Prehospital End-tidal Carbon Dioxide Predicts Mortality in Trauma Patients

Background: End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) measurement has been shown to have prognostic value in acute trauma. Objective: Evaluate the association of prehospital EtCO₂ and in-hospital mortality in trauma patients and to assess its prognostic value when compared to traditional vital signs. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients transported by a single EMS agency to a level one trauma center. We evaluated initial out-of-hospital vital signs documented by EMS personnel including EtCO₂, respiratory rate (RR), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), pulse (P), and oxygen saturation (O₂) and hospital data. The main outcome measure was mortality. Results: 135 trauma patients were included; 9 (7%) did not survive. The mean age of patients was 40 (SD17) [Range 16–89], 97 (72%) were male, 76 (56%) were admitted to the hospital and 15 (11%) went to the ICU. The mean EtCO2 level was 18 mmHg (95%CI 9–28) [Range 5–41] in non-survivors compared to 34 mmHg (95%CI 32–35) [Range 11–51] in survivors. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for EtCO₂ in predicting mortality was 0.84 (0.67–1.00) (p = 0.001), RR was 0.82 (0.63–1.00), SBP was 0.72 (0.49–0.96), DBP was 0.72 (0.47–0.97), pulse was 0.51 (0.26–0.76), and O₂ was 0.64 (0.37–0.91). Cut-off values at 30 mmHg yielded sensitivity = 89% (51–99), specificity = 68% (59–76), PPV = 13% (6–24) and NPV = 99% (93–100) for predicting mortality. There was no correlation between RR and EtCO₂ (correlation 0.16; p = 0.06). Conclusion: We found an inverse association between prehospital EtCO₂ and mortality. This has implications for improving triage and assisting EMS in directing patients to an appropriate trauma center.     

Trends and transient change in end-digit preference in blood pressure recording: studies of sequential and longitudinal collected primary care data

Background: End‐digit preference (EDP) is a known cause of inaccurate BP recording. Distortion has been reported around pay‐for‐performance (P4P) indicators. Methods: We studied sequential datasets (n = 148,000 to n = 900,000) and performed a longitudinal analysis of CONDUIT data (n = 250,000) over a 10‐year period. We examined general trends in EDP and investigated the impact of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) P4P targets. Results: EDP reduces over time in both datasets; the percentage of patients with a zero EDP declined from 70% to 27% and 68% to 26% for SBP and DBP respectively. There is more zero EDP at the extremes of BP, but in people with chronic disease, the use of zero EDP was mainly seen at higher BP levels. P4P targets are associated with increased preference for the even end‐digit just below target: in diabetes odds ratio (OR) is 1.47 (p = 0.003) for SBP, 1.19 (p = 0.09) for DBP and in CKD OR 1.65 (p < 0.001) for SBP and 1.48 (p = 0.0001) for DBP. Trends observed in pilot data were validated with a longitudinal set. Conclusions: The decline in EDP is levelling off and P4P targets are associated with sub‐target‐EDP. Primary care should automate BP measurement and recording.     

A placebo-controlled comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of candesartan cilexetil, 8 mg, and losartan, 50 mg, as monotherapy in patients with essential hypertension, using 36-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

This double-blind, randomised, controlled study compared the efficacy of candesartan cilexetil 8 mg (n = 87) and losartan 50 mg (n = 89), once daily for 6 weeks, relative to placebo (n = 80) in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension (diastolic blood pressure (DBP): 95-115 mmHg). Ambulatory BP measurements were done every 15 min over 36 h. At the end of the 6-week treatment, the mean change in DBP between the baseline and the 0-24-h period after the last dose of study medication was greater in patients receiving candesartan cilexetil 8 mg (-7.3 mmHg +/- 6.9 mmHg) compared with losartan 50 mg (-5.1 mmHg +/- 4.9 mmHg) (p < 0.05) or placebo (0.3 mmHg +/- 6.5 mmHg) (p < 0.001). The mean change in systolic BP (SBP) during this time was greater in patients receiving candesartan cilexetil 8 mg (-10.8 mmHg +/- 11.3 mmHg), or losartan 50 mg (-8.8 mmHg +/- 8.9 mmHg) than placebo (1.2 mmHg +/- 9.9 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Candesartan cilexetil 8 mg was associated with a greater reduction in DBP and SBP, relative to placebo, when compared with losartan 50 mg, during both daytime and night-time, and between 12 and 24 h after dosing (p < 0.001). Both active treatments were well tolerated. In patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension, candesartan cilexetil 8 mg therefore had greater, more consistent antihypertensive efficacy throughout the day and the night, and long-lasting efficacy after the last dose, compared with losartan 50 mg. This greater efficacy is maintained with an excellent tolerability associated with members of the angiotensin Il type 1-receptor blocker class.     

