1.Cost-utility analysis of anlotinib combined with penpulimab in first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Wenying YAN ; Na YANG ; Ranran ZHANG ; Xinyue TAO ; Shengnan GAO ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):344-349
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anlotinib combined with penpulimab versus sorafenib as first- line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) from the perspective of China’s healthcare system. METHODS Based on data from the APOLLO study, a partitioned survival model was established with a 21-day model cycle to simulate patient survival status over 10 years under anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen or sorafenib monotherapy. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was used as the core evaluation parameter to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of different treatment regimens. Using 3 times China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 (287 247 yuan/QALY) as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, cost-utility analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment regimens. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of the baseline analysis conclusion. Scenario analysis was performed to consider the impact of anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs on the results; the price reduction of penpulimab to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the combination regimen was examined under varying WTP thresholds (specifically, 1, 2, and 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024). RESULTS The baseline analysis revealed that the ICER of anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen relative to the sorafenib regimen was 338 611.20 yuan/QALY, which exceeded the WTP threshold set in this study. Univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that the utility value of progression free survival and penpulimab price significantly influenced the baseline analysis results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the baseline results. The results of scenario analysis indicated that when considering the assistance programs for anlotinib and penpulimab, the obtained ICER values were all below the WTP threshold set at 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024. When the price of penpulimab was reduced by 58%, 35%, and 13%, the ICER values were below the WTP threshold, which was 1, 2 and 3 times the per capita GDP of China in 2024, respectively. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen for first-line treatment of uHCC lacks cost-effectiveness compared to sorafenib regimen. However, this conclusion would be reversed if the anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs are taken into account or if the price of penpulimab is reduced by more than 13% and above.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Metastasis Based on Blood Harmonizing Method
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Fangni LI ; Yujie YANG ; Jungang DONG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):63-73
Metastasis in gastric cancer is a key factor contributing to poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, characterized by a combination of underlying deficiency and superficial excess, cold and heat in complexity, and stagnation in collateral Conventional aggressive treatment methods tend to exacerbate the depletion of healthy Qi and Zang-Fu organ dysfunctions. The harmonizing method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes holistic regulation and reinforcing healthy Qi while expelling pathogenic factors. The blood harmonizing method is grounded in the core TCM theory of blood vessel transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins. It closely addresses the essence of metastasis-where cancerous toxins spread through the bloodstream and accumulate in the collaterals-thereby providing a unique and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinical intervention in gastric cancer metastasis. This paper systematically reviews relevant TCM theories such as transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins and accumulation-gathering and provides an in-depth explanation of the core pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis. Specifically, cancerous toxins circulate throughout the body via the blood vessels and accumulate in the collaterals of target organs such as the liver, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and lungs. The occurrence and development of this process are consistently centered on the key mechanism of disharmony in blood-related syndromes. On this basis, the paper explicitly proposes three major therapeutic approaches centered on harmonizing the blood. The first is harmonizing the blood to restore ascending and descending functions, thereby invigorating the spleen and regulating the middle energizer to restore the mediating function of the middle energizer and block the generation of phlegm and blood stasis at the root. The second is harmonizing the blood to balance cold and heat, using pungent herbs to open and bitter herbs to descend to harmonize the Yin-Yang balance and improve the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. The third is harmonizing the blood to unblock collaterals and resolve stasis, thereby gradually dissipating stasis and nodules, gently clearing obstructions in the collaterals, and breaking the critical link of collateral stagnation forming masses caused by metastasis. The article further summarizes modern pharmacological research findings on representative formulas such as Banxia Xiexintang, Weichang'an, Yangzheng Sanjie decoction, and Sijunzitang, confirming that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through multiple targets and pathways, to regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, modulate the immune microenvironment, and induce tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, thereby blocking the metastasis process at multiple levels. This paper discusses the theoretical basis, pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic systems, and modern mechanisms of the blood harmonizing method for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis. It fully embodies the TCM principles of targeting balance, reinforcing healthy Qi without aiding the pathogen, and eliminating the pathogen without harming the healthy Qi, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical pharmacological references for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice.
