Outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis versus systemic thrombolysis in the treatment of pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) versus systemic thrombolysis (ST) in the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to collect the literature on the comparison of the results of CDT and ST in the treatment of PE from the beginning of their records to May 2020, and meta-analysis was performed by STATA software (version 15.1). Using standardized data-collection forms, the authors screened the studies and independently extracted data, and assessed the quality of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Cohort studies that examined the following results were included in the current study: in-hospital mortality, all-cause bleeding rate, gastrointestinal bleeding rate, intracranial hemorrhage rate, the incidence of shock, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: A total of eight articles, with 13,242 participants, involving 3962 participants in the CDT group and 9280 participants in the ST group were included. CDT compared with ST in the treatment of PE can significantly affect in-hospital mortality rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30-0.56, P < 0.05], all-cause bleeding rate (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.39, P = 0.012), gastrointestinal bleeding rate (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.13-1.81, P = 0.003), the incidence of shock (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.37-0.57, P < 0.05), and hospital length of stay [standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07-0.25, P < 0.05]. However, there was no significant effect on intracranial hemorrhage rate in patients with PE (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.47-1.03, P = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: CDT is a viable alternative to ST in the treatment of PE, as it can significantly reduce in-hospital mortality rate, all-cause bleeding rate, gastrointestinal bleeding rate, and incidence of shock. However, CDT may prolong hospital length of stay to a certain extent. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CDT and ST in the treatment of acute PE and other clinical outcomes.

Accuracy Evaluation of Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Estimated by Smart Terminal Watch.

To evaluate the accuracy of the smartwatch in estimating carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). A cohort of gender-matched volunteers aged 18-80 years were recruited. At the sitting and supine positions, cfPWV was measured alternately by smartwatch and CompliorAnalyse, for each participant, and nine sets of data were collected from each participant with a 60 s interval between measurements. The accuracy of cfPWV measurement for smartwatches was assessed using mean error (ME) and mean absolute error (MAE), while the consistency of the two methods was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis and concordance class correlation. A total of 347 participants were enrolled. The mean cfPWV was 9.01 ± 2.29 m/s measured by CompliorAnalyse and 9.06 ± 1.94 m/s by smartwatch. The consistency correlation coefficient (CCC) was 0.9045 (95% CI 0.8853-0.9206), the ME was 0.046 ± 0.92, and the MAE was 0.66 (95% CI 0.59-0.73). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the error of 95% samples was in the range between -1.77 m/s and 1.86 m/s. The Kappa value of cfPWV greater than 10 m/s was 0.79, the area under the ROC curve was 0.97 (P < 0.001), sensitivity was 0.90, specificity was 0.93, positive predictive value was 0.83 and negative predictive value was 0.96. Smartwatch can accurately estimate cfPWV to evaluate arterial stiffness. This method is simple and feasible and is suitable for people to actively and early monitor vascular elasticity.

Impact of BMI on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Aim: Obesity paradox remains a point of debate in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods: Outcomes were assessed in 1429 STEMI patients undergoing PPCI between January 2009 and January 2010 in Beijing. Patients were classified into 6 groups according to age (the younger and elderly groups consisting of patients ≤65 and > 65 years old) and baseline BMI (normal weight, BMI < 24 kg/m2; overweight, 24 kg/m2 ≤BMI < 28 kg/m2; obese, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). The primary outcome was death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or revascularization. Results: On long-term follow-up (mean follow-up of 59 months), 13.9% of patients experienced the adverse event. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that low BMI was a significant predictor of the primary outcome only in the younger group. The odds ratio for overweight in comparison with normal weight was 0.741 (95% CI: 0.413-0.979; p = 0.038), the odds radio for obesity in comparison with normal-weight patients was 0.508 (95% CI: 0.344-0.750; p = 0.016) in the younger group. In the elderly group, diabetes, hypertension, triple disease, regular exercise, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) use after discharge, and bleeding complication were associated with primary outcome. Conclusion: The obesity paradox was recognized only in the younger age group in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.

Efficacy of a WeChat-based intervention for adherence to secondary prevention therapies in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft in China: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed whether the social media-based (WeChat) intervention integrated with follow-up care could improve adherence to drugs, lifestyle changes and clinical risk markers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in China. METHODS: We randomized patients at hospital discharge following CABG to intervention group or control care in China. The intervention is a structured programme of cardiac health education, medication reminders and cardiologist-based follow-up service using WeChat platform. The control group maintains a routine practice pattern. The primary outcome is adherence to cardioprotective medications measured for 12 months after discharge. We also evaluated the lifestyle modifications and clinical risk markers at 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 164 participants completed the trial for analysis. The intervention group had significantly greater adherence to statins use 98.6% vs. 75.0% (p < 0.01), beta-blockers 93.4% vs. 69.3% (p < 0.01) and aspirin 98.8% vs. 87.8% (p < 0.001). The intervention group had significantly greater adherence to regular physical activity (64.2% vs. 48.2%; p < 0.039). Furthermore, intervention versus standard group at 12 months had significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: A WeChat-based intervention strategy in post-CABG patients improved adherence to medications, including statin, aspirin and beta-blockers, and regular physical activity and resulted in an improvement in systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level.