血管紧张素受体阻滞剂与血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂治疗冠心病患者有效性与安全性的Meta分析

目的系统评价血管紧张素受体阻滞剂(ARB)与血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI)比较治疗冠心病的疗效和安全性,为临床应用提供证据。方法计算机检索MEDLINE、EMbase、BIOSIS Previews、Cochrane图书馆、CBM、VIP、WanFang Data和CNKI数据库,检索时限从建库至2011年7月,同时追索纳入文章的参考文献,纳入有关ACEI与ARB比较治疗冠心病的随机对照试验。由两名研究者按纳入与排除标准,独立选择文献、提取资料和评价质量并交叉核对后,采用RevMan 5.1.1软件进行Meta分析。结果纳入18个RCT,共17 660例患者。Meta分析结果显示,在全因死亡[RR=1.04,95%CI(0.98,1.11),P=0.20]、心血管死亡[RR=1.04,95%CI(0.97,1.12),P=0.26]、心肌梗死[RR=0.98,95%CI(0.92,1.05),P=0.59]、因心衰住院[RR=1.14,95%CI(0.97,1.32),P=0.11]和脑卒中[RR=0.93,95%CI(0.80,1.08),P=0.34]方面,ARB与ACEI的差异无统计学意义;但ARB在因不良反应而停药[RR=0.77,95%CI(0.67,0.89),P=0.000 3]方面优于ACEI。结论 ARB治疗冠心病在全因死亡、心血管死亡、心肌梗死、因心衰而住院、脑卒中等方面,疗效与ACEI相当且耐受性更好。但受纳入研究质量和样本量所限,上述结论仍需更多大样本、多中心、前瞻性临床研究证实。     

1981-2014年江苏省昆山市全死因死亡率趋势分析

目的 探究江苏省昆山市1981-2014年全死因死亡率、平均期望寿命时间趋势及主要死因构成，为卫生部门循证决策提供依据。方法 历年全死因死亡病例来源于全死因监测，计算分性别的全死因死亡率和平均期望寿命，使用2000年全国人口普查年龄构成为标准计算年龄标化死亡率；使用年度变化百分比（APC）评价各个指标在年份之间变化趋势。结果 男女合计人群中全死因年龄标化死亡率由1981年的726.26/10万下降到2014年的258.40/10万（APC=-3.33%，95%CI:-3.54%~-3.12%）；男性人群中由1981年的830.16/10万下降到2014年的289.30/10万（APC=-3.44%，95%CI:-3.68%~-3.20%）；女性人群中由1981年的654.63/10万下降到2014年的226.40/10万（APC=-3.38%，95%CI:-3.60%~-3.16%）。男女合计人群平均期望寿命由1981年的69.67岁上升到2014年的82.26岁（APC=0.57%，95%CI:0.53%~0.61%）。恶性肿瘤（30.33%）、脑血管病（17.22%）、心血管病（9.09%）、呼吸系统疾病（15.30%）及损伤和中毒（8.08%）是当前影响居民死亡的主要原因。结论 昆山市1981-2014年全死因死亡率逐渐下降，平均期望寿命逐步提升，但恶性肿瘤、循环与呼吸系统疾病以及损伤与中毒仍是当前影响居民健康的主要原因。     

