Formula In Patients Research Articles

Refractive outcome and lens power calculation after intrascleral intraocular lens fixation: a comparison of three-piece and one-piece intrascleral fixation technique

PurposeTo evaluate the refractive prediction error of common intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae in patients who underwent intrascleral IOL fixation using two different techniques.MethodsThis is a prospective, randomized, longitudinal, single-site, single-surgeon study. Patients who underwent intrascleral IOL implantation using the Yamane or the Carlevale technique were followed up for a period of six months postoperatively. Refraction was measured using the best-corrected visual acuity at 4 m (EDTRS chart). Lens decentration, tilt and effective lens position (ELP) were assessed using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The prediction error (PE) and the absolute error (AE) were evaluated for the SRK/T, Hollayday1 and Hoffer Q formula. Subsequently, correlations between the PE and axial length, keratometry, white to white and ELP were assessed.ResultsIn total, 53 eyes of 53 patients were included in the study. Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients were in the Yamane group (YG) and 29 eyes of 29 patients were in the Carlevale group (CG). In the YG, the Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q formulae resulted in a hyperopic PE (0.02 ± 0.56 D, and 0.13 ± 0.64 D, respectively) while in the SRK/T formula the PE was slightly myopic (− 0.16 ± 0.56 D). In the CG, SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulae led to a myopic PE (− 0.1 ± 0.80 D and − 0.04 ± 0.74 D, respectively), Hoffer Q to a hyperopic PE (0.04 ± 0.75 D). There was no difference between the PE of the same formulae across both groups (P > 0.05). In both groups the AE differed significantly from zero in each evaluated formula. The AE error was within ± 0.50 D in 45%–71% and was within ± 1.00 D in 72%–92% of eyes depending on the formula and surgical method used. No significant differences were found between formulae within and across groups (P > 0.05). Intraocular lens tilt was lower in the CG (6.45 ± 2.03°) compared to the YG (7.67 ± 3.70°) (P < 0.001). Lens decentration was higher in the YG (0.57 ± 0.37 mm) than in the CG (0.38 ± 0.21 mm), though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.9996).ConclusionsRefractive predictability was similar in both groups. IOL tilt was better in the CG, however this did not influence the refractive predictability. Though not significant, Holladay 1 formula seemed to be more probable than the SRK/T and Hoffer Q formulae. However, significant outliers were observed in all three different formulae and therefore remain a challenging task in secondary fixated IOLs.

The choice of enteral formula in patients in the acute period of critical ill with brain damage in the neurocritical care unit

Nutritional support is an important and integral part of the treatment process for critically ill patients. Patients after neurosurgical interventions and patients with damage to the central nervous system, for example, due to acute ischemic stroke, may be due to the severity of the condition in the intensive care unit. This is a separate category of patients and nutritional support for this category of patients has its own characteristics. Enteral nutrition, as the most physiological type of nutrition, should be an integral part of the treatment process in the intensive care unit. In patients in the acute period of a severe condition with brain damage, in addition to the metabolic response to damage, there are also factors that limit the implementation of enteral nutrition: the brain damage itself, being in intensive care, and methods of intensive therapy. The choice of an enteral formula in this category of patients is complex and fundamental to provide adequate nutritional support to cover energy and protein requirements. The purpose of this scientific review is to highlight the issues of choosing a mixture for enteral nutrition of patients in the neurocritical care unit who are in the acute period of a critical ill.

Chula Formula is recommended in Estimating the Length of Tracheal Tube Insertion in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Units in the Absence of Chest X-Ray

Background: Chest X-Ray (CXR) is one of the most effective ways of confirming the length of the tracheal tube (TT) insertion. However, some intensive care unit in developing countries has no sufficient facilities. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of TT length insertion using the Chula formula and Colombian formula in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. Methods: This study is a comparative observational study of 50 adults in the Intensive care unit, divided into two groups. Group A used the Chula formula for TT length insertion (n= 25) and Group B used the Colombian formula (n= 25). The TT length insertion accuracy was evaluated using radiological parameters. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed statistically using the T-test and Chi-square test. Result: The Chula formula is significantly more precise than the Colombian formula in estimating the length of TT insertion based on the radiographic parameters of the TT length insertion right midway between the medial tip of the clavicle and TT located in the T3 or T4 vertebrae (p &lt;0.05), but not significantly different in the two other parameters. Conclusion: Both the Chula formula and the Colombian formula can estimate the length of TT insertion in adult patients. However, the Chula formula is more recommended in the length of TT insertion and benefit in the ICU with insufficient CXR.

Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Patients With Keratoconus Using Toric and Non-toric Lenses

To compare the accuracy and outcomes of different intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in eyes with keratoconus undergoing cataract surgery with toric and non-toric IOLs. This was a consecutive retrospective case series study including patients from the Cornea Service at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, from 2000 to 2020. Keratoconus was diagnosed based on corneal topography and clinician opinion. Patients who underwent topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy, intracorneal ring segments implantation, or corneal transplant were excluded. The manifest spherical equivalent, prediction errors, and median absolute errors were calculated. Descriptive statistics were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. There were 160 eyes from 101 patients; 136 eyes received non-toric lenses and 24 eyes received toric lenses. Most patients had mild disease (< 48.00 diopters [D]) when stratified by steep keratometry values. Patients with severe disease (> 53.00 D) were significantly more hyperopic following surgery (P < .05). The Barrett Universal II (0.26 D, inter-quartile range [IQR] = 0.4), Holladay 2 (0.31, IQR = 1.2), and SRK/T (0.42, IQR = 0.86) formulas had the lowest median absolute error. The postoperative prediction error following toric lens insertion was not significantly different than following non-toric lens insertion, and the mean absolute astigmatism was significantly reduced with toric lenses. The Barrett Universal II, Holladay 2, and SRK/T were the most accurate IOL power calculation formulas in patients with keratoconus undergoing cataract surgery. Hyperopic surprise was increased in severe keratoconus. Toric IOLs may be considered in patients with mild keratoconus. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(5):319-325.].

Comparison of Keratoconus Specific to Standard IOL Formulas in Patients With Keratoconus Undergoing Cataract Surgery.

To assess the performance of multiple intraocular lens (IOL) formulas in eyes with keratoconus. Eyes with stable keratoconus scheduled for cataract surgery with biometry measurements on the Lenstar LS900 (Haag-Streit) were included. Prediction errors were calculated using 11 different formulas, including two with keratoconus modifiers. Primary outcomes compared standard deviations, mean and median numerical errors, and percentage of eyes within diopter (D) ranges across all eyes with subgroup analysis according to anterior keratometric values. Sixty-eight eyes from 44 patients were identified. In eyes with keratometric values less than 50.00 D, prediction error standard deviations ranged from 0.680 to 0.857 D. Percentages of eyes within ±0.50 D of target ranged from 57.89% to 73.68% with no statistical differences among formulas. In eyes with a keratometric value of more than 50.00 D, prediction error standard deviations ranged from 1.849 to 2.349 D and were not statistically different with heteroscedastic analysis; percentages of eyes within ±0.50 D of target ranged from 0% to 18.18% with no statistical differences among formulas. Only keratoconus-specific formulas (Barrett-KC and Kane-KC) and the Wang-Koch axial length adjustment version of SRK/T resulted in median numerical errors not significantly different than 0, regardless of keratometric values. In keratoconic eyes, IOL formulas are less accurate than in normal eyes and result in hyperopic refractive outcomes that increase with steeper keratometric values. Using keratoconus-specific formulas and the Wang-Koch axial length adjustment version of SRK/T for axial lengths of 25.2 mm or greater improved IOL power prediction accuracy compared to other formulas. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(4):242-248.].

Immunological and clinical effects of a preoperative immunonutrition formula in patients with upper digestive cancer.

Immunological and clinical effects of a preoperative immunonutrition formula in patients with upper digestive cancer.

