Objective To systematically review the intervention effects and safety of cardiovascular polypill for the relevant risk factors of coronary heart disease. Methods The randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on polypill in intervening coronary heart disease were searched in PubMed, CENTRAL, ICTRP, CBM, CNKI, WanFang and VIP from their inception to September 2012. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality. Then the analysis was conducted. Results A total of 5 RCTs from overseas were included. The descriptive analysis showed that: a) as for blood pressure, polypill was obviously superior to placebo in reducing SBP and DBP with a significant difference, but it didn’t reveal difference compared to the hypotensive drugs used alone; b) as for serum lipid, polypill was obviously superior to placebo in reducing TC, TG and LDL-C with a significant difference, but there was no difference between polypill and standard drug treatment; c) as for glucose, polypill was obviously superior to placebo in reducing glucose with a significant difference; d) as for adverse reaction, such adverse events as cough, bleeding tendency or gastritis, liver and kidney dysfunction were reported in the included studies; e) as for drug compliance, polypill showed no differences compared with either standard treatment or placebo. Conclusion Polypill has intervention effects on the relevant factors of coronary heart disease, such as hypertension and serum lipid, etc. Due to quantity limitation of the included trials, the above conclusion still needs to be further proved by performing more large scale and high quality studies. For lack of adequate evidence, this review does not recommend polypill as a primary care for cardiovascular disease.
Objective To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) blood stasis pattern of coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary angiography result, so as to screen dangerous patterns and provide evidence for the objectification of TCM pattern differentiation. Methods Literature on correlation between blood stasis pattern and coronary angiography results from January 1992 to May 2012 were searched in the following databases: China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database (CAJD), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Doctor Dissertation Full-text Database (CDFD), Chinese Selected Master’s Theses Full-Text Databases (CMFD), PubMed and MEDLINE. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of the included studies were conducted. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of 28 studies involving 4 901 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, there is a significant significance between blood stasis pattern and the following coronary angiography result, namely, number of culprit vessels (OR=1.38, 95%CI 1.08 to 1.77, Plt;0.05), severity of stenosis (OR=1.79, 95%CI 1.04 to 3.08, Plt;0.05), and Gensini score (OR=7.74, 95%CI 3.99 to 11.49, Plt;0.05). Conclusion Compared with other TCM patterns, CHD with blood stasis pattern easily tends to present multi-vessels lesions, more than 75% stenosis and higher Gensini score, indicating the condition of CHD with blood stasis pattern is more severe than with other patterns. Due to the discrepancy of pattern differentiation and the limited quality of original studies, this conclusion is insufficient to be fully applied into clinical practice, and more large scale and high quality clinical trials are required.
Objective To systematically review the methodological quality of guidelines concerning pharmacological intervention for complicated hypertension. Methods The databases and relevant guideline websites such as MEDLINE, EMbase, CBM, WangFang Data, National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), Guidelines International Network (GIN), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Clinical Practice Guideline Network (CPGN) were searched to collect the clinical guidelines concerning pharmacological intervention for complicated hypertension. By adopting the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE), the methodological quality of guidelines was assessed. Meanwhile the similarities, differences and features of drug recommendation in guidelines for different areas and diseases were analyzed by means of analogy comparison.Results A total of 21 guidelines concerning pharmacological intervention for complicated hypertension were included. The number of guidelines concerning hypertension complicated with coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, diabetes mellitus (DM) and kidney disease (KD) was 5, 5, 7 and 4, respectively. The publication year ranged from 2000 to 2011. According to the AGREE instrument, 19 and 2 guidelines were graded as Level B and C, respectively. The overall guidelines got low average scores in the domain of “Stakeholder involvement” and “Applicability”, including 9 evidence-based guidelines. There were totally 4 and 3 classes in terms of the level of evidence and recommendation, respectively; moreover, 10 and 6 expression forms were adopted in the level of evidence and recommendation, respectively. For hypertension with angina pectoris, -blocker (BB) and calcium channel blocker (CCB) were recommended unanimously. For hypertension with myocardial infarction, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and BB were recommended unanimously. For hypertension with heart failure, ACEI, angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) and BB were recommended unanimously. For hypertension with later stage of post-stroke, 76.47% guidelines recommended diuretic (D) and ACEI. For hypertension with acute stroke, recommendations were mainly based on the guidelines developed by American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). For hypertension with DM or KD, the guidelines basically recommended that systolic/diastolic pressure should be controlled in the range of less than 130/80 mmHg. For hypertension with DM, ACEI were recommended unanimously, followed by D and CCB. For hypertension with KD, ACEI/ARB was recommended, while 3 of the 5 guidelines recommending CCB were from Asian. Conclusion The overall methodological qualities of complicated hypertension guidelines differs, with high proportion of evidence-based guidelines. The classification criteria of the levels of evidence and recommendation are still suboptimal. For hypertension with CHD, DM, KD and later stage of stroke, results from high quality clinical evidence are consistent, and the recommendations are basically unanimous, with no regional and quality difference. But in some clinical researches beyond reaching a consensus at present, the recommendation discrepancy exists, and there still remains controversy for hypertension with acute stroke.
