Objective To make an individualized treatment plan for a newly diagnosed Barrett esophagus patient by means of evidence-based medicine. Methods After the clinical problems were put forward, both the systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected from The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009) and PubMed (1995 to 2010) and SCIE (1995 to 2010). The treatment protocol was made by combining the evidence and the preference of patient. Results A total of 21 RCTs and 6 systematic reviews (meta-analyses) were identified. A rational treatment plan was made upon a serious evaluation and patient’s preferences: improving the lifestyle and adopting the APC therapy combined with acid-suppressive drugs (Omeprazole, 40 mg, bid) for six weeks. Three months later, the endoscope reexamination showed the patient was much better. After another twelve-month follow-up, the plan proved to be optimal. Conclusion In accordance with the evidence-based methods, the rational treatment plan made for a diagnosed Barrett esophagus male can effectively relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Through searching and evaluating the evidence on advanced prostate cancer, we found that different types of androgen deprivation had similar effect, and immediate androgen deprivation had survival benefit. For the patient with hormone-refractory prostate cancer, therapies including mitoxantrone, prednisone, docetaxel and surmine were more effective. Strontium-89 provided more effective pain relief than external beam radiation. And bisphophonate had no effect. Antiandrogen withdrawal suggested prostate specific antigen would decline, but the clinical outcome wasn’t reported.
Objective To make individualized evidence-based treatment for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods Based on the clinical questions we raised, evidence was collected and critically assessed. Patients’ preferences was also taken into consideration in the decision-making treatment. Results 157 studies were retrieved and finally 15 randomized controlled trials, 14 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and 1 clinical guidelines were considered eligible. The evidence indicated that the first step in management of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy should aim for stable and optimal glycemic control; there was no statistically significant difference between aldose reductase inhibitors and placebo in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, the same to nerve growth factor; alpha-lipoic acid is superior to placebo in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy; 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants might alleviate the pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; vitamin B and capsaicin cream are is effective and safe in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. The individualized treatment plans were developed based on the available evidence. After 3 month of treatment, the blood sugar returned to normal and symptoms were alleviated. Conclusion The treatment efficacy in diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been improved by determining an individulized treatment plan according to evidence-based methods.
Objective To discuss the effectiveness of salmeterol in treating a case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Aimed at the effectiveness of salmeterol in treating COPD patients, a comprehensive search was conducted in EMbase Web (2007 to 2011) and EBSCOhost Web (2000 to 2010) to obtain and evaluate the relevant systematic reviews, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and finally to apply the best evidence in clinical practice. Results There were 2 systematic reviews, 3 meta-analyses and 172 RCTs in the initial retrieval; and 12 RCTs and 1 meta-analysis were finally included after being screened. The results indicated a significant improvement in lung function, clinical symptoms and life quality after inhalation of sameterol in COPD patients. The patient had a good effect when the above evidence was applied at the patient’s will. Conclusion The inhalation of salmeterol for COPD can significantly improve lung function, alleviate clinic symptoms and improve life quality of the patients. But there are still some side-effects which should be considered in practical applications.
Objective To assess the effects on labour, maternal, and neonatal outcomes of different techniques and drugs for analgesia during labour. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2006) , MEDLINE (Jan. 1978 to Oct. 2006) and CBMdisc (Jan. 1980 to Oct. 2006) to collect the current best evidence of labor analgesia. Results We included eight Cochrane systematic reviews and six other meta-analyses. The evidence showed that epidural analgesia was associated with a longer second stage of labour, more frequent oxytocin augmentation, higher incidence of instrumental vaginal delivery and maternal fever. But it was unlikely to increase the risk of caesarean section. Conclusion Epidural analgesia is superior to other approaches.
