1.Traditional Chinese medicine for recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Fengqi LIU ; Meng ZHANG ; Junchang LIU ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):87-95
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss undermines the physical and mental health of women. Recent randomized controlled trials have reported some effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of TCM for patients with RPL and to explore whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness. Methods: Ten databases were searched up to May 27, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Pairwise and network analyses were conducted using Stata 18.0. Results: A total of 47 randomized controlled trials enrolling 6678 women with RPL were included. Pairwise analysis showed that use of TCM had a significantly lower miscarriage rate (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.45, 0.55]), lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.67, 0.98), and lower adverse event rate (RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.37, 0.58]). Moreover, use of TCM was associated with a higher alive-fetus rate (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.15, 1.26]), live-birth rate (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.15, 1.25]), and full-term rate (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.23, 1.53]) compared with nonuse of TCM. Network analysis demonstrated that Bushenshugan combined with conventional Western medicine was ranked the best for the reduction of miscarriage rate. Discussion: Use of TCM is more likely to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce adverse events compared with nonuse of TCM in patients with RPL. Different TCM methods have differences in reducing the miscarriage rate. The Bushenshugan method might be a potential optimal TCM therapy, but more high-quality evidence is needed to further validate and evaluate the efficacy and safety.
2.Interpretation of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)(Ⅲ):comparison of global guidelines
Jinan YAN ; Yunxiao WU ; Xiaolu NIE ; Houyu ZHAO ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(3):241-259
It has been not been updated for nearly 5 years since the Pharmacoepidemiology Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association released the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(1st edition)in 2019,and an update is urgently needed.This study adopts a systematic review approach to comprehensively search for global pharmacoepidemiology methodological guidelines and analyze their development status.By extracting the frameworks and key elements of the guidelines,the China's guide was compared with other included guidelines,its shortcomings were analysed,and pragmatic and feasible suggestions for improvement in line with China's national conditions,were proposed in order to provide references for updating China's guide.A systematic search was conducted by searching PubMed,Embase,CNKI,WanFang Data and 17 official websites of international academic organizations for pharmacoepidemiology and regulatory agencies from countries or regions including Europe,the United States,Japan,and China,etc.,and relevant guidelines or standards were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria,resulting in the inclusion of 33 methodological guidelines or standards for pharmacoepidemiological studies.A qualitative synthesis approach was then employed to extract core elements from the guidelines through thematic categorization and content summarization,followed by a descriptive comparative analysis.The results indicate that the 1st edition of the China's guide provides relatively comprehensive guidance on adverse drug reaction reporting and publication of research findings.However,there are gaps in study protocol development,data analysis during study implementation,study reporting,and specific study scenarios.By integrating and drawing upon the latest international pharmacoepidemiology methodology guidelines while balancing comprehensiveness,practicality,and user-friendliness,this study provides recommendations for updating the China's guide.
3.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(4):sources of research question and study protocol development in pharmacoepidemiological research
Yinchu CHENG ; Na HE ; Yingying YAN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(4):365-372
Formulating a well-defined research question and developing a scientifically sound study protocol is important for ensuring the quality of pharmacoepidemiological research.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition),this research provided an interpretation of the sections related to the formulation of research questions and the development of study protocols.First,it clarified the sources and scope of research questions,outlining a two-step approach—question generation and definition—and introduces relevant evaluation tools and defining frameworks.Furthermore,it systematically explained the key elements of a study protocol and provides an in-depth explanation of the research methodology and its critical aspects.Finally,the paper highlighted the importance of feasibility assessment,emphasizing that the process of defining research questions and study protocols is dynamic and iterative.Compared with the previous edition,the 2nd edition of the guidelines offers more detailed and updated guidance on question formulation and protocol development.It added three new elements—such as protocol archiving or registration—and three new content items,including study objectives.The 2nd edition also expanded the methodological framework and strengthens feasibility assessments,thereby enhancing the comprehensiveness and rigor of its practical guidance.By integrating guideline content with practical experience,this paper provided insights into its implications for pharmacoepidemiological research and serves as a reference for researchers in the field.
