A Clinical Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Oral Combination Kit Therapy in Syndromic Management of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge (FEMINE Study) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: Vaginal discharge is one of most common and nagging problems that women face. About 20% - 25% of women who visit gynecology department complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. An orally administered combination kit, containing 2 g secnidazole, 1 g azithromycin and 150 mg fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit), has been successfully evaluated in clinical trials and used in several countries for management syndromic vaginal discharge due to infections. Methods: This is a longitudinal study which aimed to verify the clinical efficacy of the combined oral kit containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in the syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in patients received in outpatient consultations in Kinshasa/DR Congo from March to September 2023. Results: Majority of patients had whitish vaginal discharge (51.6%) of average abundance (56.2%), accompanied by pruritus in 72.1% of cases, and dyspareunia in 23.5% of cases and hypogastralgia in 40.2% of cases. One week after treatment with the Azimyn FS® combined kit, at the greatest majority of patients (97.3%), abnormal vaginal discharge had decreased by more than 50% (84.1%). Two weeks after treatment with the Azimyn FS® combined kit, almost all patients (97.3%) no longer had abnormal vaginal discharge which had completely disappeared. Conclusion: A single dose of secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole in the form of an oral combi-kit (Azimyn FS Kit) has shown excellent therapeutic effectiveness in the syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge wherein patients were treated without diagnostic confirmation.

A novel herbal combination ameliorates ovarian dysfunction and regulates altered biochemical parameters in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:To investigate the potential activity of novel herbal combination and novel herbal formulation(syrup)in female Sprague Dawley rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Forty-two rats were randomly divided into seven groups with six rats in each group.Group 1 received 0.5%carboxy methylcellulose orally for 37 days and served as the normal control group.Group 2 was orally administered with letrozole of 1 mg/kg for 21 days and served as the PCOS induction group without treatment.Group 3 to 7 were administered with letrozole of 1 mg/kg for 21 days orally to induce PCOS,and then respectively received clomiphene citrate at 1 mg/kg,100 and 200 mg/kg of novel herbal combination,200 mg/kg of novel herbal formulation(syrup),and 400 mg/kg of marketed formulation of Pushyanuga churna,once daily for 15 days.Effects of the novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation were evaluated on the hormonal profile,the levels of antioxidants,the lipid profile and on the ovarian morphology,using letrozole-induced PCOS model in rats.Results:Letrozole caused alterations in hormonal levels and lipid levels similar to PCOS and ovarian histology showed presence of ovarian cysts confirming the induction of PCOS in rats.On treatment with the novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation in PCOS-induced rats,the altered hormonal and lipid profiles showed significant recovery to normal levels.Ovarian histology confirmed the restoration of folliculogenesis in the PCOS-induced rats.The treatment with the syrup formulation of novel herbal combination was found to be more effective than novel herbal combination and showed better recovery in various parameters evaluated.The results of the study,however,suggested that treatment with novel herbal combination and its syrup formulation provided minimal protection against oxidative stress caused due to the induction of PCOS.Conclusions:The integrated approach for management of PCOS is to counterbalance the limitations associated with modern therapy.Both the novel herbal combination and the syrup formulation of novel herbal combination show efficacy in the management of PCOS in rats and restore folliculogenesis in the ovary.The syrup formulation of novel herbal combination is most effective in the management of PCOS and shows potential to be developed as an adjuvant therapeutic agent.

Study of establishing disease-syndrome combined with animal model for immune thrombocytopenic purpura without additional conditions

Objective:To explore the feasibility of establishing the disease-syndrome combined animal model for immune thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP)without additional conditions.Methods:Three batches of data related to the ITP model mice obtained by replication at different time were analyzed,and whether the APS-injected model mice replicated through the passive immune modeling method could simulate the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of human ITP was evaluated according to the differentiation criteria for diseasesyndrome combined model.Results:The APS-injected replicated ITP model mice possessed the following traits:(1)Compared with the normal group,the platelet count was significantly decreased,and coagulation time was significantly increased in the model group(P<.01).(2)Compared with the normal group,the medullary thrombocytogenous megakaryocytes were significantly decreased(P<.05,.01,.001).(3)The APS-injected sites and other parts of the model mice had spontaneous hemorrhage.(4)Behavioral changing signs were observed 1 week after the modeling(i.e.low activity,delayed activity,poor appetite,skin petechia/hemorrhage and spontaneous hemorrhage at the injected sites or other parts),and were getting more and more severe.Conclusion:According to the syndrome differentiation criteria for disease-syndrome combined model of ITP,the APS-injected animal model of ITP replicated through the passive immune modeling method without additional conditions possesses the characteristics of disease-syndrome combined model.It provides an ideal tool for the development of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacology experiment.