The effects of regular consumption of green or black tea beverage on blood pressure in those with elevated blood pressure or hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveAs a popular beverage, there has been much interest in studying the effects of tea intake on hypertension (HTN), a particular risk factor for cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). We have thus aimed to isolate the randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of black or green tea as a beverage in subjects with elevated blood pressure (BP), or HTN.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest dissertations and theses databases were searched from February 1, 1995, up to July 20, 2019, to identify relevant studies.ResultsThe search strategy generated 1119 trials, of which finally five trials fulfilled the criteria for being included in the current study. Three out of 5 articles showed a low risk of bias. According to nine measurements derived from 5 trials on 408 individuals, it was found that regular tea intake resulted in the reduction in SBP (weighted mean difference (WMD): −4.81 mmHg, 95 %CI: −8.40 to −1.58, P = .004) and DBP (WMD:-1.98 mmHg, 95 %CI: −3.77 to −0.20, P = .029); however, excluding the most heterogeneous trials showed that regular tea intake might reduce SBP and DBP by about −3.53 and −0.99 mmHg, respectively. Based on meta-regression findings, we found the longer the duration of tea intake (≥3months), the higher the decrease in both SBP and DBP. Categorized studies, according to the tea type, revealed that the hypotensive effects of green tea were more pronounced compared to black tea. None of the studies reported any side effects.ConclusionThese results suggest the positive effects of regular tea intake on BP in subjects with elevated BP or HTN. Hence, it may be applicable to physicians, health care providers, and particularly HTN patients.     

Differential time effect profiles of amlodipine, as compared to valsartan, revealed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, self blood pressure measurements and dose omission protocol

Amlodipine and valsartan are once-daily antihypertensive agents. To date, no comparison between these agents given as monotherapies was reported. This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic coverage and safety of amlodipine and valsartan in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients. Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, comparative study. After a 4-week placebo wash-out period, 246 outpatients with office diastolic blood pressure 95 < or = DBP < or =110 mmHg and systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 180 mmHg, in addition to a mean daytime SBP and/or DBP > 135/85 mmHg on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), were randomly allocated to once-daily amlodipine 5-10 mg or valsartan 40-80 mg, for 12 weeks. In a subgroup of patients, 48-h ABPM were performed at the end of the treatment period. Dose omission was simulated by a single-blind placebo dosing. The primary efficacy end-point was the 24-h trough office BP after 12 weeks of active therapy. The reductions in 24-h trough BP were more pronounced in amlodipine compared with valsartan group as well in office [SBP: -17.8 +/- 10.9 vs. -14.6 +/- 11.2, P = 0.025, DBP: -12.7 +/- 7.2 vs. -10.9 +/- 7.8 mmHg, P = 0.06) as in ambulatory BP (SBP/DBP: -13.0 +/- 13.7/-10.8 +/- 9.1 vs. -7.2 +/- 19.4/-4.9 +/- 13.4 mmHg, P < 0.05). Forty-eight hours after the last active dose, the slope of the morning BP surge (4-9 h) was less steep with amlodipine vs. valsartan [DBP (P < 0.04), SBP (n.s.)]. Ankle edema were more often reported in amlodipine group. These results suggest a superior BP lowering and a longer duration of action with amlodipine compared with valsartan.     

Efficacy and safety of telmisartan vs. losartan in control of mild-to-moderate hypertension: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind study

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of telmisartan with those of losartan after 8 weeks' treatment. In total, 330 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] <180 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure [DBP] 95-109 mmHg) were randomly assigned to receive once-daily treatment with telmisartan 40 mg (n = 164) or losartan 50 mg (n = 166). After 4 weeks' treatment, if a patient's DBP was > or = 90 mmHg, the dose was increased to telmisartan 80 mg or losartan 100 mg, respectively. The results show that mean trough seated blood pressure was reduced significantly more in the telmisartan group than that in the losartan group (SBP 12.5 mmHg vs. 9.4 mmHg, p = 0.037; DBP 10.9 mmHg vs. 9.3 mmHg, p = 0.030). The overall DBP response rate (reduction from baseline in mean seated DBP > or = 10 mmHg and/or a mean seated DBP <90 mmHg) at the end of the study in the telmisartan group was higher than that in losartan group (70.1% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.020). At both the low and high doses, the DBP response rates for telmisartan were significantly higher than those for losartan (telmisartan 40 mg vs. losartan 50 mg: 46.3% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.010; telmisartan 80 mg vs. losartan 100 mg: 79.3% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.008). Adverse events with the two treatments were comparable (telmisartan vs. losartan 23.2% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.952). Most events were mild in intensity and abated within 72 h. Thus, telmisartan 40 mg or 80 mg administered once daily can reduce SBP and DBP effectively and safely.     