3.Intestinal Absorption Solution Containing Banxia Xiexintang Inhibits Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Interfering with Crosstalk Between TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs
Xiping LIU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Yongrong LI ; Zhongbo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):74-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the synergistic promotion of malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) through crosstalk, and the intervention mechanism of the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT). MethodsGastric cancer MFC cells were treated with conditioned medium (co-culture-CM) prepared from a co-culture system of TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs. Groups included control, co-culture-CM model, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) inhibitor (LY2510924), α4β1 inhibitor (BIO5192), dual inhibitor combination, and different concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions. MFC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The SDF-1, α4β1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels in culture supernatants, along with the protein levels of intracellular macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), CD106, MMP-9, and VEGFA in MFC cells, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, co-culture-CM promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells (P<0.01), elevated the levels of SDF-1, α4β1, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01), and upregulated the protein levels of MIF (P<0.05), MMP-9 (P<0.01), and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with co-culture-CM, BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions at various concentrations significantly reversed the phenotypic effects on cells, inhibited malignant phenotypes, lowered the levels of MMP-9 and SDF1, and reduced the expression of proteins in the crosstalk axis. Compared with the SDF1+α4β1 inhibitor group, the SDF1 inhibitor group and the α4β1 inhibitor group showed no differences in the inhibition of proliferation, scratch healing, and cytokine levels. The SDF1 inhibitor increased the apoptosis rate and downregulated the protein levels of MIF and CD106, while the α4β1 inhibitor increased the number of migrated cells and the expression of various proteins. Compared with the SDF1 inhibitor group, the α4β1 inhibitor group showed reduced inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased number of invasive cells, decreased α4β1 content, and increased expression of various proteins (P<0.01). The 55%, 70%, and 85% intestinal absorption solutions increased the inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased the number of invasive cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The 55% BXT-containing intestinal absorption solution group showed increased wound healing rate and upregulated protein levels of VEGFA, CD106, and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The 70% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of MIF (P<0.05), and the 85% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of VEGFA (P<0.01) and downregulated the protein level of CXCR4 (P<0.01). ConclusionTA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs synergistically activate the MIF/SDF-1/CXCR4 and MMP-9/α4β1/CD106 axes through crosstalk, significantly enhancing gastric cancer cell invasion and migration. BXT-containing intestinal absorption fluid effectively inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by multi-targeted intervention in this crosstalk process.
4.Banxia Xiexintang Containing Intestinal Absorption Solution Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Modulating SDF1-CXCR4 Axis in TA-BMSCs
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Lijuan SHI ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):84-93
ObjectiveTo explore whether the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs). MethodsThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT was prepared, and the optimal intervention concentration and duration for MFC cells were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A co-culture system was established comprising TA-BMSCs conditioned medium (TA-BMSCs-CM) and gastric cancer MFC cells. The experiment was conducted with a blank control group, a TA-BMSCs-CM group, an SDF1 inhibitor (LY2510924) group, and intervention groups with varying concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT. Cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Horizontal and vertical cell migration were evaluated via scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell invasion was examined by a Transwell assay with Matrigel. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of factors such as SDF1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as well as the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9, were quantified by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay results indicated that compared with the 24 h intervention, the 48 h interventions with all concentrations of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT increased the inhibition rate on MFC cells (P<0.01). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT at the time point of 48 h was 68.51%, and subsequent intervention concentrations were selected as 55%, 70%, and 85%. Compared with the TA-BMSCs-CM group, the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT (particularly at concentrations of 70% 85%) suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells, promoted the cell apoptosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the levels of SDF1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, and downregulated the protein levels of MIF, CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The inhibitory effects of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT were comparable to or superior to those of the SDF1 inhibitor (P<0.01). ConclusionThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the SDF1-CXCR4 axis in TA-BMSCs. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the MIF/SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and its downstream effector molecules.