Effects of Zhenren Yangzang Decoction Combined with Modified Shenling Baizhu Powder on Immune Function and Intestinal Microecology of Diarrhea Patients with Deficiency and Cold Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Zhenren Yangzang Decoction combined with modified Shenling Baizhu Powder on the immune function and intestinal microecology of diarrhea patients with deficiency and cold syndrome. METHODS: A total of 60 diarrhea patients with deficiency and cold syndrome were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional western medicine. The observation group was given the treatment of Zhenren Yangzang Decoction combined with modified Shenling Baizhu Powder on the basis of the same treatment for 4 weeks. The clinical symptoms, fecal flora and immunoglobulin content of the 2 groups were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the symptoms scores of fecal diarrhea, aversion to cold, cold limbs, loss of appetite, cold and painful waist and knee, abdominal fullness, abdominal distension and abdominal pain, and intestinal bacilli contents were significantly decreased(P < 0.05). The contents of lactobacillus, bifidus bacilli, IgG, IgM and IgA were significantly increased(P < 0.05), and the improvement of the above indexes in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group(P < 0.05). The total effective rate after treatment in the observation group was 93.3%, which was significantly higher than 73.3% of the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment of diarrhea patients with deficiency and cold syndrome with Zhenren Yangzang Decoction and modified Shenling Baizhu Powder can effectively improve the intestinal micro-ecological environment, improve the immune function of patients and promote the rapid recovery of patients.

Combined Median Score Increasing Sensitivity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common of all focal neuropathies. Electrodiagnostic (EXD) of CTS has advanced to include Combined Sensory Indexes (CSI) improving the specificity and sensitivity of EXD by employing intra-hand comparative data. Ultrasound (US) is a popular tool for the assessment of CTS. Cross Sectional Area (CSA) is the most consistent US parameter, but as a single test, it has a similar false negative profile to EXD. This study describes a dual method of CTS interrogation by EXD and US with the results applied to a single numerical score;the Combined Median Score (CMS). This is the product of CSA of median nerve at Carpal Tunnel inlet and CSI. In a series of 100 suspected cases, standard EDX identified 89 positive cases, CSI identified 92 positives, CMS identified 95 positives. This new method further reduced the false negative rate in CTS.

Endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome

To evaluate the effect of endovascular stenting combined with external constriction valvuloplasty of superficial femoral vein for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.Methods Forty-two cases of Cockett syndrome with femoral veins reflux were treated with iliac vein stent implantation or venoplasy,and superficial femoral veins were constricted with ePTFE graft patch at the level of the first valves.Results All the iliac veins were patent after stent implantation.A follow-up of 8 to 45 months revealed that limb swelling disappeared in 38 cases with no varicose.Slight limb swelling was left over in 3 cases.Stent thrombosis,developed in one case two months later,subsided by a successful thrombolysis.Conclusion The procedure is mini-invasive,safe and effective for the treatment of Cockett syndrome.6 refs,1 fig.

I.31, a new combination of probiotics, improves irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life

AIM:To determine the dose-related effects of a novel probiotic combination,I.31,on irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)-related quality of life(IBS-QoL).METHODS:A multicenter,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled intervention clinical trial with three parallel arms was designed.A total of 84 patients(53female,31 male;age range 20-70 years)with IBS and diarrhea according to Rome-Ⅲcriteria were randomly allocated to receive one capsule a day for 6 wk containing:(1)I.31 high dose(n=28);(2)I.31 low dose(n=27);and(3)placebo(n=29).At baseline,and 3and 6 wk of treatment,patients filled the IBSQoL,Visceral Sensitivity Index(VSI),and global symptom relief questionnaires.RESULTS:During treatment,IBS-QoL increased in all groups,but this increment was significantly larger in patients treated with I.31 than in those receiving placebo(P=0.008).After 6 wk of treatment,IBS-QoL increased by 18±3 and 22±4 points in the high and the low dose groups,respectively(P=0.041 and P=0.023vs placebo),but only 9±3 in the placebo group.Gutspecific anxiety,as measured with VSI,also showed a significantly greater improvement after 6 wk of treatment in patients treated with probiotics(by 10±2 and14±2 points,high and low dose respectively,P<0.05for both vs 7±1 score increment in placebo).Symptom relief showed no significant changes between groups.No adverse drug reactions were reported following the consumption of probiotic or placebo capsules.CONCLUSION:A new combination of three different probiotic bacteria was superior to placebo in improving IBS-related quality of life in patients with IBS and diarrhea.

