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.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based treatment plan for a patient with hepatitis C after kidney transplantation with combination of interferon-α and ribavirin. Methods Based on an adequate assessment of the patient’ s condition and using the principle of PICO, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009), PubMed (1995 to March 2009), and CHKD (1995 to 2008.12). Results Eighteen studies were identified including 17 in English (5 case reports, 11 cohort studies, and 1 meta–analysis) and 1 in Chinese. According to the current evidence as well as the patient’ s clinical condition and preference, PEG-IFNα-2b 50 µg /week plus ribavirin 600 mg/day was given to the patient for 6 months. Conclusion Evidence-based approaches help us to prepare the anti-viral therapy plan and will improve the assessment of the efficacy and safety in kidney transplantation.
Objective To identify evidence-based treatment choices for a patient with increased intracranial pressure after acute traumatic brain injury. Methods We searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2006), MEDLNE (1981 to August 2006) and CBMdisc (1978 to August 2006) to identity systematic reviews (SRs), randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and prospective cohort studies involving the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy for increased intracranial pressure after acute traumatic brain injury. Results We found 2 SRs and 8 RCTs on pharmacotherapy, and 6 SRs and 2 RCTs on non-pharmacotherapy. Conventional-dose mannitol was no better than hypertonic saline, but was better than other intracranial pressure lowering agents. High-dose mannitol can reduce mortality and the incidence of severe disability compared with conventional-dose mannitol. There were no studies comparing high-dose mannitol and hypertonic saline. Non-pharmacotherapy was not recommended for routine use due to the lack of good quality evidence. Conclusion For patients with increased intracranial pressure after acute traumatic brain injury, mannitol is effective in reducing the mortality and the incidence of severe disability. However, more large-scale RCTs are required to compare high-dose mannitol versus other drugs. Non-pharmacotherapy is not recommended as an adjunct therapy at present.
ObjectiveTo explore the practice of the evidence-based treatment strategy for cervical spinal cord injury. MethodsOne patient with cervical spinal cord injury was admitted to our hospital on January 3, 2013. We obtained medical evidences by searching databases and regulated the best treatment after evaluating the patient's comprehensive conditions. And then, the whole treatment strategy was fully implemented. Finally, the consequent results were evaluated. ResultsThe evidence-based medicine showed that the therapeutic targets were to save the residual function, prevent complications, and promote the recovery of neural function. Based on the real-time conditions of patient, we developed and practiced the evidence-based comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including absolute rest in bed, high-dose steroids, neurotrophic drugs, Chinese medicine rehabilitation and prevention of complications. After a follow-up of half a year, the patient obtained a good curative effect. The patient was saved from paralyzing. Moreover, the patient restored the capacity of standing, walking and a certain level of self-care ability. ConclusionFor the cervical spinal cord injury, treatment decision based on evidence-based medicine is more scientific, and it can ensure maximum benefit for the patients. Therefore, it is worthy of popularizing.
Objective To search evidence in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome （Ph）-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia （ALL） for guiding chnical practice. Methods We searched MEDLINE （February, 1970～July, 2005 ） and SUMSEAILCH （till July, 2005 ）to identify systematic reviews（SIL）, randomized controlled trials（RCTs） and controlled clinical trials （CCTs） in the treatment of Ph-positive ALL. Results One RCT and 8 CCTs were identified. The results showed that Ph-positive ALL had a very poor prognosis . Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation （BMT） were the two main ways to treat the disease. Outcome of conventional chemotherapy treatment for adults with the disease was poor. Outcome of treatment with hyper-CVAD and imatinib mesylate was better and BMT was the only way which could potentially cure the disease. Conclusions Treatment of Ph-positive ALL with hyper-CVAD and imatinib mesylate may induce higher remission rate and disease free survival rate. BMT is the best way to cure the disease.
Objective We searched and reviewed medical evidence to find the guide of treatment for local advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods Firstly, we put forward clinical questions. Secondly, we searched medical evidence from Medline (1985-2002), Embase (1984-2000), Cochrane library (2002.1) and ACP. And then we reviewed the results. The key words we used were "nasopharyngeal carcinoma, chemotherapy and radiotherapy randomized" and "meta analysis or randomized control trial". Results Through searching, we got 17 papers including 1 systematic review and 16 randomized control trials, in which there were 8 prospective randomized phase Ⅲ trials. Most of these trials concluded that combination chemo-radiotherapy were better than radiotherapy alone. We think these results were suitable for our patient’treatment decision. Conclusion To treat our patients,we choosed the method of the mutimodality of squeitial neoadjuvant chemotherapy, concurrent chemo-radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with the drug doses down-adjusted.
Objective To identify an evidence-based treatment for a patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods We first put forward clinical problems about how to prevent complications and how to treat ruptured aneurysm of aSAH, then searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2006), Ovid ACP Journal Club (1991 to 2006), Ovid MEDLINE (1966 to 2006), NGC (1998 to 2006) and CBM (1978 to 2006) to identify systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials and treatment guidelines. Results Eleven studies and five guidelines were included. Current evidence indicated that nimodipine was effective for prophylaxis of poor outcome after vasospasm, while tirilazad was not effective in female patients with good grades. The effectiveness of other treatments to prevent complications was not clear. Evidence on the use of antifibrinolytics for the prevention of re-bleeding was inconsistent. If a ruptured aneurysm was considered suitable for both surgical clipping and endovascular coiling, coiling was associated with a better outcome. According to the available evidence and guidelines, considering the patient’s conditions and preferences, nimodipine and antifibrinolytics were administered to prevent complications and her aneurysm was treated by early endovascular embolization. She did not experience vasospasm or re-bleeding during her hospital stay. Short-term follow-up showed a good outcome. Long-term prognostic benefits after endovascular therapy need to be confirmed by prolonged follow-up. Conclusions Therapies based on the best clinical evidence and guidelines should be given to prevent complications and improve outcome for patients after an aSAH.
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 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.
Objective To give an individualized treatment to a young woman with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods According to the basic principle and methods of evidence-base medicine, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009), MEDLINE (PubMed, January 1950 to May 2009), ACP Journal Club (OVID, January 1991 to May 2007) for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to acquire the best clinical evidence on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Results A total of 11 systematic reviews and 1 RCT were identified. A reasonable treatment plan was made through combining the patient’s will with her family members’. Conclusion The treatment effect on primary dysmenorrhea of the young woman is improved by an individualized treatment plan based on an evidence-based method.