Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion for post-stroke constipation: a meta analysis / 中国针灸

The clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion for post-stroke constipation was systematically reviewed. By computerized and manual retrieval of clinical research literature regarding acupuncture and moxibustion for post-stroke constipation, the randomized control trials (RCTs) that met the inclusive criteria were collected. Cochrane systematic review method was used and Revmen 5.2 software was adopted to perform this Meta analysis. Totally 8 articles were included, involving 610 cases of post-stroke constipation. As a result, the total effective rate and cured rate of acupuncture and moxibustion for post-stroke constipation were significantly superior to those of the control group [total effective rate: OR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.25, 3.54), Z = 2.78, P = 0.005; cured rate: OR = 2.37, 95% CI (1.57, 3.58), Z = 4.10, P < 0.0001]. This result indicated that acupuncture was effective for post-stroke constipation and had some advantages compared with other therapies. But the quality of included RCTs was low, and high-quality, large-sample and multi-center RCTs were needed to perform further verification.

Diagnosis and treatment of central neurocytoma: A report of 7 cases with review of the literature / 肿瘤

Objective: To analyze the imaging findings, diagnosis and treatment of central neurocytoma. Methods: The clinical information of 7 cases of central neurocytoma in Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2005 to March 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. The surgical experience was summarized, and the related literatures were reviewed. Results: Of 7 cases, 3 were females and 4 were males; 6 had tumor in anterior 2/3 of the ventricle, 5 originated from septum pellucidum around monro foramen, 1 originated from lateral ventricular wall. The MRI showed that the lesions were mostly hypointense and displayed mixed signals on T1WI images, mainly hypointense and slightly hyperintense signals on T2WI images; most of neurocytomas showed heterogeneous enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI images. Six cases underwent gross total resection, 1 case underwent subtotal resection. Two cases received postoperative radiotherapy, 1 case received adjuvant chemotherapy. One case died postoperatively in hospital. Five cases were followed-up, and 1 case was lost to follow-up. The follow-up time was from 15 to 25 months. Four cases had satisfying prognosis, 1 case had hemiplegic paralysis, and no cases had recurrent tumor. Conclusion: Microneurosurgery is the best treatment for central neurocytoma, mastering the technique and key points of operation can achieve significant clinical effectiveness and improve the prognosis. Copyright © 2013 by TUMOR.