Effect of the Haoqinqingdan decoction on damp-heat syndrome in rats with influenza viral pneumonia

Objective: To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine prescription-Haoqinqingdan decoction on damp-heat syndrome in rats with influenza viral pneumonia and its influence on the immune function. Methods: A total of 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the damp-heat syndrome model group, the Haoqinqingdan decoction group (high, medium and low dose group) and the ribavirin group. The body temperature and weight of rats in each group were recorded after modeling. After treatment for 6 d, the concentration of T lymphocyte subgroup (CD3+ CD4+ , CD3+ CD8+ ) was determined by flow cytometry. The OD value of IFN毭/IL-4 was detected by double-antibody sandwich ELISA method, and its concentration was acquired through conversion. Results: After modeling, the temperature and weight of rats in each modeling group showed the increasing trend ( P<0.01). From the second day of treatment, there was significant difference in the body mass between groups, and the rat weight of the control group was higher than in the modeling group ( P<0.05 or 0.01). With the advances of treatment, only the temperature in the medium and high dose Haoqinqingdan decoction groups declined significantly ( P<0.05). After treatment, the CD4+ /CD8+ ratio of the damp-heat syndrome model group decreased more significantly compared with the control group. Elevated CD3+ CD8+ percentages and declined CD4+ /CD8+ ratios can be observed in the low dose group and ribavirin group ( P<0.05). Moreover, the CD3+ CD4+ percentage of ribavirin group was lower than in the control group ( P<0.05). After treatment, the IFN-毭 and IFN-毭/ IL-4 levels in the peripheral blood of rats in the dampheat syndrome group were obviously higher than in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with ribavirin, the high dose Haoqinqingdan decoction can improve the ratio of T lymphocyte subgroup and Th1/Th2 cell balance more effectively.

Clinicopathological features and expression of regulatory mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal sessile serrated adenomas/polyps with different syndrome types

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide,with the fourth highest mortality among all cancers.Reportedly,in addition to adenomas,serrated polyps,which account for 15%-30%of CRCs,can also develop into CRCs through the serrated pathway.Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps(SSAs/Ps),a type of serrated polyps,are easily misdiagnosed during endoscopy.AIM To observe the difference in the Wnt signaling pathway expression in SSAs/Ps patients with different syndrome types.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,patients with SSAs/Ps were recruited from the Endoscopy Room of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital,affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirty cases each of large intestine damp-heat(Da-Chang-Shi-Re,DCSR)syndrome and spleen-stomach weakness(Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo)syndrome were reported.Baseline comparison of the general data,typical tongue coating,colonoscopy findings,and hematoxylin and eosin findings was performed in each group.The expression of the Wnt pathway-related proteins,namelyβ-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli,and mutated in colorectal cancer,were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Significant differences were observed with respect to the SSAs/Ps size between the two groups of patients with different syndrome types(P=0.001).The other aspects did not differ between the two groups.The Wnt signaling pathway was activated in patients with SSAs/Ps belonging to both groups,which was manifested asβ-catenin protein translocation into the nucleus.However,SSAs/Ps patients with DCSR syndrome had more nucleation,higherβ-catenin expression,and negative regulatory factor(adenomatous polyposis coli and mutated in colorectal cancer)expression(P<0.0001)than SSA/P patients with Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo syndrome.In addition,the SSA/P size was linearly correlated with the related protein expression.CONCLUSION Patients with DCSR syndrome had a more obvious Wnt signaling pathway activation and a higher risk of carcinogenesis.A high-quality colonoscopic diagnosis was essential.The thorough assessment of clinical diseases can be improved by combining the diseases of Western medicine with the syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine.

A combined treatment for patients with dry eye and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux:a real-life approach

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.