Objective To make an individualized treatment plan for a premature menopause female who was diagnosed as stable coronary heart disease with the symptom of frequent palpitation after physical activity for over 1 month.. Methods Seven clinical problems were put forward after assessing the patient＇s health state. We searched The Cochrane Library （Issue 2, 2005 ） , evidence-based medicine reviews （EMBtk） （1991 - 2005 ） , and MEDLINE （1991 - 2005 ） databases. Systematic review, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials about the treatment of coronary heart disease were included. The treatment plan was developed accordingly. Results After evaluating, thirty-four studies were ehglble. The evidence indicated that three kind of drugs （aspirin, h-blockers and statins）, exercise and dietary therapy, and 75mg/d aspirin for secondary prevention, could improve the therapy effect and the prognosis by controlling LDL below 2.6 mmol/L; ACEIs should be used depending on the patient＇s condition; coronary arteriography and interventional strategy helped little for patients without coronary artery events in recent 3 months, and their cost-effectiveness was lower; hormone replacement therapy even increased the risk of thrombosis. The individualized treatment plan was developed based on the available evidence. After 2 months, the patient＇s weight declined, the symptom of angina disappeared and the lipidemia reduced to aimed level. Conclusions The individualized treatment plan based on the high quality evidence and patient＇s condition is optimal for the short-term treatment of stable coronary heart disease. However, the long-term prognostic benefits need to be confirmed by continuing follow-up.
Objective To evaluate the effect of a nurse-supported patient self-managed home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for promoting quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease. Methods 167 eligible patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=83) and a control group(n=84). Patients in the intervention group joined a 12-week nurse-supported patient self-managed cardiac rehabilitation programme that included medication management, angina management, physical exercise, smoking cessation, dietary management, and family support besides the conventional care. Chinese Version SF-36 was used to assess the quality of life. Data collection was conducted at programme entry, programme exit, and three months follow-up. Results On completion of the programme, patients in the intervention group demonstrated significantly better improvements in six SF-36 quality of life domains, including general health, physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, mental health, and vitality. The effect on physical functioning and role-physical maintained at three months follow-up.Conclusions A nurse-supported patient self-managed home-based cardiac rehabilitation intervention has a positive impact on the quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease.