New logarithm-based discrimination formula for differentiating thalassemia trait from iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy

BackgroundThalassemia trait (TT) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are the most common conditions of microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA) in pregnant women. Accurate discrimination between TT and IDA is an important issue, and better methods are urgently needed. Although considerable RBC formulas and indices have been developed since 1973, distinguishing between IDA and TT is still a challenging problem due to the diversity of various anemic populations. To address this problem, we assessed the diagnostic function of 43 different differential formulas in patients with microcytic anemia by using accuracy measures and recommending a new log-based differential formula.MethodsThe data of 430 pregnant women (229 with TT and 201 with IDA) were enrolled, and 44 formula performances were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsThe newly introduced logarithm-based formula XS-1 performs better than the general discriminant index with sensitivity and specificity of 82.10 and 89.05, which are better than other formulas. In the pregnant population, the Shine and Lal and Roth..SVM. formulas have shown excellent performance, while other formulas showed poorer discriminative abilities in our study than in the original authors.ConclusionThe logarithm-based formula XS-1 can be used to screen thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia during the first trimester. Considering the particularity of pregnancy, medical personnel in different regions should choose a screening formula similar to that of the local region and population when identifying thalassemia in pregnancy. Any formula should be independently verified locally before use. For the convenience of the health care team and experimental scientists, a web-based tool has been established at http://yyy.yiyiy.top/XS-1/ by which users can easily get their desired screening test result without going through the underlying mathematical and computational details.

Factors affecting the optimal CPAP pressure level and a new prediction formula in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Factors affecting the optimal CPAP pressure level and a new prediction formula in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Overall agreement between eGFR estimates obtained with the CKDEPI, MDRD and CG formulae in patients with advanced HIV diseases

Background: Traditional CKD risk factors as well as HIV-related factors are major determinants of the prevalence of renal diseases among HIV patients. Few equations have been used in clinical practice for calculating creatinine clearance, however, the accuracy of these formulae in HIV patients has been different. Our goal was to evaluate the reliability of all three equations (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, and Cockcroft-Gault) to estimate GFR in HIV-infected patients. Materials and method: We conduct a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with HIV infection who are first time in care at selected HIV OPCs in Vietnam. Results: In 1108 patients eligible for analysis, a major patient was in HIV clinical stage 3 and 4 with a median age of 36, and median serum creatinine of 0.89 mg/dL. eGFR calculated by CG equation was lower than CKD-EPI formulae in overall except overweight patients (p&lt;0.05, paired t-test) while the similar results were observed in both CKD-EPI and MRDR (p=0.144, paired t-test). Conclusion: There was a substantial agreement between CKD-EPI and MDRD eGFR, agreement percentage of 90.1 and MDRD was reliable as CKD-EPI to calculate eGFR in the HIV population. Key words: HIV, eGFR, CKD-EPI, MRDR, CG.

A high-protein peptide-based enteral formula improves diarrhea in tube-fed patients: A prospective multicenter study.

Diarrhea is a common problem in tube-fed patients. The relevant guidelines suggest using a peptide-based enteral formula in patients with diarrhea; however, sufficient evidence to support this recommendation is currently lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a high-protein peptide-based formula on gastrointestinal intolerance, mainly focusing on diarrhea symptoms in patients who were intolerant to polymeric formula feeding. This prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter study was conducted from March 2021 to March 2022 at two tertiary-care hospitals. Patients who presented with diarrhea during tube feeding with polymeric formula were assigned to receive a high-protein peptide-based formula for ≤7 days. Stool weight and frequency were monitored at baseline, on day 3, and on day 7 (or end of the study) as the primary outcomes. Twenty-eight tube-fed patients with diarrhea were recruited. After switching their feeding formula from polymeric to peptide based, significant improvements in stool frequency and stool weight were observed on day 3 and day 7 compared with the baseline (median [IQR] stool frequency: 5 (2), 2.5 (3.5), and 3 (3) times/day, respectively, p <0.001; median stool weight: 500 (370), 170 (285), and 275 (385) gram/day, respectively, p = 0.015). Stool consistency was assessed using the Bristol Stool Score and showed significant improvement with time. No serious adverse events were reported. A high-protein peptide-based enteral formula was effective in reducing stool weight and frequency in patients who experienced diarrhea during tube feeding with a polymeric formula.Trial registration: TCTR20210302006.