Rationale of Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study on Clinical Effectiveness of Oral Combination Therapy Based on Secnidazole, Azithromycin and Fluconazole in Syndromic Treatment of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Kinshasa/DR Congo

Background: Vaginal discharge is one of the most common troubles faced by childbearing age women. About 20% - 25% of women who visit service of gynecology complain of vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea. Management of vaginal discharge in low-income countries generally depends on syndromic approach, which limits the understanding of specific responsible agents. Thus targeted management is based on the identification of causal organism and targeting of therapy against it, while syndromic management is based on presence of high risk factors. Thus the oral combination kit (Azimyn FS Kit®) offers convenience of a one-day treatment compared to other multidose treatments, which will also ensure high patient adherence to treatment, thus increasing chances of desired results. Due to its widespread use, it is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of this oral association kit therapy in management of vaginal discharge in the population of our milieu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly those received in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in city of Kinshasa. Expensive laboratory tests and the associated waiting period for result mean that patient remains without treatment while waiting for test results. Therefore, by adopting a syndromic management approach, patient’s eligibility for treatment will be decided based on abnormal vaginal discharge, their characteristics, severity and other presentations symptomatic. This approach will also avoid losing sight of patients during follow-up and will help to reduce financial burden for patients. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of oral combination kit therapy containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in syndromic treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in patients received in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa;to measure rate of recurrence of abnormal vaginal discharge in these patients. And to identify the adverse effects observed in these patients who received treatment with the combined oral kit containing secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole (Azimyn FS Kit®) in outpatient consultation in some medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa. Methods: It will be a cross-sectional descriptive study. Sample size will be 319 women of childbearing age who consult the gynecology department with complaint of abnormal vaginal discharge and suspicion of vaginal infection, who agree to abstain from sex during treatment and who have given their written consent to use their personal and/or health data in the study. Conclusion: A study on clinical efficacy of oral combination therapy based on secnidazole, azithromycin and fluconazole is beneficial.

Optimization of synergistic drug combinations of different sparganins against blood stasis syndrome

Background:Blood stasis syndrome is one of the major syndromes in the development of chronic conditions in traditional Chinese medicine.Blood stasis syndrome is closely related to microcirculation dysfunction and thrombosis.Trigonaceae,as a representative traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,there are many studies on its anticoagulant,antiplatelet aggregation and antithrombotic effects.Methods:Optimization of sparganin compounds,comprising sparganin A,sparganin B,and sparganin C for the characterization of drug pair effects against blood stasis syndrome was carried out.Ternary quadratic regression orthogonal combination design was carried out in a mouse model of blood stasis syndrome.The concentrations of thromboxane B2,plasminogen activator inhibitor 1,fibrinogen,and endothelin 1 were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Thymus,hepatic,and spleen indices were also assessed.The outcomes of the evaluations aided in identifying optimum parameter values for the most favorable precipitation against blood stasis syndrome.Subsequently,Cytoscape 3.7.1 was used for network pharmacology to predict the key targets of sparganins and disease.Results:After sparganin A,sparganin B,and sparganin C treatment,hepatic had a downward trend,while spleen indices and thymus had an upward trend.Compared with the model group,thromboxane B2,endothelin 1,plasminogen activator inhibitor 1,and fibrinogen were decreased(P<0.05).The blood stasis syndrome model regression equation was extremely significant,and the correlation coefficient of R was 0.939,indicating that sparganin A,sparganin B and sparganin C were positively correlated at all levels.According to the dosage of these three factors and test results,the equation was fitted and the maximum values of the three sparganin in the corresponding dose range were obtained as follows:A=0.2982 mg/10g,B=0.1438 mg/10g,C=0.0417 mg/10g.Thus,the optimum parameters were found to be 0.298:0.144:0.042 for synergistic drug combinations of sparganin compounds sparganin A,sparganin B,and sparganin C in blood stasis syndrome.The possible key targets of sparganins included matrix metalloproteinase 9,plasminogen,proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase src,and akt serine/threonine kinase 1 in blood stasis syndrome.Conclusion:Our study for the first time found two novel cyclic peptide compounds sparganin B and sparganin C have an anti-blood stasis effect,and speculated sparganins key targets included matrix metalloproteinase 9,plasminogen,proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase src,and akt serine/threonine kinase 1 in blood stasis syndrome.

