Can baseline C-reactive protein level predict functional outcome in acute ischaemic stroke? A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level and poor functional outcome is conflicting in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. This meta-analysis sought to investigate the value of elevated CRP level in predicting poor functional outcome in AIS patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematically literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase databases up to 31 October 2019. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the association between elevated CRP level and poor functional outcome (defined by the modified Rankin scale ≥3) beyond 3 months after AIS were included. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 8087 AIS patients were identified in this meta-analysis. When compared with reference low CRP level, the highest CRP level was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome (multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63-2.44) in a random effect model. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the significance of CRP elevation for predicting poor functional outcome after AIS. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CRP level is significantly associated with poor functional outcome in patients with AIS. Baseline CRP level has potential to improve risk stratification of function outcome in AIS patients.

Efficacy and safety of oral traditional Chinese patent medicine for chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency patients: A protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCCI) is a common clinical cerebrovascular disease, especially among middle-aged and elderly patients, which seriously endangers their quality of life and physical and mental health. At present, Oral traditional Chinese patent medicine (OTCPM) is widely used in the treatment of CCCI in China, but its actual efficacy and safety lack of evidence-based evidence. Therefore, we will screen out the most effective OTCPM through a systematic review and network meta-analysis to provide a reliable theoretical basis for clinical decisions. METHODS: We will search electronic databases to collect relevant RCT studies from inception to October 2019. Those electronic databases include PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wan-fang database. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerned any OTCPM treatments for CCCI will be collected. The included studies will no restrictions on language or publication year. There were no publication year or language for the included literature. Risk bias tools will assess the quality of the included literature. A Bayesian NMA will be performed to combine the direct and indirect comparisons of TCPMs interventions. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) will be drawn to display the hierarchy of each TCPMs treatment. All statistical analyses will be implemented using R v3.5.2. and GeMTC v1.4.3.We will publish this systematic review in academic journals. Since this literature review will not involve directly contacting patients, ethical approval and informed consent are not required. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019123878.

[Outcomes of cementless total hip replacement in treatment of osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of cementless total hip replacement (THR) in treating osteoarthritis and identifying the factors affecting the results. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 1999, 76 patients(85 hips) with osteoarthritis of hip joint were treated. These patients were assessed according to Harris hip score and X-ray film. The average follow-up time was 49.3 months. RESULTS: The average Harris score in the patients was 90.9 points. The excellent or good rate was 91.9%(75/85). Pain in the thigh existed in 23 hips(27.5%). The femoral osteolysis occurred in 14 hips(16.5%). The radiographical result demonstrated femoral loosening in 2 hips. Harris score became lower when the femoral component was placed in varus position. CONCLUSION: Cementless THR has been applied successfully to treatment of osteoarthritis of hip joint. Pain in the thigh may be related to the varus placement of femoral component and femoral osteolysis. Femoral osteolysis is one of important factors affecting the long-term outcomes.