ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, so as to provide references for its clinical application. MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2013), CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data were systematically searched up to November 2013 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) about HIFU in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0. ResultsA total of 23 studies (19 RCTs and 4 CCTs) were included, of which 14 studies reported safety. The results of meta-analysis showed that:survival rates at the 6th month and the 12th month, overall efficacy and clinical benefit rate in the HIFU plus radiation and chemotherapy group were significantly higher than those in groups treated with three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) (P < 0.05), gemcitabine (GEM) (P < 0.05), GEM plus cisplatin (DDP) (P < 0.05), and GEM plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (P < 0.05). The adverse effects (mainly including skin damage and fever) in the HIFU plus radiation and chemotherapy group was similar to those in the control group with no significant difference (P > 0.05). ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that HIFU plus radiation and chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is superior to other therapies with less adverse reaction. However, the poor quality of the included studies reduces the reliability of outcome to some extent. Thus, it is necessary to regulate and unify the criteria of diagnosis and outcome measures in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and improve the quality of study design and implementation in clinical studies, so as to provide high quality evidence for its clinical application.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of pancreatic cancer guidelines using evidence-based methods based on the global burden of pancreatic cancer, so as to explore its status, region distribution, characteristics of coverage themes, and difference of therapies recommended by the guidelines of various quality, and to provide references for clinical decisionmaking. MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2013), CBM, CNKI, and VIP, as well as the website of National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC), Guidelines International Network (GIN), and National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) were systematically searched for pancreatic cancer treatment guidelines. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE Ⅲ) was applied to assess methodological quality of included guidelines. ResultsA total of 14 relevant guidelines (including five evidence-based guidelines) were included involving seven countries of four continents (Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania) and four international academic organizations. There were only two domains, namely "scope and purpose" and "clarity of presentations" which got high average scores (more than 60%) among all 14 guidelines. The mean AGREE domain scores in guidelines varied with areas, and the quality of five evidence-based guidelines was superior to that established by consensus. According to the outcomes of AGREE Ⅲ, 11 guidelines were weakly recommended, while 3 were not recommended due to poor methodological quality. The subjects of 14 guidelines covered six treatment categories, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, support therapy, radiotherapy, and interventional therapy. ConclusionThe overall methodological quality of pancreatic cancer guidelines is not high among different countries or regions. The quality of evidence-based guidelines is superior to that established by consensus. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and support therapy were reccommended as predominant choice by these guidelines.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for bone tumors, so as to provide a reference for clinical decision. MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI and VIP databases were systematically searched for clinical effectiveness and safety studies of HIFU for bone tumors up to August 2014. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were applied independently by two reviewers, and then RevMan 5.1 software was used for conducting meta-analysis. If the data cannot be synthesized, the research outcome was described with a qualitative analysis. ResultsA total of 10 case series including 257 patients (157 males, 100 females) were included. The current evidence indicated that overall survival rates for all primary bone malignancy at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year were 89.8%, 72.3%, 60.5% and 50.5%, respectively. For the patients with clinical stage Ⅱb, the rates were 93.3%, 82.4%, 75% and 63.7%, respectively. For those with clinical stage Ⅲ, the rates were 79.2%, 42.2%, 21.1% and 15.8%, respectively. The local recurrence rate of HIFU for bone tumors was 7% to 9%, and recurrences at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year were 0%, 6.2%, 11.8% and 11.8%, respectively. The amputation rate was 2% to 7%. The adverse reaction rate was 27.2% (70/257), and among them the main was mild skin burn (21/257, 8.2%), followed by I degree burns (16/257, 6.2%), nerve damage (10/257, 3.9%) and fracture (6/257, 2.3%). ConclusionHIFU provide an alternative choice for patients with bone malignancy, with a certain effectiveness and safety. However, high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials or cohort studies which may focus on vary kinds of tumors, clinical stage and site of lesions are urgently needed, so that clinicians can use sufficient evidence for their clinical decision-making.