The effect of almond intake on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveThe present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed determine the efficacy of almond intake on blood pressure (BP).MethodsPubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched to infinity until December 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting effects of almond intake on aortic and brachial BP were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Standard methods were used for assessment of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias.ResultsA total of 16 RCTs (1128 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis suggested that almond intake can reduced diastolic BP (DBP) (WMD = -1.30 mmHg; 95 % CI: -2.31,-0.30, p = 0.01, I² = 0.0 %). However, there was not any impact of almond intake on systolic BP (SBP) (WMD = -0.83 mmHg; 95 % CI: -2.55, 0.89, p = 0.34, I² = 58.9 %). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in SBP levels in subjects with lower SBP and lower dose of almonds.ConclusionWe found that almonds might have a considerable favorite effect in BP and especially in DBP, and it could be encouraged as part of a healthy diet; however due to the high calorie content, the intake should be part of healthy diet.     

Digit preference bias in the recording of emergency department times.

OBJECTIVE: Digit preference bias has previously been described in a number of different clinical settings. The paper aimed to assess whether digit preference bias affects the recording of the time patients arrive and leave emergency departments. METHOD: An observational study of 137 emergency departments in England and Wales was conducted. Each department was asked to submit details of the time of arrival and time of departure from the emergency department for each patient attending during April 2004. In addition, interviews with the lead clinician were undertaken to determine the method used to record the time of departure. The degree of digit preference bias was assessed using a modification of Whipple's index. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three (86.9%) departments submitted data detailing 648,203 emergency department episodes. 114,875 (18.0%) episodes had a recorded minute of departure of '0' or '30', with a further 281,890 (44.1%) having other values with a terminal digit of '0' or '5'. The mean modified Whipple's index for time of departure was 316.9 (range 70.9-484.4). Linear regression demonstrates a small but significant inverse relationship between the modified Whipple's index and the mean total time in department (b = -0.05, 95% CIs -0.09 to -0.0004, P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Some departments show considerable digit preference bias in the recording of time of departure from the emergency department. Such bias may cause difficulty in assessing changes in the performance of departments.     

肾脏替代治疗启动时机对成人急性肾损伤患者预后影响的Meta分析

目的系统评估启用肾脏替代治疗（RRT）时机对成人急性肾损伤（AKI）患者预后的影响。 方法计算机检索PubMed、The Cochrane Library、Embase数据库从建库至2019年2月发表的关于成人AKI患者启用RRT时机的临床随机对照研究（RCT）。由2位研究者按照纳入及排除标准独立进行文献筛选、资料提取及质量评价,采用Revman 5.3软件进行Meta分析。 结果共纳入11个RCT,包括2 332例AKI患者。Meta分析显示,早期与晚期启动RRT治疗的AKI患者间总病死率[相对危险度（RR）= 0.92,95%置信区间（CI）（0.78,1.09）,Z = 5.53,P = 0.35]、14 d病死率[RR = 0.84,95%CI（0.66,1.07）,Z = 1.40,P = 0.16]、30 d病死率[RR = 0.98,95%CI（0.83,1.10）,Z = 0.40,P = 0.69]、60 d病死率[RR = 0.97,95%CI（0.87,1.07）,Z = 0.67,P = 0.50]、90 d病死率[RR = 1.00,95%CI（0.89,1.12）,Z = 0.01,P = 0.99]、ICU住院时间[标准均数差（SMD）= -0.08,95%CI（-0.18,0.02）,Z = 1.63,P = 0.10]以及总住院时间[SMD = -0.16,95%CI（-0.32,0.00）,Z = 1.96,P = 0.05]的比较,差异均无统计学意义。 结论早期RRT治疗不能改善成人AKI患者的预后。     

Similarity in amplitude of the nocturnal fall in blood pressure in old and young patients with essential hypertension