5.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Metastasis Based on Blood Harmonizing Method
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Fangni LI ; Yujie YANG ; Jungang DONG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):63-73
Metastasis in gastric cancer is a key factor contributing to poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, characterized by a combination of underlying deficiency and superficial excess, cold and heat in complexity, and stagnation in collateral Conventional aggressive treatment methods tend to exacerbate the depletion of healthy Qi and Zang-Fu organ dysfunctions. The harmonizing method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes holistic regulation and reinforcing healthy Qi while expelling pathogenic factors. The blood harmonizing method is grounded in the core TCM theory of blood vessel transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins. It closely addresses the essence of metastasis-where cancerous toxins spread through the bloodstream and accumulate in the collaterals-thereby providing a unique and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinical intervention in gastric cancer metastasis. This paper systematically reviews relevant TCM theories such as transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins and accumulation-gathering and provides an in-depth explanation of the core pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis. Specifically, cancerous toxins circulate throughout the body via the blood vessels and accumulate in the collaterals of target organs such as the liver, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and lungs. The occurrence and development of this process are consistently centered on the key mechanism of disharmony in blood-related syndromes. On this basis, the paper explicitly proposes three major therapeutic approaches centered on harmonizing the blood. The first is harmonizing the blood to restore ascending and descending functions, thereby invigorating the spleen and regulating the middle energizer to restore the mediating function of the middle energizer and block the generation of phlegm and blood stasis at the root. The second is harmonizing the blood to balance cold and heat, using pungent herbs to open and bitter herbs to descend to harmonize the Yin-Yang balance and improve the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. The third is harmonizing the blood to unblock collaterals and resolve stasis, thereby gradually dissipating stasis and nodules, gently clearing obstructions in the collaterals, and breaking the critical link of collateral stagnation forming masses caused by metastasis. The article further summarizes modern pharmacological research findings on representative formulas such as Banxia Xiexintang, Weichang'an, Yangzheng Sanjie decoction, and Sijunzitang, confirming that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through multiple targets and pathways, to regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, modulate the immune microenvironment, and induce tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, thereby blocking the metastasis process at multiple levels. This paper discusses the theoretical basis, pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic systems, and modern mechanisms of the blood harmonizing method for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis. It fully embodies the TCM principles of targeting balance, reinforcing healthy Qi without aiding the pathogen, and eliminating the pathogen without harming the healthy Qi, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical pharmacological references for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice.
6.Intestinal Absorption Solution Containing Banxia Xiexintang Inhibits Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Interfering with Crosstalk Between TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs
Xiping LIU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Yongrong LI ; Zhongbo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):74-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the synergistic promotion of malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) through crosstalk, and the intervention mechanism of the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT). MethodsGastric cancer MFC cells were treated with conditioned medium (co-culture-CM) prepared from a co-culture system of TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs. Groups included control, co-culture-CM model, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) inhibitor (LY2510924), α4β1 inhibitor (BIO5192), dual inhibitor combination, and different concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions. MFC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The SDF-1, α4β1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels in culture supernatants, along with the protein levels of intracellular macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), CD106, MMP-9, and VEGFA in MFC cells, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, co-culture-CM promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells (P<0.01), elevated the levels of SDF-1, α4β1, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01), and upregulated the protein levels of MIF (P<0.05), MMP-9 (P<0.01), and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with co-culture-CM, BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions at various concentrations significantly reversed the phenotypic effects on cells, inhibited malignant phenotypes, lowered the levels of MMP-9 and SDF1, and reduced the expression of proteins in the crosstalk axis. Compared with the SDF1+α4β1 inhibitor group, the SDF1 inhibitor group and the α4β1 inhibitor group showed no differences in the inhibition of proliferation, scratch healing, and cytokine levels. The SDF1 inhibitor increased the apoptosis rate and downregulated the protein levels of MIF and CD106, while the α4β1 inhibitor increased the number of migrated cells and the expression of various proteins. Compared with the SDF1 inhibitor group, the α4β1 inhibitor group showed reduced inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased number of invasive cells, decreased α4β1 content, and increased expression of various proteins (P<0.01). The 55%, 70%, and 85% intestinal absorption solutions increased the inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased the number of invasive cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The 55% BXT-containing intestinal absorption solution group showed increased wound healing rate and upregulated protein levels of VEGFA, CD106, and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The 70% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of MIF (P<0.05), and the 85% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of VEGFA (P<0.01) and downregulated the protein level of CXCR4 (P<0.01). ConclusionTA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs synergistically activate the MIF/SDF-1/CXCR4 and MMP-9/α4β1/CD106 axes through crosstalk, significantly enhancing gastric cancer cell invasion and migration. BXT-containing intestinal absorption fluid effectively inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by multi-targeted intervention in this crosstalk process.