The role of endothelial biomarkers in predicting damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease

Objective:To explore the role of endothelial biomarkers in predicting damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease(DKD).Methods:A total of 183 patients with DKD were divided into 3 groups:the early DKD group,established DKD group,and advanced DKD group.All patients were classified according to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome type,and clinical indexes were collected for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 183 DKD patients were included in this study.Fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23),chitinase-3-like protein 1(CHI3L1),endocan,tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1),secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor(SLPI),and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A)were increased in advanced DKD.FGF23,CHI3L1,endocan,SLPI,and TNFR1 showed a negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),while they had a positive correlation with 24 h urine protein.After adjusting for age,gender,diabetes duration,body mass index(BMI),hemoglobin,glucose,uric acid,24 h urine protein,cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein,and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),the multiple regression analysis showed that FGF23,endocan,TNFR1,and SLPI significantly correlated with eGFR.Conclusions:FGF23,endocan,TNFR1,and SLPI are elevated in advanced DKD compared with early stage,and they may take part in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD.Our study provides useful biomarkers for predicting the appearance of damp-heat syndrome,including FGF23,endocan,TNFR1,and SLPI.

Efficacy of Pidan Jianqing decoction in treatment of type 2 diabetes with spleen deficiency and damp-heat syndrome

Introduction:This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of Pidan Jianqing decoction in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.Methods:A total of 72 patients with type 2 diabetes differentiated as spleen deficiency with damp-heat syndrome were randomly assigned to a treatment group(n=35)or control group(n=32).Patients in the control group received diet and exercise guidance and medication in the form of 0.5 g metformin hydrochloride tablets,while patients in the treatment group received Pidan Jianqing decoction in addition to the treatment given to the control group.Efficacy was evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment.Results:Efficacy was 91.4%in the treatment group versus 68.8%in the control group,which was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Significant group differences were also noted in the number of patients with improvement in symptoms such as dry mouth and polydipsia,frequency of urination and polyuria,abdominal distention and loss of appetite,fatigue and weakness,and sticky stools(all P<0.05),with greater improvement in the treatment group compared to the control group.The fasting blood glucose(FBG)and 2 h postprandial blood glucose levels significantly improved in both groups after treatment(P<0.05);however,there was no significant difference in glycated hemoglobin levels before and after treatment in both groups.Conclusion:Pidan Jianqing decoction can lower blood glucose levels and improve symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Efficacy of Western Medicine Combined with Chinese Medicine for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(Damp-Heat and Stasis Type)

Objective:This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Western medicine combined with Chinese medicine for pelvic inflammatory disease(damp-heat and stasis type).Methods:Seventy-four patients who were diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease(damp-heat and stasis type)by our hospital during July 2021 to July 2022 were randomized into two groups:the participants in the control group received conventional Western medicine treatment,and the participants in the study group received Western medicine combined with Chinese medicine.Results:After treatment,the total effectiveness of the control group(72.98%)was significantly lower than that of the study group(94.59%),(P<0.05);the whole blood viscosity high cut,whole blood viscosity low cut,fibrinogen and plasma viscosity of the control group were all lower than those of the study group(P<0.05);the levels of CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αin the control group were higher and IL-2 levels in the control group were lower than those in the study group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Western medicine combined with Chinese medicine is more effective in curing damp-heat and stasis-type pelvic inflammatory disease by improving the blood rheological indexes and lowering the level of inflammatory factors.

Combined liver and kidney transplantation in Guangzhou,China

BACKGROUND: When liver or kidney transplant can respectively cure end-stage liver or kidney disease, neither hepatic graft nor renal transplant alone can be used as a radical therapy for diseases which involve both liver and kidney. Combined liver and kidney transplantation commenced late in China, and the number of transplants has been limited. This study was designed to assess the effects of simultaneous combined liver and kidney transplantation (SLKT) on end-stage liver and kidney diseases. METHODS: Fifteen patients who had received SLKT from 1996 to 2006 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were reviewed. They included 5 patients with polycystic liver and kidney, 5 patients with hepatic cirrhosis and renal failure, and 5 patients with fulminant hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome (11 men and 4 women; average age 43.5 years). All patients had combined liver and kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The 5 patients with polycystic liver and kidney have survived for more than one year after SLKT, and the longest survival has been 5 years. Three of the 5 patients with hepatic cirrhosis and renal failure have survived more than two years; one died perioperatively and the other died from recurrence of hepatitis B 18 months after the operation. Three of the 5 patients with fulminant hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome have survived for two years, and 2 died of multiple organ failure during the operation. CONCLUSIONS: SLKT is an effective therapy for end-stage liver and kidney disease but the indications of SLKT for hepatorenal syndrome should be strict. SLKT may immunologically protect the renal graft.