The influence of age on the nocturnal fall in blood pressure (BP) was examined in essential hypertensive patients as well as normal subjects. BP was monitored every 5 min for 24 hr by means of a finger volume oscillometric device. Average daytime BP was similar in the 3 age groups [young: less than 40 (years), n = 49, average daytime systolic BP (ASBP) = 132 +/- 20 mmHg, average daytime diastolic BP (ADBP) = 82 +/- 17 mmHg; adult: 40 less than or equal to less than 60, n = 110, ASBP = 127 +/- 19 mmHg, ADBP = 86 +/- 13 mmHg; old: 60 less than or equal to, n = 33, ASBP = 131 +/- 17 mmHg. ADBP = 83 +/- 11, mean +/- S.D.]. The nocturnal fall in BP was observed in all age groups and its amplitude (delta BP = average daytime BP - average nighttime BP) in the old patients (delta SBP = 13 +/- 11 mmHg, delta DBP = 10 + 8 mmHg) was similar to that in the young patients (delta SBP = 11 +/- 8 mmHg, delta DBP = 10 +/- 8 mmHg). The results suggests that information on the nocturnal behavior of BP is valuable in treating aged essential hypertensives to prevent cerebral and/or myocardial ischemia during sleep.     

Depressive mood is independently related to stroke and cardiovascular events in a community

By means of a multivariate Cox model, we investigated the predictive value of a depressive mood on vascular disease risk in middle-aged community-dwelling people. In 224 people (88 men and 136 women; mean age: 56.8 ± 11.2 years) of U town, Hokkaido (latitude: 43.45 degrees N, longitude: 141.85 degrees E), a chronoecological health watch was started in April 2001. Consultations were repeated every 3 months. Results at the November 30, 2004 follow-up are presented herein. 7-day/24-h blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) monitoring started on a Thursday, with readings taken at 30-min intervals between 07:00 h and 22:00 h and at 60-min intervals between 22:00 h and 07:00 h. Data stored in the memory of the monitor (TM-2430-15, A&D company, Japan) were retrieved and analyzed on a personal computer with a commercial software for this device. Subjects were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire inquiring about 15 items of a depression scale, at the start of study and again after 1–2 years. Subjects with a score higher by at least two points at the second versus first screening were classified as having a depressive mood. The other subjects served as the control group.The mean follow-up time was 1064 days, during which four subjects suffered an adverse vascular outcome (myocardial infarction: one man and one woman; stroke: two men). Among the variables used in the Cox proportional hazard models, a depressive mood, assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), as well as the MESOR of diastolic (D) BP (DBP-MESOR) and the circadian amplitude of systolic (S) BP (SBP-Amplitude) showed a statistically significant association with the occurrence of adverse vascular outcomes. The GDS score during the second but not during the first session was statistically significantly associated with the adverse vascular outcome. In univariate analyses, the relative risk (RR) of developing outcomes was predicted by a three-point increase in the GDS scale (RR = 3.088, 95% CI: 1.375–6.935, P = 0.0063). Increases of 5 mmHg in DBP-MESOR and of 3 mmHg in SBP-Amplitude were associated with RRs of 2.143 (95% CI: 1.232–3.727, P = 0.0070) and 0.700 (95% CI: 0.495–0.989, P = 0.0430), respectively. In multivariate analyses, when both the second GDS score and the DBP-MESOR were used as continuous variables in the same model, GDS remained statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular death. After adjustment for DBP-MESOR, a three-point increase in GDS score was associated with a RR of 2.172 (95% CI: 1.123–4.200). Monday endpoints of the 7-day profile showed a statistically significant association with adverse vascular outcomes. A 5 mmHg increase in DBP on Monday was associated with a RR of 1.576 (95% CI: 1.011–2.457, P = 0.0446).The main result of the present study is that in middle-aged community-dwelling people, a depressive mood predicted the occurrence of vascular diseases beyond the prediction provided by age, gender, ABP, lifestyle and environmental conditions, as assessed by means of a multivariate Cox model. A depressive mood, especially enhanced for 1–2 years, was associated with adverse vascular outcomes. Results herein suggest the clinical importance of repetitive assessments of a depressive mood and the need to take sufficient care of depressed subjects.Another result herein is that circadian and circaseptan characteristics of BP variability measured 7-day/24-h predicted the occurrence of vascular disease beyond the prediction provided by age, gender, depressive mood and lifestyle, as assessed by means of a multivariate Cox model. Earlier, we showed that the morning surge in BP on Mondays was statistically significantly higher compared with other weekdays. Although a direct association between the Monday surge in BP and cardiovascular events could not be demonstrated herein, it is possible that the BP surge on Monday mornings may also trigger cardiovascular events. We have shown that depressive people exhibit a more prominent circaseptan variation in SBP, DBP and the double product (DP) compared to non-depressed subjects.In view of the strong relation between depression and adverse cardiac events, studies should be done to ascertain that depression is properly diagnosed and treated. Chronodiagnosis and chronotherapy can reduce an elevated blood pressure and improve the altered variability in BP and HR, thus reducing the incidence of adverse cardiac events. This recommendation stands at the basis of chronomics, focusing on prehabilitation in preference to rehabilitation, as a public service offered in several Japanese towns.     