7.Banxia Xiexintang Containing Intestinal Absorption Solution Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Modulating SDF1-CXCR4 Axis in TA-BMSCs
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Lijuan SHI ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):84-93
ObjectiveTo explore whether the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs). MethodsThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT was prepared, and the optimal intervention concentration and duration for MFC cells were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A co-culture system was established comprising TA-BMSCs conditioned medium (TA-BMSCs-CM) and gastric cancer MFC cells. The experiment was conducted with a blank control group, a TA-BMSCs-CM group, an SDF1 inhibitor (LY2510924) group, and intervention groups with varying concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT. Cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Horizontal and vertical cell migration were evaluated via scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell invasion was examined by a Transwell assay with Matrigel. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of factors such as SDF1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as well as the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9, were quantified by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay results indicated that compared with the 24 h intervention, the 48 h interventions with all concentrations of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT increased the inhibition rate on MFC cells (P<0.01). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT at the time point of 48 h was 68.51%, and subsequent intervention concentrations were selected as 55%, 70%, and 85%. Compared with the TA-BMSCs-CM group, the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT (particularly at concentrations of 70% 85%) suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells, promoted the cell apoptosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the levels of SDF1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, and downregulated the protein levels of MIF, CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The inhibitory effects of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT were comparable to or superior to those of the SDF1 inhibitor (P<0.01). ConclusionThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the SDF1-CXCR4 axis in TA-BMSCs. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the MIF/SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and its downstream effector molecules.
8.The prediction value of the early efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in patients with stageⅡ-Ⅲ hepatocellular carcinoma
Wenjuan YANG ; Meier WU ; Keqin ZHANG ; Haibin YU ; Jinming LIU ; Bing OUYANG ; Wenying WANG ; Ling WEI ; Shu XIONG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(5):493-495
Objective To discuss the prediction value of the early efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)in treating stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The clinical data of 81 patients with stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ HCC,who received at least 3 times of HAIC at the Nanchang Municipal Central Hospital of China from November 2021 to March 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.CT or MRI was used to compare patient's local tumor response after each treatment cycle.Based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(mRECIST),the curative effects of patients after receiving the first,the second,and the last HAIC treatment were compared between each other.The prediction value of the early efficacy of HAIC in treating patients with stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ HCC was analyzed.Results In the 67 patients,the efficacy of the last time HAIC was equal or similar to that of the first time HAIC,and in the remaining 14 patients the efficacy of the last time HAIC was different from that of the first time HAIC,with an efficacy prediction rate of 82.72%.The efficacy of the last time HAIC was equal or similar to that of the second time HAIC in 71 patients,and in the remaining 10 patients the efficacy of the last time HAIC was different from that of the second time HAIC,with an efficacy prediction rate of 87.65%.Conclusion In treating stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ HCC with HAIC,the early efficacy can be used to predict the final efficacy after completion of the total treatment course.