4.Development and validation of an XGBoost-based prediction model for acute liver injury in statin users
Xianglong MENG ; Yuelin YU ; Yexiang SUN ; Peng SHEN ; Zhiqin JIANG ; Yu ZHU ; Yueqi YIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Shengfeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(8):867-876
Objective To develop and validate a prediction model to identify high-risk individuals who are at-risk to develop acute liver injury(ALI)within 180 days in new statin users,and to support early clinical intervention.Methods Data were sourced from the Yinzhou Regional Health Information Platform,covering statin initiators aged 18 years and older from January 1,2010,to October 31,2021.The dataset was divided into a derivation cohort and a temporal validation cohort based on the time of statin initiation.Predictors were selected using LASSO regression,and the model was constructed using the extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)algorithm combined with cost-sensitive learning.Model performance was evaluated using Brier scores,Harrell's C-index,and calibration curves.Results A total of 126,440 statin initiators were included,with 90,542 in the derivation cohort and 35,898 in the validation cohort.Within 180 days of initial statin use,412(0.33%)patients developed ALI,including 305(0.34%)in the derivation cohort and 107(0.30%)in the validation cohort.The final model incorporated 16 predictors,which included demographic characteristics,lifestyle factors,family history,medical history,statin use,and concomitant medication use.The model demonstrated excellent overall performance[Brier score=0.0043,95%CI(0.0038,0.0049)],discrimination[Harrell's C-index=0.761,95%CI(0.725,0.794)],and calibration in internal validation.In temporal validation,the model also performed well[Brier score=0.0044,95%CI(0.0036,0.0052),Harrell's C-index=0.703,95%CI(0.614,0.781)].Conclusion This study develope and validate a prediction model for ALI in statin users,providing clinicians with a reliable tool for individualized risk assessment.This model can help achieve risk stratification and reduce the occurrence of ALI.
5.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(1):an overview
Yunxiao WU ; Jinan YAN ; Xiaolu NIE ; Houyu ZHAO ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(1):2-11
Pharmacoepidemiology is an interdisciplinary discipline that applies epidemiological research methods to evaluate the application and effect of drugs within population.Standardizing pharmacoepidemiological research methods is crucial for ensuring the quality of research and promoting the development of the discipline.The Pharmacoepidemiology Professional Committee of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association developed the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(1st edition),in 2019,but has not been updated in over five years.Other,countries/regions such as Europe,America,Japan and South Korea have made a lot of progress in developing and updating the guidelines.Therefore,the rapid development of pharmacoepidemiology in our country and the growing need to align with international standards make it essential to update the guidelines.The second edition of the guidelines was developed through a process that included systematic reviews,practical surveys,and multidisciplinary collaboration.Compared with the first edition,the updated version has made many important changes in research design,data sources,specific application scenarios and more,and added new contents such as the application of artificial intelligence.The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the necessity of updating the guidelines,selecting important changes and formulating interpretation plans.It aims to provide references for relevant professionals to comprehensively understand and apply the new guidelines,and to promote the standardized development and quality of pharmacoepidemiologic research in our country,further advancing the field.
6.Revision process of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)
Jinan YAN ; Yunxiao WU ; Xiaolu NIE ; Houyu ZHAO ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(2):121-135
Pharmacoepidemiology is a scientific discipline that applies epidemiological principles and methods to study the utilization and effects of pharmaceuticals in populations.It plays a crucial role in promoting rational drug use and improving public health outcomes.High-quality pharmacoepidemiological research relies on rigorous methodological frameworks.Chinese Pharmaceutical Association(CPA)has officially initiated the development/revision of the of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)in 2024.This revision project was supported by the Pharmacoepidemiology Committee of CPA,and was led by the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Peking University School of Public Health,which provided methodological guidance,in collaboration with multidisciplinary experts from across the country.Building on the experience of the 1st edition's development,the working group conducted a qualitative systematic review,to extract key information from global pharmacoepidemiology-related guidelines,laying the foundation for the development/revision proposals of the 2nd edition.Subsequently,through two rounds of Delphi method expert consultations and qualitative interviews,alongside extensive discussions within the working group,the draft revision of the guideline was created.Finally,through an expert consensus meeting using the Nominal Group Technique(NGT),a consensus was reached,resulting in a methodological guideline that integrates international perspectives with local applicability for pharmacoepidemiological research in China.The 2nd edition consists of 41 entries,including 8 primary entries,20 secondary entries,and 13 tertiary entries.It comprehensively covers key aspects such as study protocol development,study implementation,adverse event reporting,research report writing,and dissemination of study findings.Additionally,it addresses specific application scenarios and topics,as well as the application of artificial intelligence and real-world studies.
7.Safety of disialoganglioside targeted therapies in the treatment of pediatric neuroblastoma:a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Ying XING ; Yu PANG ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(2):191-204
Objective To systematically review the safety of disialoganglioside(GD2)targeted therapies in the treatment of pediatric neuroblastoma(NB).Methods PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Data,SinoMed databases and ClinicalTrials.gov clinical trial registration system were electronically searched to collect clinical studies of GD2-targeted therapies for pediatric NB from inception to November 30,2024.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.Meta-analysis was performed by using R 4.3.1 software.Results A total of 21 studies involving 2,438 patients were included.Meta-analysis results showed that the overall incidence(95%CI)of serious adverse drug events(SADEs)in GD2-targeted therapies for pediatric NB was 51.67%(35.43%to 67.92%).The serious fever and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)increase were common with the incidence(95%CI)of 7.80%(0.80%to 18.85%)and 5.10%(2.02%to 10.55%)respectively.The incidences(95%CI)of grade 3 to 5 adverse drug reactions(ADRs):fever 18.81%(8.00%to 29.61%),pain 30.32%(16.21%to 44.44%),hypokalemia 18.96%(6.44%to 31.49%),ALT increased 10.41%(2.96%to 17.86%),hypotension 8.48%(3.78%to 13.18%),anemia 16.62%(5.97%to 27.26%),platelet count decreased 16.46%(5.55%to 27.37%),lymphocyte count decreased 10.42%(0.97%to 26.09%),neutrophil count decreased 13.37%(3.12%to 23.62%).Among the intervention subgroups,the incidences of grade 3 to 5 ADRs were relatively low in dinutuximab β group and GD2-chimeric antigen receptor T cells(GD2 CART)group.Conclusions The incidences of SADEs and grade 3 to 5 ADRs are high in pediatric NB patients receiving GD2-targeted therapy,which should be paid attention to.The safety profile of GD2 targeted therapies under development for pediatric NB are even better than those of GD2 targeted drugs already on the market,especially GD2 CART,which shows good safety potential.
