The PICO model is a general model in building problems of evidence-based medicine (EBM). However, with the deepening and refinement of the medical research and the rising of qualitative research, the PICO model could not satisfy all problems. This article introduces the expansions of the PICO model and puts forward the SPIDER model according to the qualitative problem and its relationship with the PICO model, which can build the best search strategy of clinical problems in a short time.
ObjectiveTo introduce sensitivity and homogeneity tests in network meta-analysis and its implementation in R software. MethodsUsing an example, we performed sensitivity analysis by comparing the random effect model with the fixed effect model. Homogeneity analysis was performed using metaphor package and combinat package in R software. ResultsThe results of the two models were similar, and the data was steady. The results of homogeneity analysis showed that the confidential intervals in all loops were crossed over with blank value; and direct and indirect estimates of the effects in network meta-analysis were not significantly different, with good homogeneity. ConclusionNetwork meta-analysis is a kind of indirect comparison analysis method, and its sensitivity is especially important. The introduction of homogeneity makes network meta-analysis more accurate. Using R software for sensitivity and homogeneity analysis in network meta-analysis is a feasible method.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the association between H type hypertension and acute coronary syndromes in China. MethodsWe electronically searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, VIP and WanFang Data databases to collect case-control studies about the association between H type hypertension and acute coronary syndromes among the Chinese population from inception to May, 2015. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total 6 studies involving 992 patients were included. Among these cases, 438 cases were in the acute coronary syndromes group (case group) and 554 were in the control group. The results of metaanalysis showed that: proportion of H type hypertension patients in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (OR=3.32, 95%CI 2.21 to 4.98, P<0.000 01). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that, H type hypertension may be associated with acute coronary syndromes in the Chinese population. Due to the limited quantity and quality of included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
To introduce a method of estimating the mean and standard deviation based on the median, range and sample size. Therefore, the quantitative data without providing the mean and standard deviation can also be used in a meta-analysis. Examples were given to illustrate how to apply the estimation method.
ObjectiveTo explore the main risk factors related to the incidence of epilepsy and the cause of epilepsy, so as to provide basis for decision making on epilepsy prevention. MethodsSuch databases as PubMed (1980 to 2013.1.2), EMbase (1980 to 2013.1.2) and CNKI (1987 to 2013.1.2) were electronically searched to collect case-control studies on risk factors for epilepsy. Meanwhile, relevant studies were also manually retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. Results17 studies involving 6 641 participants (including 3 114 cases and 3 527 controls) were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, family history of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, febrile seizures, neonatal disease, and risk factors during pregnancy were associated with the incidence of epilepsy, with pooled OR (95%CI) values of 5.11 (3.19, 8.20), 4.14 (3.63, 4.73), 5.10 (2.64, 9.87), 3.33 (1.84, 6.05), and 3.23 (1.80, 5.78), respectively. ConclusionCurrently evidence shows that the risk factors influencing the incidence of epilepsy are family history of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, febrile seizures, neonatal disease, and risk factors during pregnancy.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) BsmI (rs1544410) in the vitamin D receptor gene and the susceptibility of coronary artery disease. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM were searched from inception to May, 2016 to collect case-control studies about SNP BsmI (rs1544410) in the vitamin D receptor gene and the susceptibility of coronary artery disease. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3. ResultsA total of seven studies were included, which involved 2182 patients and 5925 controls. The results of meta-analyses showed that the B allele and BB genotype in rs1544410 was associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (B vs. b:OR=1.36, 95%CI 1.03 to 1.79, P=0.03; BB vs. bb:OR=1.70, 95%CI 1.06 to 2.72, P=0.03; BB+Bb vs. bb:OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.00 to 2.30, P=0.05). Subgroup analysis by age showed that rs1544410 was associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in the age <65(B vs. b:OR=1.65, 95%CI 1.00 to 2.73, P=0.05; BB vs. Bb+ bb:OR=1.79, 95%CI 1.08 to 2.97, P=0.02; BB vs. bb:OR=2.64, 95%CI 1.12 to 6.25, P=0.03). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that rs1544410 was associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in Caucasians (B vs. b:OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.97, P=0.01; BB+Bb vs. bb:OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.09 to 2.68, P=0.02; BB vs. Bb+bb:OR=1.39, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.92, P=0.05; BB vs. bb:OR=1.80, 95%CI 1.10 to 2.95, P=0.03). Subgroup analysis by genotyping methods showed that rs1544410 was associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in the TaqMan (B vs. b:OR=2.18, 95%CI 1.06 to 4.45, P=0.03; BB+Bb vs. bb:OR=3.32, 95%CI 1.06 to 10.40, P=0.04; BB vs. bb:OR=3.31, 95%CI 1.06 to 10.30, P=0.04). Subgroup analysis by diagnostic criteria for cases showed that rs1544410 was associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in the ECG (B vs. b:OR=1.15, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.29, P=0.02; BB+Bb vs. bb:OR=1.22, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.45, P=0.03; BB vs. bb:OR=1.31, 95%CI 1.03 to1.67, P=0.03). ConclusionBsmI (rs1544410) B allele may have a significant association with the high risk of coronary artery disease especially the Caucasians and the ones with age <65.
Many meta-analysis studies evaluate rates as parameter to assess the overall estimate of effects. However, none of these studies address systematic approaches for the meta-analysis of rates. This paper outlines the conditions, analysis and software operation procedures for the meta-analysis of rates. It also compares different operation procedures of three types of commonly-used R software (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, Stata and MetaAnalyst) through real application examples. The biggest challenge for the meta-analysis of rates is to determine whether rates can be pooled, and how to evaluate heterogeneity between studies' outcomes needs further discussion.