Fractal analysis of heart rate variability and mortality in elderly community-dwelling people — Longitudinal Investigation for the Longevity and Aging in Hokkaido County (LILAC) study

Aim.Fractal analysis of heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) has been used as a new approach to evaluate the risk of mortality in various patient groups. Aim of this study is to examine the prognostic power of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and traditional time- and frequency-domain analyses of HR dynamics as predictors of mortality among elderly people in a community.Methods.We examined 298 people older than 75 years (average age: 79.6 years) and 1-h ambulatory ECG was monitored. During the last 10 min, deep respiration (6-s expiration and 4-s inspiration) was repeated six times in a supine position. Time-domain and frequency-domain measures were determined by the maximum entropy method. Scaling exponents of short-term (<11 beats, alpha 1) and longer-term (>11 beats, alpha 2) were determined by the DFA method. Six estimates, obtained from 10-min segments, were averaged to derive mean values for the entire recording span. These average values were denoted Alpha 1 and Alpha 2, estimates obtained during the first 10-min segment Alpha 1 S and Alpha 2 S, and those during the last 10-min segment Alpha 1E and Alpha 2E, respectively. The LILAC study started on July 25, 2000 and ended on November 30, 2004. We used Cox regression analysis to calculate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause mortality. Significance was considered at a value of P < 0.05.Results.Gender, age and Alpha 2E showed a statistically significant association with all-cause mortality. In univariate analyses, gender was significantly associated with all-cause mortality, being associated with a RR of 3.59 (P = 0.00136). Age also significantly predicted all-cause mortality and a 5-year increase in age was associated with a RR of 1.49 (P = 0.01809). The RR of developing all-cause mortality predicted by a 0.2-unit increase in Alpha 2E was 0.58 (P = 0.00390). Other indices of fractal analysis of HRV did not have predictive value. In multivariate analyses, when both Alpha 2E and gender were used as continuous variables in the same model, Alpha 2E remained significantly associated with the occurrence of all-cause mortality (P = 0.02999). After adjustment for both gender and age, a 0.2-unit increase in Alpha 2E was associated with a RR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.42−0.90, p = 0.01151).Conclusion.An intermediate-term fractal-like scaling exponent of RR intervals was a better predictor of death than the traditional measures of HR variability in elderly community-dwelling people. It is noteworthy that the longer-term (alpha 2) rather than the short-term fractal component (alpha 1) showed predictive value for all-cause mortality, which suggests that an increase in the randomness of intermediate-term HR behavior may be a specific marker of neurohumoral and sympathetic activation and therefore may also be associated with an increased risk of mortality.     