EP08.01-072 Clinical Value of Patras Immunotherapy Score (PIOS) Formula in Patients With Advanced NSCLC Treated With Immunotherapy/Chemotherapy

Clinical course of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) has tremendously changed the last decade due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, clinical useful biomarkers remain an unmet need. Recently, our group has proposed a new score, Patras Immunotherapy Score (PIOS), based on the results of aNSCLC patients treated with ICIs monotherapy. The objective of the current study was to assess the clinical significance of PIOS formula in aNSCLC patients treated with combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy.

Serum cystatin C level can be used to estimate GFR in patients with solid tumors: Moderator Commentary

The precise estimation of kidney function in patients with cancer is of great importance as deterioration and decreased kidney function are common and often kidney function-based dose adjustments of chemotherapy and other cancer-related medicines are necessary in these patients. There is an ongoing debate regarding the most suitable technique to determine kidney function based on the availability, accuracy, and validation of available glomerular filtration rate-estimating formulas in patients with cancer. Recent data suggest that cystatin-based formulas are superior to creatinine-based GFR formulas not only in the general population but also in patients with cancer.

Comparative Study of Calculated LDL-Cholesterol Levels with the Direct Assay in Patients with Hypothyroidism.

Background Hypothyroidism is one among the many factors that predisposes one to coronary artery disease. As low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with cardiovascular risk, calculated LDL-C should have good accuracy with minimal bias. Hypothyroidism alters the lipid composition of lipoproteins by the secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, which affects the calculation of LDL-C. The present study aimed to compare 13 different formulae for the calculation of LDL-C including the newly derived Martin's formula by direct assay in patients of hypothyroidism. Method In this analytical cross-sectional study, a total of 105 patients with laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism, from January to June 2019, were studied, and blood samples were subjected for lipid profile analysis at central biochemistry laboratory. Calculated LDL-C was assessed by different formulae. Result We observed that calculated LDL-C by Friedewald's, Cordova's, Anandaraja's, Hattori's, and Chen's formulae has bias less than ± 5 compared with direct LDL-C, with Anandaraja's formula having the lowest bias (2.744) and Cordova's formula having lowest bias percentage (-1.077) among them. According to the Bland-Altman plots, the bias in Friedewald's and Anandraja's were equally distributed below and above the reference line of direct LDL-C. Conclusion This is the first study comparing different formulae for LDL-C calculation in patients with hypothyroidism. Anandaraja's formula was as equally effective as Friedewald's formula when used as an alternative cost-effective tool to evaluate LDL-C in hypothyroid patients. The recently proposed Martin's formula for calculated LDL-C had a higher bias when compared with Friedewald's and Anandaraja's formulae in patients with hypothyroidism.

The role of renal damage markers in the diagnosis of early stages of kidney injury in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

Serum creatinine level begins to increase after a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by 50% and more, so the question emerged about a more accurate method of determining GFR. The study aimed to determine the role of renal damage markers in the diagnosis of early-stage renal disease in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). We included 84 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as well as 25 representatives of the control group. Patients were divided into three groups – 43 people with LADA, 21 with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GFR was assessed using six formulas after establishing the category of GFR and albuminuria. The GFR rate estimated by the CKD-EPI formula in patients with LADA and DKD did not significantly differ from that of CKD-EPI cysC, slightly different from MDRD GFR (10.6% higher, respectively) but 21.9% lower compared to CG formula. In patients with LADA and T1DM, GFR was higher in cases with existing albuminuria, regardless of the formulas used. Thus, the non albuminuria phenotype is accompanied by a greater degree of renal impairment, which indicates the need to determine serum cystatin C in the early stages of LADA. Cystatin C levels are the most accurate, early, and independent predictor of the development and progression of CKD in patients with DM, including LADA.