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.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological quality and impacts on outcomes for systematic reviews (SRs) of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus hepatic resection (HR) for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsWe comprehensively searched six databases and five official websites for health technology assessment (HTA), to collect HTAs, SRs, or meta-analyses from inception to Nov. 11th, 2012. The Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire (OQAQ) was applied for quality assessment of included studies, the tools recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration was applied for quality assessment for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and the modified MINORS score was applied to assess non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were integrated using Stata 10.0 software. ResultsOne HTA, 3 SRs and 15 meta-analyses were included in total. The mean OQAQ score was 3.3 with 95%CI 2.6 to 4.1. Only five (26.3%) SRs were assessed as good quality. Seven studies misused statistical models, and 3 of them changed outcome direction after modification. Five studies (5/19) included retrospective controlled studies as RCTs. A total of 39 primary studies referenced by SRs were included, of which, 3 RCTs were levelled grade B, 35 NRCTs were of moderate quality, with an estimated mean MINORS score of 15.0 (totally, scored 18) with 95%CI 14.6 to 15.4, and only 13 studies (37.1%) scored more than 16. Seventeen primary studies (43.6%) did not meet inclusion criteria of the SRs, of which, 9 (23.1%) studies were mixed with other effective interventions in both groups (TACE, PEI, etc.). Four studies included patients with non-primary HCC. ConclusionCurrently, the overall quality of HTAs, SRs and meta-analyses about comparing the effects between RFA and HR for early HCC is fairly poor (high heterogeneity exists, and the evidence level is low. Physicians should apply the evidence with caution in clinical practice.
ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this rapid health technology assessment (RHTA) were to assess the safety and effectiveness of Da Vinci surgical system compared with traditional e surgeries, so as to provide the currently-available best evidence for health decision makers and clinical workers. MethodsA comprehensive search of electronic databases (EMbase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang Data) and relevant professional HTA websites were conducted from inceptionto October 9, 2012. Two reviews independently screen literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assess the quality of included studies. The data based on secondary studies were reported, and a final recommendation and its level was made based on assessment outcome. ResultsA total of 21 studies were included, encompassing 7 HTAs and 14 systematic reviews/metaanalyses. The included studies involved radical prostatectomy, hysterectomy, nephrectomy, coronary artery bypass graft, and gastric fundoplication. Though the included HTAs and systematic reviews/meta-analyses focus on different diseases, the outcomes showed significant differences existed between Da Vinci surgical system and other routine surgery in clinical effectiveness and safety of different diseases. Compared with routine surgery, Da Vinci surgical system shortened hospital stay; decreased operation conversion rates, blood loss and blood transfusion rates during surgery; but it increased operative time. Besides, compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery, Da Vinci surgical system shortened operation time and hospital stay, and decreased operation conversion rates, blood loss and blood transfusion rates during surgery. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that the clinical effectiveness and safety outcomes of Da Vinci surgical system differ in diseases. Currently, most included HTAs and systematic reviews/meta-analyses are based on observational studies, relevant prospective randomized controlled trials lack, and the evidence is graded as low quality, health decision makers are suggested to apply this evidence with caution on the basis of comprehensive consideration.
Objective To explore the diagnostic value on 24 hour monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP) for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods A prospective study was applied, and a total of 372 subjects through January 2012 to May 2015 for 24 hour IOP monitoring were collected successively, including 137 subjects (271 eyes) with glaucoma (glaucoma group) and 235 subjects (470 eyes) with non-glaucoma (Control group). Data was analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software, and the Kappa statistics was used to evaluate concordance between 24 hour monitoring of IOP and gold standard for POAG diagnosis. Results The mean value of IOP at all monitoring period in glaucoma group was significant higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The peak of IOP occurred at 6:00 am and 10:00 in the glaucoma group, and the fluctuation value of IOP in women patients at night (especially at 22:00 pm) was higher than that of men (t=2.064, P=0.04). The sensitivity and specificity of 24 hour IOP monitoring for POAG were 97% and 78.7%, respectively, and with a high consistency comparing to the result of gold standard for POAG diagnosis, with the Kappa values of 0.707 (P < 0.000 1). Conclusion 24 hour IOP monitoring is efficacy and convenient tool, which can be applied alone or combined with other tools to assist early diagnosis patients who are suspected with POAG, so as to improve the diagnostic accuracy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the distribution of human resources in primary healthcare system of Xinjin county in Chengdu in 2010, so as to provide the evidence for appropriate allocation of health manpower. MethodsWe collected the data of human resources in the regional health information and management platform, and the list of health workers and their registration information. Microsoft Excel 2003 and SPSS 13.0 