Indwelling catheter and conservative measures in the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in fulminant acute pancreatitis

瞄准：学习联合留置导管，血过滤，呼吸支持和繁体中文药的效果(例如 Dahuang ) 在治疗暴发性的尖锐胰腺炎的腹的分隔空间症候群。方法：有暴发性的尖锐胰腺炎的病人随机被划分成监视的腹的排水和 intra 腹的压力和平淡的保守措施组(组 1 ) 和控制组织的 2 组联合留置导管(组 2 ) 。平淡的非起作用的保守疗法包括血过滤，呼吸支持，胃肠的 TCM 沐浴也在控制组病人被使用。二个组的有效性被观察，并且 APACHE II 分数被申请分析。结果：在第二和第五天术后疗法上，组 1 和 2 病人的 APACHE II 分数是显著地不同的。有效性的比较(腹痛和 burbulence 消除时间，住院时间) 在组之间， 1 和 2 显示出包囊的有效差量，以及发生率形成。组的死亡率 1 和 2 分别地是 10.0% 和 20.7% 。为在组 1 的病人，腹的排水数量和 intra 腹的压力，和住院时间断然被相关(r = 0.552， 0.748， 0.923， P【0.01 ) 与 APACHE， II 得分。结论：联合留置导管腹的排水和 intra 腹的压力监视的、短 veno 静脉的血过滤(SVVH ) ，胃肠的 TCM 沐浴，呼吸支持在暴发性的尖锐胰腺炎的腹的分隔空间症候群上有预防措施和治疗效果。

Research Survey of Animal Model of Hepatic Fibro-sis Integrated with Western Medicine Diseases and Traditional Chinese Medicine^TCM~)Syndrome

Although the animal models of hepatic fibrosis developed by former researchers have pathological changes of hepatic fibrosis, they do not include charac- teristics of important TCM syndromes such as stagnation of qi, deficiency of qi, liver depression, phlegm-dampness and blood stasis because of single-factor model- ing. Animal models of hepatic fibrosis and animal models integrated disease and syndrome were reviewed, and several new types of integrated disease and syndrome animal models constructed by multiple-factor modeling method were evaluated, under the guidance of etiological theory of TCM. This kind of hepatic fibrosis model animals has dual characteristics of disease and syndrome. It is consistent with pathological characteristics of hepatic fibrosis in western medicine when replicating the basic characteristics accorded with TCM syndrome. Thus, the pathogenesis and pathogenic process of clinical disease and syndrome formation is simulated more ac- curately, providing a new platform and pathway for studying hepatic fibrosis disease with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation for rare diseases

Combined liver and kidney transplantation(CLKT)is indicated in patients with failure of both organs,or for the treatment of end-stage chronic kidney disease(ESKD)caused by a genetic defect in the liver.The aim of the present review is to provide the most up-to-date overview of the rare conditions as indications for CLKT.They are major indications for CLKT in children.However,in some of them(e.g.,atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome or primary hyperoxaluria),CLKT may be required in adults as well.Primary hyperoxaluria is divided into three types,of which type 1 and 2 lead to ESKD.CLKT has been proven effective in renal function replacement,at the same time preventing recurrence of the disease.Nephronophthisis is associated with liver fibrosis in 5%of cases and these patients are candidates for CLKT.In alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency,hereditary C3 deficiency,lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency and glycogen storage diseases,glomerular or tubulointerstitial disease can lead to chronic kidney disease.Liver transplantation as a part of CLKT corrects underlying genetic and consequent metabolic abnormality.In atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by mutations in the genes for factor H,successful CLKT has been reported in a small number of patients.However,for this indication,CLKT has been largely replaced by eculizumab,an anti-C5 antibody.CLKT has been well established to provide immune protection of the transplanted kidney against donor-specific antibodies against class I HLA,facilitating transplantation in a highly sensitized recipient.

Long-term Effect of TCM Decoctions in Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome

Fifty-seven cases of nephrotic syndrome were treated with TCM decoctions as accessory treatment for prednisone and cyclophosphamide, and the effects were observed in a follow-up period of 5-15 years. The long-term complete remission rate of 68.4% and recurrence rate of 26.3% in the treatment group were respectively higher and lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, and P<0.01). The results suggested that the TCM decoctions were very helpful in treating this condition.