9.Post-traumatic growth experiences of patients with failed assisted reproductive technology: a qualitative study
Wenying GAO ; Jingjing SI ; Xuan GU ; Xiao SHAN ; Qian GAO ; Yuhui GU ; Xiaoli SUN ; Xiaoqin LIU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(1):8-14
Objective:To explore the experiences of post-traumatic growth in patients with failed assisted reproductive technology (ART), providing a basis for individualized nursing interventions.Methods:This study was a qualitative study. From November to December 2023, purposive sampling was used to select ART failed patients at Reproductive Medicine Center of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University as participants. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, and Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to summarize and analyze the data and extract themes.Results:A total of 15 ART failed patients were included, their age was (31.8±3.6) years, years of infertility was (4.7±1.7) years. After analysis, a total of four themes and nine sub-themes were extracted, namely negative emotional experiences in the early stages of trauma (anxiety and depression, psychological stress) ; diversified support systems (family support, social support) ; positive coping styles (positive binary coping between spouses, individual coping) ; post-traumatic growth experiences (mobilizing one's own positive strength, strengthening altruistic awareness, and re-planning the future) .Conclusions:Infertility patients exhibit negative emotions after experiencing ART failure, but also experience post-traumatic growth. Medical and nursing staff should provide targeted guidance based on the psychological state of ART failed patients at different stages to improve their mental health.
10.Diagnostic value of fetal echocardiography for ventricular septal defect and reasons for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis
Wenying YUAN ; Qichang ZHOU ; Lin ZHANG ; Xinglan HUANG ; Shuizhen LIU ; Ling HUANG ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(7):593-597
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of fetal echocardiography (ECHO) for ventricular septal defect (VSD) and the causes of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis by analyzing the standard of ECHO sections and image quality.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 94 VSD fetuses diagnosed by ECHO at Xiangtan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2022 to June 2024. Clinical data including the anatomic subtypes, associated anomalies, chromosomal karyotype results, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal ECHO results were collected and analyzed. Besides, by reviewing the ultrasound images from the institution's ultrasound workstation, a descriptive analysis was conducted on the ECHO section criteria and image quality in the missed and misdiagnosed cases.Results:Among 10 984 fetuses undergoing ECHO, a total of 94 cases of fetal VSD were detected (0.7%), including 45 (48%) isolated VSD and 49 (52%) non-isolated VSD cases. Anatomic distribution revealed perimembranous type predominance (67, 71%), followed by muscular (24, 26%), subarterial types (2, 2%), and perimembranous+muscular type (1, 1%). Among 29 missed diagnosis cases (fetal ECHO-negative but neonatal ECHO-confirmed VSDs), all were isolated VSD, muscular types accounted for 19 (66%), perimembranous types for 8 (27%), and subarterial types for 2 (7%). The causes of missed diagnosis include: technical limitation in 14 cases (48%), restricted cardiac acoustic window in 11 cases (38%), and operator-dependent factors in four cases (14%). All 18 misdiagnosed cases occurred in isolated VSD, with 15 cases of perimembranous and three cases of muscular types. The causes of misdiagnosis include: nine cases due to non-perpendicular beam alignment to perimembranous septum, six cases due to excessively high color flow gain,and three cases due to the misinterpretation of the right ventricular outflow tract flow above the aortic valve as VSD septal perforation blood flow. The sensitivity and specificity of fetal ECHO for diagnosing VSD were 76.42% and 99.83%. Among the 94 cases of fetal VSD, 38 cases (40%) underwent chromosomal karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis, which identified chromosomal karyotype abnormalities or pathogenic gene variants in 4/16 non-isolated VSDs (all perimembranous), while no anomalies were detected in 22 isolated VSDs. Pregnancy outcomes showed 31 terminations due to associated structural or chromosomal abnormalities versus 63 live births. In the live births, who underwent echocardiography in the neonatal period, 19 cases (30%) showed no VSD and were considered to have undergone spontaneous in utero closure, and persistent defects were found in 44 (70%).Conclusions:Fetal ECHO demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of fetal VSD. Critical quality control measures include individualized parameter adjustment and systematic multiplanar continuous scanning to minimize diagnostic errors. Isolated small and medium-sized muscular and perimembranous VSD usually have a good prognosis.

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