Abstract No. 103 CT-based segmentation is superior to the ellipsoid formula for estimating prostate volumes in candidates for prostate artery embolization

The ellipsoid formula is used to estimate prostate volume but has questionable accuracy for large prostates. We compared CT-based manual segmentation to the ellipsoid formula in patients selected for PAE.

Assessing the frequency of adverse reactions induced by melanin-containing formulations used for the management of solar dermatitis.

Melanin from different sources is widely used by many manufacturers to produce cosmetics and sunscreens. Research data show a wide spectrum of biological activities of melanin including the protection against UV radiation and oxidants. According to the research evidence, the topical use of melanin is more effective against inflammation than the hydrocortisone. The most common side effects of topical melanin ointment are local itching, burning, and moderate hyperemia. The purpose of this work is to describe the adverse outcomes of melanin-containing formulas in patients with solar dermatitis, and to compare the frequency of adverse reactions with data from different research reports. A Pharmacovigilance questionnaire was developed to assess potential adverse events attributable to the use of melanin ointment. We used a modified survey tool created by Jaber and coauthors. This survey of melanin application documents validated reports of adverse events manifested by objective skin changes. MEDLINE (Ovid); MEDLINE In-Process Citations & Daily Update (Ovid); PubMed (NLM) (Internet); Embase (Ovid); and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for the evidence on adverse reactions of topical melanin application. The responses documented in this survey show reliability and safety of melanin formula used for the photoprotection and treatment of solar dermatitis. Most symptoms encountered in those using melanin were consistent with exposure to excessive amount (more than 4 times per day) of the compound applied topically. Of the total 534survey responses received, 74% reported no adverse events. A total of 140 completed adverse event reports. Melanin ointment was being administered for the indications of photo injury (burns) in 75%, photodermatitis in 18%, and solar eczematous dermatitis in 7% of patients. Data were compared with rates from other reports. We have no evidence that the chemical structure of melanin varies with currently available products, used locally or in other countries, nor that any such variability played any role in the events reported here. Further studies are required to compare the adverse events of topical melanin formulas containing melanins of different origin.

MO458: Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging: An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Early Detecting of Renal Damage

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Novel ultrasound (US) methods are required to assess qualitative alterations in renal tissue. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative US technique designed for imaging and better visualization of micro-vascularization unseen with color Doppler US. We assume that SMI will provide sufficient information regarding the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reflect renal histological alterations. To assess the early detection of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis capabilities of SMI imaging in comparison to the reference standard renal biopsy, in order to determine the usefulness of this approach in the early diagnosis of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis. METHOD The SMI was performed in patients (n = 52) with CKD stage 2–5, where some of them underwent biopsy-proven chronic renal dysfunction and fibrosis as part of the diagnosis and therapeutic judgment as needed. In addition, biochemical tests were performed in order to determine kidney function (BUN, Serum Creatinine), a urine collection test for the assessment of proteinuria and estimation of GFR by MDRD formula in patients with CKD of various severity and healthy controls (n = 17). In addition, all subjects underwent SMI US imaging, where vascularity is expressed as SMI index (low index reflects low vascularity/fibrosis and vice versa). RESULTS As expected, SMI vascular index was significantly lower in CKD patients as compared with healthy control (72.2 ± 12.9 versus 49.9 ± 16.7 %, P &amp;lt; 0.01). Interestingly, significant correlation between the SMI index and eGFR was found among the CKD patients (r = 0.56, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Similarly, a keen correlation was found between the SCr and SMI index of the diseased subjects (r = −0.54, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Among those who underwent renal biopsy, SMI index corresponds with the histological alterations such as fibrosis and CKD staging. CONCLUSION These findings show that SMI technique could be used due to its diagnostic capacity as a simple and practical method for evaluation of chronic renal histological changes and for the differentiation between CKD grades.