software were used to analyze data. Resultsa) A total of 1 551 health workers were in Xinjin primary healthcare system in 2010, including 1 124 in tenure position (accounting for 72.5%) and 427 in contract (accounting for 27.5%). b) In county-level hospital (CLH) or community healthcare centre (CHC) or township hospital (TH), the proportion of health professionals were 83.2%, 79.0% and 80.0% respectively; and 28.8%, 27.2% and 28.7% for registered & assistant doctors; 39.3%, 22.7% and 16.2% for registered nurses; 6.7%, 8.3% and 4.7% for technicians; and 5.9%, 6.8% and 6.9% for pharmacists, respectively. c) Health personnel per 1 000 population in CLH, CHC, and TH were 3.10, 1.98, and 1.92, respectively; health professionals per 1 000 population were 2.58, 1.58, and 1.54, respectively; registered & assistant doctors per 1 000 population were 0.89, 0.54, 0.55, respectively; and registered nurses were 1.22, 0.45, 0.31, respectively. The nurse-to-doctor ratios were 1.36, 0.83, and 0.56 nurses per doctor in CLH, CHC, and TH, respectively. The bed-to-nurse ratios were 0.59, 0.38, and 0.19 nurses per bed respectively. d) Most health professionals were junior professionals (about 60%), in college-level education (about 50%), between 25 to 44 years old (20%-70%), work experience between 5 to 19 years (40%-63%). e) Temporary employees in TH accounted for 46.4%, among which 86.6% younger than 35 years old, 23.4% in internship, and 64.1% at clinical position. Conclusiona) The shortage of health personnel is very obvious in Xinjin county with inappropriate proportions of health professionals; b) The stability of health personnel is challenging due to the large proportion of temporary employees in THs; c) health professionals in Xinjin county features a younger population, and in lower professional positions; d)Therefore, the related policies should be adjusted and innovated to enhance the education and training, to maintain the stability of health personnel and to promote the healthy and sustainable development of primary healthcare services.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the current status of primary healthcare system reform in Xinjin county, in order to provide baseline data for improving the healthcare service system and population health in Chengdu. MethodsPrimary health care services and population health in Xinjin county were quantitatively described and compared. Resultsa) Eleven township hospitals (100%) and 89 village clinics (66.42%) were upgraded according to the national standards. The management of 60 village clinics were integrated with township hospitals. And 417 and 76 essential healthcare services were provided by township hospitals and village clinics, respectively. b) In 2010, the number of outpatients and inpatients in Xinjin county were increased by 24.2% and 46.3% respectively compared to those of 2009, while the costs per outpatient visit and inpatient discharge were reduced by 21.5% and 18.6% respectively. c) In 2010, health records of 98.2% of population in Xinjin county have been established; 96.3% of pregnant women were managed systematically; 98.8% of children immunization programs were implemented; 100% patients with severe mental disorders and about 78% with hypertension and diabetes were in follow-up and treatment; and 28.8% of total population got the free physical exams in 2010. d) The essential medicine accounted for 96.7% of total types of medicines and 97.8% of total expenditure of medicines in primarily healthcare institutions in Xinjin. The cost of medicine management was reduced from 8.5% to 4.2% while the medicine turnover rate was increased by 50%. e) Average life expectancy in Xinjin county was 77.97 years, infant mortality rate was 6.82‰ in 2010; and there was no maternal death in recent 8 years. f) The regional healthcare information system was established covering three-tier rural health care network spanning the county, township and village. Conclusiona) The primary healthcare system reform in Xinjin county improves the infrastructure of primary care system, the utilization of essential medical care, essential public health service, and essential medicines. b) Life expectancy, infant mortality rate and maternal mortality of Xinjin county are better than the average levels in Sichuan province and China. Xinjin county is a representative pilot county for healthcare service system reform in Chengdu city and a nice model to successfully promote healthcare system reform based on regional healthcare information system.
ObjectivesTo investigate the utilization of essential medicines and antibiotics in primary healthcare system of Xinjin county of Chengdu city from 2009 to 2011. MethodsThe data of utilization of all the medicines, essential medicines and antibiotics was collected from 17 hospitals of Xinjin primary healthcare system. Microsoft Excel 2003 was used to analyze the data. ResultsCompared with 2009, the total costs of medicines and essential medicines increased by 72.27% and 135.4% respectively in 2010. After the implementation of essential medicine policy in 2010, the proportion of essential medicines accounted for more than 90% in community healthcare centers (CHCs) and township hospitals (THs) and over 50% in county-level hospitals in 2011. In 2010, the average cost per prescription among outpatients increased by 3.51% in total, but deceased by 16.23% in CHCs/THs (RMB 15.09 yuan per prescription). In July of 2011, the policy to control the use of antibiotics was implemented in Xinjin county. The use of antibiotics decreased, but still accounted for over 30% in 9 out of 13 CHCs/THs. The use of bigeminy antibiotics and trigeminy antibiotics accounted for 0.42 to 5.56% and 0 to 0.44%, respectively. ConclusionsThe use of essential medicines increases in Xinjin county and met the national requirements. The average cost per prescription among outpatient decreases in THs and CHCs. After controlling the use of antibiotics, the proportion and cost of antibiotics is still very high, and irrational use of antibiotics probably still exists. The training and guide for evidence-based rational use of medicine should be enhanced in future.