谷氨酰胺强化肠外营养支持对重症患者临床结局影响的Meta分析

目的系统评价谷氨酰胺强化肠外营养支持治疗对重症患者免疫营养功能及临床结局的影响。 方法检索Embase、Medline、Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials、The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews、中国期刊全文数据库、维普中文科技期刊全文数据库、万方数据库及中国生物医学文献数据库自建库至2016年12月期间研究常规肠外营养（常规组）与谷氨酰胺强化肠外营养（干预组）支持治疗对ICU重症患者病死率、感染发生率及住院时间等临床结局影响的随机对照试验。由2名研究者按照纳入及排除标准独立进行文献筛选、提取和质量评估后,使用Review Manager 5.2.0分析软件进行Meta分析。 结果共纳入18项随机对照试验,包括1 708例患者。Meta分析结果显示,应用谷氨酰胺强化的肠外营养,可以显著降低重症患者住院病死率[RR=0.63,95%CI（0.47,0.84）,Z=3.16,P=0.002],但两组间ICU病死率[RR=1.00,95%CI（0.83,1.22）,Z=0.04,P=0.97]、6个月病死率[RR=0.95,95%CI（0.67,1.34）,Z=0.29,P=0.77]比较,差异均无统计学意义;且肺部感染发生率[RR=0.91,95%CI（0.62,1.32）,Z=0.52,P=0.61]、尿路感染发生率[RR=0.79,95%CI（0.37,1.67）,Z=0.62,P=0.54]、菌血症[RR=0.52,95%CI（0.21,1.33）,Z=1.36,P=0.18]、导管相关感染[RR=0.69,95%CI（0.32,1.49）,Z=0.95,P=0.34]及其他感染[RR=0.94,95%CI（0.80,1.10）,Z=0.81,P=0.42]比较,差异亦均无统计学意义;同时,两组患者间住院时间[WMD=-0.26,95%CI（-3.81,3.28）,Z=0.15,P=0.88]及住ICU时间[WMD=-1.04,95%CI（3.95,1.87）,Z=0.70,P=0.48]比较,差异均无统计学意义。 结论使用谷氨酰胺强化的肠外营养支持疗法不能改善重症患者临床结局。     

安非他酮戒除心血管疾病吸烟患者烟瘾有效性与安全性的Meta分析

目的系统评价安非他酮与安慰剂比较戒除心血管疾病吸烟患者烟瘾的有效性和安全性。方法计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、Web of Science、h e Cochrane Library、CBM、CNKI、WanFang Data和VIP数据库,收集安非他酮与安慰剂比较戒除心血管疾病吸烟患者烟瘾的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均从建库至2013年2月23日。由2位研究者根据纳入标准独立筛选文献、提取资料和评价纳入研究的方法学质量后,采用RevMan 5.1软件进行Meta分析。结果最终纳入4个RCT,共1415例患者。Meta分析结果显示,安非他酮与安慰剂相比,能提高3个月的点戒烟率[RR=1.79,95%CI(1.14,2.83),P=0.01],但两组在6个月、1年的点戒烟率[RR=1.81,95%CI(0.77,4.24),P=0.18;RR=1.46,95%CI(0.94,2.27),P=0.10]及3个月、6个月、1年连续戒烟率[RR=1.48,95%CI(0.89,2.47),P=0.13;RR=1.41,95%CI(0.79,2.51),P=0.25;RR=1.43,95%CI(0.93,2.17),P=0.10]方面,差异无统计学意义。两组在全因死亡率和心血管事件发生率方面差异也无统计学意义[RR=1.13,95%CI(0.49,2.56),P=0.78;RR=1.25,95%CI(0.95,1.64),P=0.11]。结论安非他酮治疗心血管疾病吸烟患者是安全的,可提高3个月的点戒烟率,但并不能提高长期戒烟率。受纳入研究数量和样本量所限,上述结论仍需更多高质量研究结果证实。     

Valsartan vs. other angiotensin II receptor blockers in the treatment of hypertension: a meta‐analytical approach