Objective To identify an evidence-based treatment for an elderly patient with intertrochanteric fractures. Methods Clinical problems were presented on the basis of the patient’s conditions, and evidence was collected from the NGC (2000 to 2009), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), TRIP Database, PubMed (1966 to 2009) and CBM (1978 to 2009). Treating strategies were formulated in terms of the three-combination principle (best evidence, the doctor’s professional knowledge and the patient’s desire). Results Three guidelines and sixteen studies were included. The current evidence indicated that surgery was the preferred solution to intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly patient. The sliding hip screw (SHS) appeared superior to others. There was insufficient evidence to support the routine use of closed suction drainage in orthopedic surgeries. Early surgery was associated with shorter hospital stay and improved mortality. Antibiotic prophylaxis significantly reduced infections. In order to lower the risk of venous thromboembolism, pharmacological prophylaxis should be carried out when the patient was admitted to hospital and be assisted with mechanical prophylaxis after surgery. Nutritional supplementation was conducive to the recovery of the patient. Rehabilitation ought to be performed as soon as possible. Considering the patient’s condition, the treatment option was established according to the available evidence and guidelines. Short-term follow-up showed a good outcome. Conclusion Through the evidence-based method, an individual treatment plan could obviously improve the treatment effect and prognosis.
Lung cancer is an epithelial cancer arising from the bronchial surface epithelium or bronchial mucous glands. Non-small lung cancer constitutes about 75%-80% of all lung cancer. At the time of diagnosis, a lot of people have got stage Ⅲb non-small lung cancer which is unresectalbe. Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used in unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small lung cancer. The regimes of chemotherapy or radiotherapy are varied too. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials have provide much convincing evidence for us to choose and utilize the most appropriate treatment.
Objective To make an individualized treatment plan concerning a newborn with meconium aspiration syndrome combined with persistent pulmonary hypertension. Methods Based on the clinical questions raised by a newborn with meconium aspiration syndrome combined with persistent pulmonary hypertension, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE (1980 to June 2009), ACP Journal Club (1991 to June 2009), and Chinese Journal Fulltext Database (1994 to June 2009) for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-control studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Results A total of 9 RCTs, 1 health economic evaluation, 1 meta analysis, and 2 systematic reviews were considered eligible. The evidence indicated that the use of ECMO in infants of PPHN had shown a decreased risk of death, but not cost-saving from a societal perspective; iNO treatment could improve the PaO2 and resulted in a reduction in the incidence of requirement for ECMO; there were not randomized controlled trials regarding the treatment of PPHN by hyperventilation, high-frequency ventilation, alkali infusion, pulmonary vasodilators (magnesium sulfate, tolazoline, prostaglandin or prostacyclin, milrinone), surfactant therapy; oral sildenafil could lower oxygenation index (OI) and result in a reduction in the incidence of death. The individualized treatment plans of oral sildenafil were developed based on the available evidence, existing conditions of the hospital, and the values of children with families. After 1 month of treatment, the FiO2 returned to normal and symptoms were alleviated. Conclusion The treatment efficacies and the survival rates in meconium aspiration syndrome combined with PPHN have been improved by determining an individualized treatment plan according to evidence-based methods.
Objective Making an individualized pharmacological treatment plan for a patient of acute respiratory distress syndrome after operation. Methods First, six clinical problems were put forward after assessing the patient’ s health state. Then we searched OVID versions of the ACP Journal Club (1991~2009), CENTRAL (1st Quarter 2009), CDSR (1st Quarter 2009), and MEDLINE (1991~2009) databases. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials about treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome were included. The pharmacological treatment plan was made accordingly.Results After evaluation, 13 studies were eligible. The evidence indicated that the restrictive strategy of fluid management, corrected hypoproteinaemia, diuresis, and low-dose corticosteroids given in the early phase could improve oxygenation and prognosis; inhaled nitric oxide, exogenous surfactant supplement, other pharmacological drugs were associated with limited improvement in oxygenation in patients with ARDS but confer no mortality benefit and may cause harm, so we did not recommend their routine use in ARDS patients. The individual treatment plan was made based on the evidence found. After 8 days of treatment, the patient was out the ICU. He recovered and was discharged after 1 month. Conclusions The individual treatment plan, which was made based on high quality evidence and patient’s condition, improved treatment efficacy, shortened the stay in ICU, reduced mortality, and decreased adverse reactions.