8.Current Status and Challenges of the Development on Rare Disease Multi-Security Mechanisms Driven by Data Intelligence in China
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):1-6
The major obstacle to optimizing the design of rare disease coverage is the fragmented decision-making process among medical services, pharmaceuticals, and medical insurance departments. There is an urgent need to realize data sharing and digital empowerment, as well as to adopt top-level design and systematic decision-making. It is also crucial to establish mechanisms, facilitated by digital intelligence, for sharing power and responsibilities, and assessing rewards and punishments. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to incorporate the theories of collaborative governance, digital governance, and the full life cycle into the entire process, which includes patient classification, diagnosis and treatment, medical assistance, medication protection, and health insurance fund management for rare diseases. This integration aims to provide theoretical reference for the effective linkage of medical services, pharmaceuticals, and medical insurance, and to improve the efficiency and equity of resource allocation in the public sector.
9.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(4):sources of research question and study protocol development in pharmacoepidemiological research
Yinchu CHENG ; Na HE ; Yingying YAN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(4):365-372
Formulating a well-defined research question and developing a scientifically sound study protocol is important for ensuring the quality of pharmacoepidemiological research.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition),this research provided an interpretation of the sections related to the formulation of research questions and the development of study protocols.First,it clarified the sources and scope of research questions,outlining a two-step approach—question generation and definition—and introduces relevant evaluation tools and defining frameworks.Furthermore,it systematically explained the key elements of a study protocol and provides an in-depth explanation of the research methodology and its critical aspects.Finally,the paper highlighted the importance of feasibility assessment,emphasizing that the process of defining research questions and study protocols is dynamic and iterative.Compared with the previous edition,the 2nd edition of the guidelines offers more detailed and updated guidance on question formulation and protocol development.It added three new elements—such as protocol archiving or registration—and three new content items,including study objectives.The 2nd edition also expanded the methodological framework and strengthens feasibility assessments,thereby enhancing the comprehensiveness and rigor of its practical guidance.By integrating guideline content with practical experience,this paper provided insights into its implications for pharmacoepidemiological research and serves as a reference for researchers in the field.
10.Development and validation of an XGBoost-based prediction model for acute liver injury in statin users
Xianglong MENG ; Yuelin YU ; Yexiang SUN ; Peng SHEN ; Zhiqin JIANG ; Yu ZHU ; Yueqi YIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Shengfeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(8):867-876
Objective To develop and validate a prediction model to identify high-risk individuals who are at-risk to develop acute liver injury(ALI)within 180 days in new statin users,and to support early clinical intervention.Methods Data were sourced from the Yinzhou Regional Health Information Platform,covering statin initiators aged 18 years and older from January 1,2010,to October 31,2021.The dataset was divided into a derivation cohort and a temporal validation cohort based on the time of statin initiation.Predictors were selected using LASSO regression,and the model was constructed using the extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)algorithm combined with cost-sensitive learning.Model performance was evaluated using Brier scores,Harrell's C-index,and calibration curves.Results A total of 126,440 statin initiators were included,with 90,542 in the derivation cohort and 35,898 in the validation cohort.Within 180 days of initial statin use,412(0.33%)patients developed ALI,including 305(0.34%)in the derivation cohort and 107(0.30%)in the validation cohort.The final model incorporated 16 predictors,which included demographic characteristics,lifestyle factors,family history,medical history,statin use,and concomitant medication use.The model demonstrated excellent overall performance[Brier score=0.0043,95%CI(0.0038,0.0049)],discrimination[Harrell's C-index=0.761,95%CI(0.725,0.794)],and calibration in internal validation.In temporal validation,the model also performed well[Brier score=0.0044,95%CI(0.0036,0.0052),Harrell's C-index=0.703,95%CI(0.614,0.781)].Conclusion This study develope and validate a prediction model for ALI in statin users,providing clinicians with a reliable tool for individualized risk assessment.This model can help achieve risk stratification and reduce the occurrence of ALI.

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