Objective: To compare the efficacy of valsartan in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reduction with other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in essential hypertension. Methods: Systematic literature search of databases between October 1997 and May 2008. Meta‐analysis of short‐term, double‐blind, parallel group, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for treatment of adult hypertension (DBP: 90–115 mmHg). Random‐effects meta‐regression adjusting for baseline blood pressure (BP) was used to analyse the data. Mean change in SBP and DBP was estimated for each individual drug and dose combination. Results: In all, 31 RCTs (n = 13,110 patients) were included in the analysis. Six studies include trial arms with candesartan, six irbesartan, 13 losartan, two olmesartan, five telmisartan and 12 valsartan. The weighted average reduction in mean SBP and DBP for valsartan 160 mg was ?15.32 mmHg (95% CI: ?17.09, ?13.63) and ?11.3 mmHg (95% CI: ?12.15, ?10.52) and for 320 mg was ?15.85 mmHg (95% CI: ?17.60, ?14.12) and ?11.97 mmHg (95% CI: ?12.81, ?11.16); these are statistically significantly greater reductions compared with losartan 100 mg, which was ?12.01 mmHg (95% CI: ?13.78, ?10.25) and ?9.37 mmHg (95% CI: ?10.18, ?8.54) for SBP and DBP respectively. There is evidence that valsartan 160 mg reduces SBP and DBP more than irbesartan 150 mg and reduced DBP more than candesartan 16 mg. No other statistically significant difference in efficacy is demonstrated. Conclusion: Valsartan administered at 160 or 320 mg is more effective at lowering BP than losartan 100 mg and shows comparable efficacy to other ARBs in patients with essential hypertension.     

Effect of different levels of PEEP on mortality in ICU patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

ObjectiveTo determine whether higher positive end- expiratory pressure (PEEP) could provide a survival advantage for patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared with lower PEEP.MethodsEligible studies were identified through searches of Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, and Wanfang database from inception up to 1 June 2021. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used in this meta-analysis.Data synthesisTwenty-seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified for further evaluation. Higher and lower PEEP arms included 1330 patients and 1650 patients, respectively. A mean level of 9.6±3.4 cmH₂O was applied in the higher PEEP groups and 1.9±2.6 cmH₂O was used in the lower PEEP groups. Higher PEEP, compared with lower PEEP, was not associated with reduction of all-cause mortality (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.91–1.18; P =0.627), and 28-day mortality (RR 1.07 ; 95% CI 0.92–1.24; P =0.365). In terms of risk of ARDS (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.24–0.78; P =0.005), duration of intensive care unit (MD -1.04; 95%CI-1.36 to −0.73; P < 0.00001), and oxygenation (MD 40.30; 95%CI 0.94 to 79.65; P = 0.045), higher PEEP was superior to lower PEEP. Besides, the pooled analysis showed no significant differences between groups both in the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD 0.00; 95%CI-0.13 to 0.13; P = 0.996) and hospital stay (MD -0.66; 95%CI-1.94 to 0.61; P = 0.309). More importantly, lower PEEP did not increase the risk of pneumonia, atelectasis, barotrauma, hypoxemia, or hypotension among patients compared with higher PEEP. The TSA analysis showed that the results of all-cause mortality and 28-day mortality might be false-negative results.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a lower PEEP ventilation strategy was non-inferior to a higher PEEP ventilation strategy in ICU patients without ARDS, with no increased risk of all-cause mortality and 28-day mortality. Further high-quality RCTs should be performed to confirm these findings.     

The adjunctive effect of telmisartan in patients with hypertension uncontrolled on current antihypertensive therapy

This prospective, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, multicentre study assessed the adjunctive effect of telmisartan monotherapy versus placebo in controlling blood pressure during the last six hours of the 24-hour dosing period. After a two-week run-in phase, 375 patients with essential hypertension uncontrolled on existing therapy were randomised to either placebo or telmisartan (40 mg uptitrated to 80 mg after four weeks, if needed) for eight weeks. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was conducted at randomisation (baseline) and treatment end. The change from baseline in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over the last six hours (primary endpoint) was significantly greater with telmisartan than placebo (adjusted mean treatment difference in favour of telmisartan: -3.7 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.5, -1.9 mmHg, p < or = 0.001, n = 350), as was the reduction in 24-hour DBP (adjusted mean treatment difference: -5.0 mmHg, 95% CI -6.5, -3.5 mmHg, p < or = 0.001). Telmisartan also reduced mean systolic blood pressure significantly more than placebo over the last six hours and the entire 24-hour dosing interval. Responder rates (ABPM DBP, seated DBP, and overall [seated SBP/DBP]) at 8 weeks were significantly higher with telmisartan than with placebo (p < or = 0.01). All treatments were well tolerated. When added to existing antihypertensive regimens, telmisartan offers additional effectiveness while maintaining placebo-like tolerability.