14 592 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: a) Among 10 included RCTs, preoperative use of clopidogrel for anti-platelet treatment reduced the incidence of myocardial infarction obviously, compared with the blank control group (RR=0.63, 95%CI 0.48 to 0.83, P=0.000 9), but there is no significant difference between the two groups in blood loss amount within 24 hours after operation (MD=130, 95%CI –6.21 to 266.22, P=0.06), the number of reoperation patients because of bleeding (RR=1.42, 95%CI 0.92 to 2.20, P=0.12), and risk of postoperative short-term death (RR=1.19, 95%CI 0.89 to 1.58, P=0.24); b) Among 8 non-randomized clinical trials, there was no significant difference between the two groups in reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction (RR=0.83, 95%CI 0.30 to 2.26, P=0.71), but preoperative use of clopidogrel for anti-platelet treatment significantly increased blood loss amount within 24 hours after operation (MD=82.42, 95%CI 35.18 to 129.66, P=0.000 6), the number of reoperation patients because of bleeding (RR=1.71, 95%CI 1.07 to 2.75, P=0.03), and risk of postoperative short-term death (RR=1.89, 95%CI 1.15 to 3.12, P=0.01). Conclusion Current evidence shows that, perioperative use of clopidogrel can reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction, but doctors should consider cautiously the increased risk of bleeding, re-operation and postoperative short-term death. There is contradiction between the results of RCTs and those of non-randomized clinical trials, which may result from the argument intensity, quantity and sample size bias of the included studies. The above conclusion should be proved by large-scale high-quality RCT results in future.
Objective To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus percutaneous coronary stent implantation (PCI) in the treatment of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCA). Methods Databases including The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2012), PubMed, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were electronically searched from inception to September 2012 for randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness and safety of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus percutaneous coronary stent implantation (PCI) for ULMCA; References of the included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0. Results Four studies were included involving 1 611 cases, of which, 802 cases are in the CABG group, while 809 cases were in the PCI group. The results of meta-analysis showed that: comparing with PCI, CABG significantly reduced the postoperative repeat revascularization rate (OR=0.45, 95%CI 0.31 to 0.66, Plt;0.000 1), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in reducing the myocardial infarction incidence (OR=1.28, 95%CI 0.47 to 3.48, P=0.63), mortality rate (OR=1.36, 95%CI 0.80 to 2.34, P=0.26), and the incidence of major adverse cardio-cerebral vascular events (OR=0.92, 95%CI 0.66 to 1.28, P=0.61). Conclusion This study indicates that CABG is superior to PCI in reducing postoperative rate of target vessel revascularization. But CABG and PCI are alike in reducing myocardial infarction incidence, mortality rate, and the incidence of major adverse cardio-cerebral vascular events. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusion needs to be verified by more high quality RCTs.
Objective To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of autologous implantation of stem cells for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods Randomized controlled trials on relevant studies were retrieved in databases including CBM (1978-2011.6), CNKI (1979-2011.6), MEDLINE (1950-2011.6), PubMed (1950-2011.6), EMbase (1970-2011.6) and The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2011). References of the included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software.Results Four RCTs involving 68 patients (136 limbs) were included, most of which were low in methodological quality. The results of meta-analysis indicated that, autologous stem cell therapy improved or even eliminated DPN symptoms including pain, numbness, and cold sensation in the limbs, intermittent limping, and rest pain. Compared with the routine therapy, autologous stem cell therapy improved tibial sensory nerve conduction velocity (MD=5.75, 95%CI 3.86 to 7.64, Plt;0.000 01), tibial motor nerve conduction velocity (MD=4.04, 95%CI 0.90 to 7.18, P=0.001), sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (MD=7.47, 95%CI 4.00 to 10.94, Plt;0.000 1), and sural motor nerve conduction velocity (MD=3.38, 95%CI 0.07 to 7.58, P=0.05), with no adverse reaction reported. Conclusion Current evidence shows that, autologous stem cell therapy is effective in treating DPN. Due to the lack of high quality studies, more high quality RCTs are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Objective Tolerogenic DCs (Tol-DCs), a group of cells with imDC phenotype, can stably induce T cells low-reactivity and immune tolerance. We systematically reviewed the adoptive transfusion of Tol-DCs induced by different ways to prolong cardiac allograft survival and its possible mechanism. Method MEDLINE (1966 to March 2011), EMbase (1980 to March 2011), and ISI (inception to March 2011) were searched for