Trending Articles
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Review Meta Analysis
Prognostic significance of pretreated serum lactate dehydrogenase level in nasopharyngeal carcinoma among Chinese population: A meta-analysis.
A large number of studies have investigated the prognostic value of pretreated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients while the role of it was inconsistent and inconclusive. Hence, the aim of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis of all published studies to quantify the prognostic impact of pretreated serum LDH in NPC for Chinese population. ⋯ The present meta-analysis demonstrated that high pretreated LDH level is significantly associated with poorer OS, DMFS, and DFS, suggesting that pretreated LDH could sever as a prognostic factor in NPC among Chinese population.
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Clinical cardiology · Mar 2014
Review Meta AnalysisCatheterization therapy vs surgical closure in pediatric patients with patent ductus arteriosus: a meta-analysis.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) remains a common congenital heart disease in pediatric patients, and the new trend of catheterization therapy is still associated with some potential risks and complications. ⋯ Catheterization therapy in pediatric PDA patients did not show a significant advantage in primary success rate, total complications, or blood transfusion, but it was associated with increase in residual shunts and reduction in length of hospital stay.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Efficacy of Antibacterial Prophylaxis against the Development of Meningitis after Craniotomy: a Meta-analysis.
Prophylactic antibiotics are widely used before craniotomy to prevent postoperative infections. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of prophylactic antibiotics on meningitis after craniotomy. ⋯ This meta-analysis shows that prophylactic antibiotic use significantly decreases meningitis infections after craniotomy.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2005
Review Meta AnalysisArtesunate plus mefloquine versus mefloquine for treating uncomplicated malaria.
Multiple-drug-resistant malaria is widespread, and in South-East Asia resistance is high against nearly all single therapy antimalarial drugs. Here, and in other areas with low malaria transmission, the combination of artesunate and mefloquine may provide an effective alternative. ⋯ Artesunate plus mefloquine performs better than mefloquine alone for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in areas with low malaria transmission. A total dose of 25 mg/kg mefloquine and at least 10 mg artesunate leads to higher cure rates. Better reporting of methods and standardisation of outcomes would help the interpretation of future trials.
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We found eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of miscellaneous interventions that were designed to facilitate the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation. The two RCTs of high-fat/low-carbohydrate enteral nutrition found favorable physiologic effects on CO2 production and respiratory quotient, rendering this type of nutrition potentially useful in patients with impaired ventilatory reserve; however, no conclusions can be made about the outcomes of the duration of ventilation and weaning success. The two RCTs of postextubation use of noninvasive ventilation are conflicting, showing potential short-term physiologic benefit in one study, but no benefit in terms of reintubation rates or other morbidity. ⋯ One RCT of preextubation acupuncture showed lower rates of laryngospasm in the acupuncture group. Overall, these studies were underpowered for clinically important outcomes. Multidisciplinary, patient-centered, holistic, and non-pulmonary approaches to weaning may provide additional safe, effective adjunctive methods of hastening liberation from mechanical ventilation.