Internal medicine
-
To evaluate the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI gene polymorphism and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ⋯ VDR BsmI gene polymorphism appears to not be associated with the risk of ESRD in the overall population, Caucasians or Asians. However, more studies should be performed in the future.
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Meta-analysis: total parenteral nutrition versus total enteral nutrition in predicted severe acute pancreatitis.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as a traditional mode of treatment in severe acute pancreatitis was still used widely in clinical work. In addition, enteral nutrition treatment methods have developed; early enteral nutrition has already been highlighted for severe acute pancreatitis, but the therapeutic risks versus benefits need to be studied. ⋯ Total enteral nutritional support is associated with lower mortality, fewer infectious complications, decreased organ failure and surgical intervention rate compared to parenteral nutritional support.
-
The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T gene polymorphism has been suggested to be linked to the risk of essential hypertension (EH), however the results are still debatable. ⋯ In the current meta-analysis, T allele of eNOS G894T gene was suggested to be related to the increased risk of EH in the Chinese population, particularly in those of Han ethnicity.
-
The transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1) +869T/C gene polymorphism has been suggested to be linked to susceptibility to essential hypertension (EH). ⋯ The current meta-analysis suggested that C allele and CC genotype of TGFB1 +869T/C gene polymorphism might be related to the increased risk of EH in the Chinese population.
-
Meta Analysis
Diagnosis of invasive fungal disease using serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan: a bivariate meta-analysis.
The (1→3)-β-D-Glucan (BG) assay has been approved for diagnosing invasive fungal disease (IFD). However, the test performance has been variable. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the overall accuracy of BG assay for diagnosing IFD. ⋯ Serum BG determination is clinically useful for diagnosing IFD in at-risk patients, especially for hematology patients. The combination of galactomannan and BG was sufficient for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Since the BG assay is not absolutely sensitive and specific for IFD, the BG results should be interpreted in parallel with clinical findings.