identification of relevant studies. We used allogeneic heart graft survival time as endpoint outcome to analyze the effect of adoptive transfusion of Tol-DC on cardiac allograft. By integrating studies’ information, we summarized the mechanisms of Tol-DC in prolonging cardiac grafts. Results Four methods were used to induce Tol-DC in all of the 44 included studies including gene-modified, drug-intervened, cytokine-induced, and other-derived (liver-derived amp; spleen-derived) DCs. The results showed that all types of Tol-DC can effectively prolong graft survival, and the average extension of graft survival time for each group was as follows: 22.02 ± 21.9 days (3.2 folds to control group) in the gene modified group, 25.94 ± 16.9 days (4.3 folds) in the drug-intervened groups, 9.00 ± 8.13 days (1.9 folds) in the cytokine-induced group, and 10.69 ± 9.94 days (2.1 folds) in the other-derived group. The main mechanisms of Tol-DCs to prolong graft survival were as follows: a) induceT-cell hyporeactivity (detected by MLR); b) reduce the effect of cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL); c) promote Th2 differentiation; d) induce Treg; e) induce chimerism. Conclusion For fully MHC mismatched allogeneic heart transplant recipients of inbred mouse, adoptive transfusion of Tol-DC, which can be gene-modified, drug-intervened, cytokine-induced, spleen-derived or liver-derived, can clearly prolong the survival of cardiac allograft or induce immune tolerance. Gene-modified and drug-induced Tol-DC can prolong graft survival most obviously. Having better reliability and stability than drug-induction, gene-modification is the best way to induce Tol-DCs at present. One-time intravenous infusion of 2 × 106 Tol-DC is a simple and feasible way to induce long-term graft survival. Multiple infusions will prolong it but increase the risk and cost. Adoptive transfusion of Tol-DC in conjunction with immunosuppressive agents may also prolong the graft survival time.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal from target-of-rapamycin-inhibitor(TOR-I)-based immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMbase, SCI, CBM and The Cochrane Library to screen randomized controlled trials (RCT) of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal from target-of-rapamycin-inhibitor-(TOR-I)-based immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients. The search was updated in Semptember 2009. The quality of the included trials was assessed. RevMan 5.0 software was used for meta-analyses. Results A total of 14 reports from 10 RCTs were identified. Five RCTs were graded A and five graded B. The meta-analyses indicated: RR (95%CI) values of the 1, 2, 4-year acute rejection rates were 1.64 (1.19, 2.27), 1.53 (1.06, 2.22) and 1.21 (0.73, 1.98), respectively; RD (95%CI) values of 1, 2, 4-year patient survival rates were – 0.01 (– 0.02, 0.01), – 0.00 (– 0.03, 0.02) and 0.03 (– 0.01, 0.08), respectively; RD (95%CI) values of 1, 2, 4-year graft survival rates were 0.00 (– 0.02, 0.02), 0.00 (– 0.03, 0.04) and 0.07 (0.01, 0.12), respectively; and glomerular filtration rate WMD was 9.50 and 95%CI 2.96 to 16.03. Conclusion Based on the current evidence, compared to CNI, CNI withdrawal from sirolimus-based immunosuppression in kidney transplantation could be advantageous for renal function. One-year acute rejection rate and 4-year graft survival rate increase. One-year patient/graft survival and fouryear acute rejection rate remain virtually unvariable. The long-term results need further confirmation.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of GnRH antagonist on vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods We searched CBMdisc (1979 to 2010), Wanfang (1994 to 2010), CNKI (1994 to 2010), VIP (1989 to 2010), PubMed (1997 to 2010), PML (1997 to 2010), FMJS (2000-2010), and 9 related journals to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the comparison between GnRH antagonist (GnRHA) and GnRH agonist (GnRHa). The quality of included trials was critically appraised. RevMan 4.2.7 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Six published RCTs involving 1 208 participants were included. Compared with the GnRHa group, stimulation duration in the GnRHA group was lower (WMD= –1.07, 95%CI –1.38 to –0.76), dose of gonadotrophins (Gns) in the GnRHA group was slightly lower (WMD= –0.49, 95%CI –1.63 to 0.66), endometrial thickness at the time of HCG administration was no significant difference in the two groups (WMD= –0.09, 95%CI –0.42 to 0.24), number of oocytes retrieved in the GnRHA group was lower (WMD= –1.80, 95%CI –2.48 to –1.12), OHSS rate in the GnRHA group was slightly lower (Peto OR= 0.77, 95%CI 0.35 to 1.72), pregnancy rate in the GnRHA group was slightly lower (Peto OR= 0.83, 95%CI 0.65 to 1.05), miscarraige rate as no significant difference in the two groups (Peto OR= 1.49, 95%CI 0.79 to 2.82). Conclusions Compared with GnRHa, GnRHA requires shorter stimulation duration and less Gn, less affected the pregnancy rate, and reduces the incidence of OHSS. The use of GnRHA in clinical practice is relatively flexible with good acceptability. GnRHA for the superovulation IVF-ET offers an alternative treatment. The above conclusion still needs more well-designed, multi-center, and large-scale RCTs to confirm and update.