Objective To investigate the changes and significance of serum inflammatory factors in coronary heart disease ( CHD) patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome ( OSAHS) , and the treatment effects of continuous positive airway pressure( CPAP) . Methods A total of 76 CHD patients in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from October 2007 to October 2008 were enrolled. Polysomnography ( PSG) was performed in these CHD patients to identify if they were complicated by OSAHS. The levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6, high sensitive C-reactive protein ( hs-CRP) in serum were determined in the CHD patients and 23 normal subjects. The CHD patients with moderate-severe OSAHS ( AHI≥15 episodes/hour) were treated by Auto-CPAP for 3 months and all parameters above were measured again. Results There were 41 /76 ( 53. 9% ) of CHD patients had moderate-severe OSAHS and were treated with CPAP. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and hs-CRP were significantly higher in the CHD patients than those in the normal controls ( all P lt; 0. 01) , and were significantly higher in moderate-severe OSAHS patients than those in the non-OSAHS CHD patients. Auto-CPAP ventilation significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory factors in the CHD patients with moderate-severe OSAHS. Conclusions An obvious proinflammatory state is detected in CHD patients, and is aggravated with OSAHS. CPAP is a useful treatment for CHD patients with mediate to severe OSAHS.
Objective To explore the efficacy of humidified high flow nasal cannula ( HHFNC) for respiratory failure after ventilator weaning in post-operative newborns and infants with congenital heart disease. Methods FromJanuary 2010 to August 2010, 33 newborns and infants [ ( 7. 8 ±8. 4) months, range 3 days to 36 months; weight ( 6. 6 ±3. 6) kg, range 2. 2 to 19. 6 kg] were treated with HHFNC ( 22 cases) and routine oxygen therapy ( 11 cases) for respiratory failure following ventilator weaning after operation of congenital heart disease. Symptoms, blood oxygen saturation ( SpO2 ) , partial pressure of oxygen( PaO2 ) , partial pressure of carbondioxide ( PaCO2 ) , incidence rate of re-intubation, duration of ICU, and hospital stay were assessed and compared between the HHFNC group and the routine oxygen therapy group.Results There were no statistical significance in the duration of ICU, hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, or infection rate between the HHFNC group and the routine oxygen therapy group ( P gt; 0. 05) . But the incidence rate of re-intubation was lower in the HHFNC group than that in the routine oxygen therapy group. Meanwhile SpO2 and PaO2 increased and PaCO2 decreased significantly in the HHFNC group ( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusion HHFNC shows a clinical improvement rapidly and efficiently in preventing respiratory failure after ventilator weaning in post-operative newborns and infants with congenital heart disease.
Objective To conduct a systematic review to evaluate preoperative and postoperative changes of echocardiography indexes which reflect left ventricular morphology and contractile function after heart valve replacement of patients with valvular heart disease with giant left ventricle. Methods We electronically searched CBMdisc， VIP database，Wanfang database， CNKI database， PubMed and ScienceDirect from time of establishment of each database to June 2012 to identify literatures addressing heart valve replacement for patients with valvular heart disease and giant left ventricle. Quality of included literatures was evaluated， and relevant data were extracted to conduct meta-analysis. Preoperative and postoperative changes of echocardiography indexes of patients undergoing heart valve replacement were compared. R2.15.2 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Twelve retrospective cohort studies were included in this study involving 833 patients. The quality of included literature was relatively high. Meta-analysis showed that left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD） at 2 weeks， 6 months， 1 year， 2 to 3 years postoperatively were reduced by 11.72 mm［95% CI （9.52，13.92）， P＜0.001］， 20.02 mm ［95% CI （18.28， 21.76）， P＜0.001］， 22.48 mm ［95% CI （19.55， 25.40）， P＜0.001］ and 24.69 mm ［95% CI （22.21， 27.18）， P＜0.001］ respectively compared with preoperative value. Left ventricularend-systolic diameter （LVESD） at 2 weeks， 6 months， 1 year， 2 to 3 years postoperatively were reduced by 7.74 mm ［95% CI （3.76， 11.72）， P＜0.001］， 15.54 mm ［95% CI （12.55， 18.54）， P＜0.001］， 18.84 mm ［95% CI （15.54， 21.14），P＜0.001］ and 21.02 mm［95% CI （17.67， 24.37）， P＜0.001］ respectively compared with preoperative value. Compared with preoperative value， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） decreased by 7% at 2 weeks postoperatively ［95% CI （1%， 12%）， P=0.013］， increased by 9% at 6 months postoperatively ［95% CI （-14%， -3%）， P=0.002］， increased by 11% at 1 year postoperatively ［95% CI （-22%， 0%）， P=0.041］， and increased by 13% at 2-3 years postoperatively ［95% CI （4%， 21%）， P=0.004］. Compared with preoperative value， left ventricular fraction shortening （LVFS） decreased by 0.05 at 2 weeks postoperatively ［95% CI （0.03， 0.07）， P＜0.001］， increased by 0.02 at 6 months postoperatively ［95% CI （0.00， 0.04）， P=0.055］， increased by 0.03 at 1 year postoperatively ［95% CI （0.00， 0.06）， P=0.035］， and increased by 6% at 2-3 years postoperatively ［95% CI （0.02， 0.11）， P=0.008］. Conclusions LVEED and LVESD of patients with valvular heart disease and giant left ventricle continuously decrease after heart valve replacement， especially in the first 6 months postoperatively， and return to normal in 2 to 3 years. LVEF and LVFS decrease in the first 2 weeks postoperatively， then start to increase， are higher than preoperative values at 6 months， and return to normal in 2 to 3 years. Heart valve replacement is conducive for the recovery of left ventricular morphology and systolic function of patients with valvular heart disease and giant left ventricle.
Objective To observe early and intermediate-term clinical outcomes of tricuspid valvuloplasty withannuloplasty ring for the treatment of secondary tricuspid regurgitation （TR） of patients with rheumatic heart disease. MethodsFrom December 2009 to September 2011, 41 patients with rheumatic heart disease underwent left-side heart valve replacementand concomitant tricuspid valvuloplasty with annuloplasty ring in Sichuan Jianyang People’s Hospital. There were 12 males and 29 females with their mean age of 49 （21-67） years. Preoperatively, there were 38 patients with atrial fibrillation, 13 patients with left atrial thrombus; 2 patients with trivial TR, 5 patients with mild TR, 11 patients with moderate TR, and 23 patients with severe TR. Twenty-eight patients received mitral valve replacement and 13 patients received mitral and aortic valve replacement. All the patients were followed up every 3 months at the outpatient department, and received color Doppler echocardiography examination to observe TR degree at the 6th postoperative month. Results Postoperative heart function improved by 2-3 class in all the patients. There were 39 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) classⅠorⅡ postoperatively, and postoperative heart function was significantly better than preoperative heart function（P＜0.05）. All the patients were followed up for 6-27 months, and there was no death during follow-up. Color Doppler echocardiography at the 6th postoperative month showed that TR degrees were significantly decreased than preoperative TR degrees. There were 39 patients with trivial or mild TR during follow-up, which was significantly different with preoperativeTR degree （P＜0.05）. Right ventricle dimension decreased from preoperative 20 mm to 17 mm during follow-up, which were statistically different （P＜0.05）. Conclusion Early and intermediate-term clinical outcomes of tricuspid valvuloplasty with annuloplasty ring for the treatment of TR are satisfactory, while further evaluation for its long-term outcome is needed.
Clinical application history of prosthetic heart valves has been over five decades, and mechanical heart valves have satisfactory clinical outcomes for surgical treatment of valvular heart disease. The development history of mechanical heart valves experienced from the first generation of ball valves and caged disc valves to the second generation of single tilting disc valve, and to the third generation of bileaflet valves. In 1960， ball valve was first used for heart valve replacement in abroad. In 1963， China-made ball valve was also produced and used in clinical practice. In 1969， the second generation of single tilting disc valve was developed in abroad. In 1978， China-made single tilting disc valve was produced and widely used in clinical practice with satisfactory clinical outcomes. Since 1980 when it was first produced， bileaflet valve has taken the place of above 2 types of valves for its excellent performance, and become the mainstream product all over the world. Currently, the development of China-made bileaflet valves has lagged behind， and domestic mechanical heart valve market has almost been monopolized by foreign bileaflet valve products. Therefore, the development of ideal China-made mechanical heart valve deserves further research.