Objective To report an evidence-based treatment of Mycophenolate Mofetil for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1978 to 2006) and CNKI (1978 to 2006), and critically appraised the available evidence. Results The available Level C (low quality) evidence showed that Mycophenolate Mofetil was effective for the remission of proteinuria, and effective in patients who were resistant to steroid or cytotoxic agents. However, there was no evidence on its long-term effect on renal survival. Given the current evidence, together with our clinical experience and the patient’s preference, Mycophenolate Mofetil and glucocorticoid were administered to the patient. After 3 months of treatment, proteinuria was relieved. The patient is still can followed up. Conclusions We only find Level C evidence to support the short-term efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil on the remission of proteinuria. Further studies on its long-term effects on renal survival, and a health economics evaluation are needed.
Objective To assess the effectiveness of xuezhikang for treating diabetic kidney disease. Methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2008), MEDLINE (1980 to September 2008), EMbase (1980 to September 2008), CBMdisc (1990 to September 2008), and CNKI (1994 to September 2008). We also hand searched relevant journals and conference proceedings. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which xuezhikang was used to treat diabetic kidney disease were collected. Then we screened the retrieved studies according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality of included studies, and performed metaanalyses by using The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 software. Results Nine RCTs were included. Meta-analyses showed that xuezhikang was superior to routine treatment in decreasing 24-hour urinary protein (WMD –0.87, 95%CI –1.34 to –0.41), microalbuminuria (WMD –115.39, 95%CI –127.63 to –103.15), and urinary albumin excretion rate (WMD – 65.46, 95%CI –68.87 to –62.12); but xuezhikang had similar effects in reducing serum creatinine compared with routine treatment (WMD –5.42, 95%CI –11.06 to 0.21). Moreover, xuezhikang was more effective in regulating blood lipids, including TC (WMD –1.71, 95%CI –2.39 to –1.03), TG (WMD –0.96, 95%CI –1.46 to –0.46), LDL-C (WMD –1.01, 95%CI –1.64 to –0.38), and HDL-C (WMD 0.22, 95%CI 0.09 to 0.36). Xuezhikang was not superior to routine treatment in improving fasting blood sugar (WMD -0.01, 95%CI -0.49 to 0.47), but was more effective in improving 2 h-BS (WMD –1.10, 95%CI –1.35 to –0.85) and HbA1c (WMD –0.41, 95%CI –0.56 to –0.27). No significant adverse effects or allergic reactions were reported. Conclusions The evidence currently available shows that xuezhikang may decrease 24-hour urinary protein, microalbuminuria, serum creatinine, regulate blood lipids, and adjust blood glucose. Due to a high risk of selection bias and detection bias in the included studies, the evidence is insufficient to determine the effect of xuezhikang. Further large-scale trials are required to define the role of xuezhikang in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based treatment plan for a patient with ischemic stroke accompanied by hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2006), SUMsearch (January 1980 to December 2006) and PubMed (January 1980 to December 2006) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses about the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy for ischemic stroke coupled with atrial fibrillation, and blood pressure lowering therapy for ischemic stroke coupled with hypertension. We evaluated the validity, reliability and feasibility of each study to identify the current best evidence. Results Four guidelines, 3 SRs and 6 RCTs were included. The evidence showed that low-intensity anticoagulant therapy was safe and effective for this patient, and that rapid blood pressure lowering therapy was not suitable for acute ischemic stroke. According to the current evidence, as well as the patient’s clinical condition and preference, low-intensity warfarin was given with a target INR (international normalized ratio) of 2.0. During convalescence, he was given oral fosinopril and indapamide. His symptoms were relieved after two weeks of treatment, and follow-up at one month indicated that this plan was suitable for the patient. Conclusions Anticoagulant therapy is still preferred for acute ischemic stroke accompanied by hypertension and atrial fibrillation. The current evidence suggests that warfarin is superior to other anticoagulants. The target INR should be adjusted individually, especially in old patients. The maintenance of a low INR level, if necessary, could maximise utility and minimise the risk of hemorrhage. Aspirin is recommended when anticoagulants cannot be tolerated. Intensive blood pressure lowering therapy is not reasonable for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Antihypertensive drugs like ACEI and low-dose diuretics may be chosen during convalescence.
Objective To formulate an optimal treatment for patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning through the evidence-based approach. Methods Based on the clinical questions raised from a real-life patient of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (OP poisoning) in Emergency ICU (EICU), we searched ACP journal club (1991-April, 2006), The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (1966-May 2006) and Chinese Biological Medical Database(1978-May 2006) for systematic reviews , clinical randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies using the keywords of “organophosphorus compounds, poisoning, insecticides, oximes, cholinesterase reactivators, and intermediate syndrome”. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Results One Cochrane systematic review and one meta-analysis were included. These two studies concluded that there was no clear evidence on the benefits of oximes for acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Based on the current evidence, integrated with clinical expertise and the patients’ values, the oximes were not used for this patient, only low-dose atropine was administered with other supportive therapies. After one week of treatment, the patient was discharged since her vital signs were stable and clinical symptoms were relieved. Conclusions The appropriate management for acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning has been formulated with the approach of evidence-based medicine. Large-scale, methodologically-sound trials are required.