Effect of RG (Coptis root and ginseng) formula in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a study protocol for a randomized controlled and double-blinding trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disease with significant health, social, and economic consequences. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could effectively regulate blood sugar and influence gut microbiota in T2DM patients. Preliminary studies showed that the Coptis root and ginseng (RG) formula could relieve insulin resistance and prevent the progression of diabetes in mice.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of RG formula in the treatment of adult patients with T2DM, as well as observing its effects on gut microbiota.Methods and analysisThis trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 60 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into an experiment group (RG formula) and a control group (placebo). Patients in both groups will be given diabetes education and basic blood glucose control. Glucose-lowering drugs with significant influence on gut microbiota will be avoided. This trial will last 25 weeks including 1-week run-in, 12-week intervention, and 12-week follow-up visit. The primary outcome is the change in the HbA1c. The secondary outcomes comprise the change in the fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), fasting insulin (FIL), fasting C-peptide(C-P), insulin resistance index (IRI), inflammatory factors, and species abundance of gut microbiota between the two groups. Safety of medication will also be evaluated. The correlation analysis will be explored between the glycemic indicators, inflammatory factors, and abundance of gut microbiota.DiscussionThis study will provide the clinical evidence for the efficacy of RG formula in regulating blood sugar and influencing gut microbiota, which will be beneficial to form the integrated therapeutic regimen in T2DM with TCM.Trial registration“Clinical Study on the Intervention of Coptis Root and Ginseng,” Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR 2100042126. Registered on 14 January 2021

The efficacy and safety of Wulingsan modified formulas for chronic heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundChronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, which has caused huge economic burden worldwide. Wulingsan modified formulas have been historically used for CHF in China. However, the efficacy of its treatment for CHF has not been summarized by scholars and lacks of clinical evidence. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Wulingsan modified formulas for patients with CHF.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline (Ovid), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and SinoMed databases from the date of their inception up to 1st November, 2021. Only randomized controlled trials evaluating Wulingsan modified formulas in patients with CHF were included. The primary outcome of this study was efficacy of Wulingsan modified formulas in the treatment of CHF, and the secondary outcomes included brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fractions, and any other changes in the patients’ condition. The risk ratio was applied to evaluate efficiency, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to merge the continuous variables. The I2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate whether the single research affected the whole results. Data were extracted by two independent investigators. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (version 2.0) was utilized to evaluate the included studies, STATA (version 15.0) was applied for sensitivity analysis, and RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis.ResultsNineteen studies with a total of 1,631 were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results were as follows: efficiency, the risk ratio =1.21, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.27; brain natriuretic peptide, WMD =−269.14, 95% CI: −349.25, −189.04; and left ventricular ejection fractions, WMD =8.80, 95% CI: 5.93, 11.68. All of these findings were statistically significant. No statistically significant adverse events were reported in the included articles.DiscussionWulingsan modified formulas are a reasonable and relatively safe adjuvant therapy for the treatment of CHF.

General Use of Chinese Herbal Products among Female Patients with Mastitis in Taiwan.

Objectives Little information is available regarding the use of Chinese herbal medicine to treat mastitis. This study evaluated the prescription patterns of Chinese herbal medicine products in women with mastitis in Taiwan. Design This is a population-based cross-sectional study. Setting. 8,531 women aged 20–49 years, who received a diagnosis of mastitis between 2004 and 2013, were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. We collected data on demographic characteristics, including age, monthly insurance premium, and urbanization level. The ten most Chinese herbal medicines prescribed for mastitis were assessed, including frequency, percentage, average daily dose, and average duration of prescription. Main outcome measures. We analysed the ten most single Chinese herbs and Chinese herbal formulae prescribed for mastitis. Results Overall, 437 (5.1%) women received Chinese herbal medicine to treat mastitis. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl.; 22.3%), Pu Gong Yin (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.; 7.8%), and Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert; 3.5%) were three of the most commonly prescribed single Chinese herbs for mastitis. Xian-Fang-Huo-Ming-Yin (18.2%), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (9.1%), and Chai-Hu-Shu-Gan-San (8.4%) were three of the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formulae. Conclusion Xian-Fang-Huo-Ming-Yin can clear heat, detoxify body, alleviate swelling, activate blood, and relieve pain. It was the most frequently prescribed Chinese herbal formula in patients with mastitis.