Objective To assess the methodological quality of clinical studies using Shen-Mai injection as an adjunct therapy to tumor chemotherapy and to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Methods A comprehensive search strategy was designed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing Shen-Mai injection plus routine chemotherapy versus routine chemotherapy alone by searching for the CBMdisc (issue 3) and TCMLRS database (1981-2001). The methodological quality of the trials was assessed by two reviewers independently for which a meta analysis was perfermed. Results Thirteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. methodological quality was poor (all the trials included were level C). Compared with the control group, the combined outcome of Shen-Mai injection increased the effect of chemotherapy (OR 1.73 95%CI 1.27 to 2.34, P＝0.000 4), reduced the side effect of bone marrow inhibition (OR 0.29, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.52, P＝0.000 04) in WBC counting and (OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02 to 0.49, P＝0.004 in PLT count. And Shen-Mai injection relieved the symptoms of nausea and vomiting (OR 0.26, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.43, Plt;0.000 01). Conclusions The methodological quality of the trails using Shen-Mai injection should be improved. Based on the results of the review and the meta-analysis, Shen-Mai injection may have positive effects on chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumor, although the evidence is weak. No serious adverse events are reported. Further well-designed clinical trials should be performed.
OBJECTIVE In order to reduce the complication of the transposition of superficial cervical artery skin flap for the repair of neck defect, the method of pre-expanded skin flap was designed, and its clinical result was observed. METHODS From March 1995 to October 1997, 12 cases with cicatricial contracture of the neck were treated by the following methods, preexpanded superficial cervical artery skin flap, and then transposed it for the reconstruction the cervical scar after burns. There were 8 males and 4 females and the age ranged from 6 to 32 years. A maximal size of flap was 35 cm x 14 cm and a minimal size was 16 cm x 7 cm. RESULTS All the flaps were survived except one, which partial necrosis occurred in the tip. Postoperative follow-up for 6 months to 3 years showed that the physiological angle of cervico-mandibular angle was recovered and the appearance of flap was satisfactory without swelling and contracture. CONCLUSION The preexpanded superficial cervical artery skin flap has many advantages, and it is particularly suitable for reconstruction of severe cervical contracture after extensive burns.