Objective We intended to get a good understanding of the current role of alkylating agents in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Methods We searched the Cochrane Library ( Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1978 Jun., 2005) and CBM disc(1978-2005) to get the current best evidence of alkylating agents for treating IMN with NS and further critically appraised the available evidence. Results Alkylating agents showed a significant beneficial effect on complete remission of proteinuria. The treatment of glucocorticoid with cyclophosphamide (MP+CTX) was one of the best managements among the various regimens suggested for IMN, but it was not clear about its long-term effect on renal survival rate. Given the current best evidence together with our clinical experience and the attitudes of the patient and family members, the treatment of (MP+CTX) was administered. There was a significant remission of proteinuria after 6 months follow-up. Conclusions The treatment of (MP+CTX) can significantly improve the remission of proteinuria, however further observations on the long-term effect of alkylating agents on renal survival rate are required.
Objective To summarize the available clinical research evidence on gliquidone for treating diabetes mellitus. Methods The clinical research on gliquidone for diabetes mellitus was systematically searched and appraised. Result Six randomized controlled trials and eleven controlled clinical trials were identified. The methodological quality of most papers about gliquidone for diabetes mellitus was poor. Currently, clinically patient-related endpoints as outcome measures and health economic analyses are lacking in this field. Conclusions Based on the available evidence, gliquidone appears specifically applicable to elderly diabetic patients with kidney diseases. More methodologically sound and patient-related endpoints and economic analyses based on clinical research are required.
Objective To review the efficacy and safety of interventions for preventing infections in nephrotic syndrome using evidence-based principles for clinicians to practice easily. Methods We searched Cochrane controlled trials register database, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Chinese Biologic Medical database. Results Total 11 articles were obtained including RCTs, non-controlled clinical studies and traditional narrative reviews. No systematic review or meta-analysis was identified. Prophylactic interventions for reducing risks of infection in nephrotic syndrome included intravenous immunoglobulin, thymosin, traditional Chinese herb, lamivudine, pneumococcal vaccination and chemoprophylaxis. Conclusion At present, the studies about interventions for preventing infection in nephrotic syndrome were limited in quantity and poor in the quality of methodology, therefore, the promising conclusions were unavailable. Rigid randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with blinding or systematic review or meta-analysis would be very necessary for further assessing the efficacy and safety of the prophylactic interventions for preventing infections in nephrotic syndrome
Objective To investigate the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis, and formulate an evidence-based treatment plan for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods We searched the ACP Journal Club, The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2007) and MEDLINE (1990 to 2007), and critically appraised the available evidence. Results The available Level A (high quality) evidence showed that the efficacy and adverse events of leflunomide were comparable to those of methotrexate. The total cost of treating patients with leflunomide was significantly higher when compared to methotrexate. The combination of leflunomide and methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to methotrexate monotherapy was less costly and more effective than the strategy excluding leflunomide. Given the current evidence, together with our clinical experience and the patient’s preference, methotrexate was administered to the patient. There was an inadequate response after 6 months of treatment. And then, adding leflunomide to methotrexate attained a remarkable response 3 months later. The patient is still being followed up. Conclusion treatment with leflunomide and methotrexate in RA patients can improve the clinical outcomes. Long-term efficacy and toxicity remain to be established.
Objective We sought a good understanding of the current role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction (SBO).Methods We looked for the best evidence on computed tomography for diagnosing small bowel obstruction by searching MEDLINE/PubMed (1978-April, 2006), SUMsearch (1978-April, 2006), CNKI (1978-April, 2006) and critically appraised the evidence. Results There was powerful evidence supporting the efficacy of computed tomography in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction. Given the current evidence together with our clinical experience and considering the patient and his family members, values and preferences, computed tomography was done. We confirmed the diagnosis of strangulating small bowel obstruction, which needed immediate operation. Conclusions Computed tomography is a very useful tool for the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction with high sensibility and specificity.
Objective We intended to get good understanding of the current role of imatinib （or glivec） in the treatment of a patient with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Methods We attempted to find the current best evidence of imatinib for treating chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase by searching ACP Journal Club （1991 -Jun, 2005 ）, The Cochrane Library（Issue 2, 2005 ）and MEDLINE（1990 -Jun, 2005 ） and further critically appraised the available evidence. Results Imatinib appeared to be more effective than current standard drag treatments in terms of hematologic and cytogenetic response with better quality of life and fewer side effects. However, there was uncertainty concerning long term outcomes. Given the current evidence together with our clinical experience and considering the patient and his family members＇ values and preference, imatinib （400 mg qd） was administered to him. No obvious adverse effects occurred with 3 months follow-up. Conclusions Imatinib is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. Further researches on long-term follow-up data from imatinib trials are definitely needed.