Objective To investigate the prevalence of anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the relationship between anemia and disease activity of RA. Methods Retrospectively analyze the data of 239 RA patients. Results (1)Estimates of the prevalence of the anemia was 51.4% ;the level of anemia was mild and moderate,and none was severe. (2)There were statistic differences between the patients with anemia and without anemia in disease duration,morning stiff ness,ESR,CRP and degree of X-ray change. (3)There were statistic differences between the patients with anemia and without anemia in leukocyte counts and platelet counts. (4)The level of hemoglobin (Hb) was significantly increased after anti-rheumatoid treatment. Conclusion (1)Anemia is a common sign in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. The level of anemia is mild and moderate. (2)There are important associations between anemia and disease activity of RA. (3)The level of hemoglobin is increased after anti-rheumatoid treatment.

OBJECTIVETo survey the reporting quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) case reports published in recent years and understand the common problems. The assessment results would lay the foundation for the development of recommendations for case report in Chinese medicine.

METHODSThis survey determined the reporting quality of cases with Chinese herbal decoction, Chinese proprietary medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and other traditional therapies published in 20 core medical journals of China by searching the China Academic Journals Full-text Database from 2006 to 2010. Fifty survey items in 16 domains were used to determine the reporting quality. One point was assigned to each item (Yes=1 point; No=0 point), and total score was 50 points. The domain of treatment was assessed independently, ranging from 2 to 9 items for different TCM interventions.

RESULTSThe total of 1,858 case reports, covering 3,417 cases were included to analyze from 13 out of 20 core medical journals of China. There were 74.8% of them did not identify the nature of study in title, while 73.9% did not comprise an abstract. Incomplete reporting was found in discussions/ comment, and only 38.9% had made recommendations or take-away messages. Figures and tables were infrequently used. Three cases cited the full names of patients, but without declaring that any consent was obtained. Over 90% reported the symptoms and signs of TCM, and characteristics on tongue and pulse, but less than 50% did mention other medical history and diagnostic rationale. More than 90% treatments of the included cases were herbal decoction, with clear reporting on the ingredients and dosages. However, the reporting rate of the dosages of each ingredient was just 48.4%. Almost none reported the quality control of crude herbs, manufacturers and lot numbers of herbal proprietary medicine. Besides, advices and precautions on diet, emotions and living were rare to be illustrated.

CONCLUSIONSystematic reporting recommendations are urged to develop for improving the contents and format of case reports in TCM.

Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Periodicals as Topic ; Quality Assurance, Health Care ; Research Report ; standards