What interventions do rural doctors think will increase recruitment in rural areas: a survey of 2778 health workers in Beijing.

BACKGROUND: A shortage of health professionals in rural areas is a major problem facing China, as more than 60% of the population lives in such areas. Strategies have been developed by the government to improve the recruitment of rural doctors. However, the inequitable distribution of doctors working in China has not improved significantly. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons for the poor recruitment and to propose possible strategies to improve the situation. METHODS: Between September 2009 and November 2009 data were collected from 2778 rural doctors in Beijing, China. A quantitative survey was used to explore health workers' perceptions as to what factors would have the greatest impact on recruitment and whether access to training had been effective in increasing their confidence, enhancing their interest in practicing medicine and increasing their commitment to recruitment. RESULTS: Rural doctors were generally older than average in China. Of the 2778 participants, only 7.23% had obtained a license as a qualified doctor. For 53% of the rural doctors, the job was part-time work. The survey showed that rural doctors considered the training strategy to be inadequate. In general, the initiatives identified by rural doctors as being of most value in the recruitment of doctors were those targeting retirement pension and income. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of rural doctors, specific initiatives that promised a secure retirement pension and an increased income were considered most likely to assist in the recruitment of rural doctors in Beijing.

Prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in Chinese adults, China National Nutrition and Health Survey, 2002.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of rapid economic development in China, the lifestyles and dietary habits of its people have been changing, and the rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions have increased substantially. We report the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and the association between diabetes and overweight and obesity in Chinese adults. We also compare the results with those from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2002. METHODS: Data were from adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the China National Nutrition and Health Survey, 2002 (n = 47,729). Diabetes and IFG were defined by the American Diabetes Association 2009 criteria. We assessed the prevalence of diabetes, IFG, and overweight and obesity by sex, age, region of residence, and ethnicity. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes and IFG in Chinese adults was 2.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes increased with age and body mass index. Men and women had a similar prevalence of diabetes, but men had a significantly higher prevalence of IFG. The prevalence of diabetes among Chinese who lived in urban areas was 2 to 3 times higher than the prevalence among those who lived in rural areas (3.9% for urban areas and 6.1% for large cities vs 1.9% for rural areas), and the prevalence of IFG was 1.5 to 2 times higher (6.1% and 8.1% vs 4.2%, respectively). The prevalence of diabetes among Chinese women and young (20-39 y) and middle-aged (40-59 y) adults who lived in large cities was similar to the prevalence of diabetes in the US population. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetes and IFG was much higher in urban than rural areas, particularly in the large cities of China. Prevention must be emphasized among adults to reduce the future social and economic burden of diabetes in China.

[Analysis on long-term compliance of anticoagulation treatment and demands of disease management in patients with atrial fibrillation].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term compliance of oral anticoagulant therapy and the demands of disease management in patient with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Inpatients with AF taking warfarin were collected from Department of Internal Medicine from January 1 to December 31, 2008. Inpatients from departments of surgery, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, dermatology and pediatrics and those on a previous warfarin therapy were excluded. The data of patient profiles, medical history and anticoagulant treatment were collected from electronic medical record. And the status of anticoagulant treatment one year later and demands of disease management were inquired by telephone. RESULTS: A total of 268 AF patients received a telephone survey. Among them, 145 patients (54.1%) continued taking warfarin. Gender, age, type of AF, duration of AF and history of ischemic stroke was not significantly associated with the compliance of anticoagulant treatment. The odds ratio was 1.74 (95%CI: 0.67-4.47), 0.87 (95%CI: 0.30-2.53), 1.59 (95%CI: 0.35-1.09), 1.09 (95%CI: 0.61-1.93) and 0.44 (95%CI: 0.12-1.60) respectively. Among patients on warfarin, INR was monitored monthly in 88 patients (60.7%) and 70 patients (48.3%) had an INR value of 2.0-3.0. Among 123 withdrawal patients, 88 patients (71.5%) terminated treatment within 6 month. The common reasons included patient ignorance about long-term anticoagulant treatment (35.0%) and switching to aspirin because of a poor effect (24.4%). About 80% of patients wished to obtain instructions about INR monitoring and adjustment of drug dosage. Among them, 196/268 patients (73.1%) wished for a regular follow-up. And 176/196 patients (89.8%) opted for a telephone follow-up and 150/176 patients (85.2%) wanted to receive monthly instructions. CONCLUSION: The compliance of anticoagulation treatment and the target-meeting proportion of INR value are relative low. And the common reasons of withdrawal are patient ignorance about long-term anticoagulant treatment and switching to aspirin because of a poor effect. Disease management will meet most of AF patients' demands.

The impact of demographic and risk factor changes on coronary heart disease deaths in Beijing, 1999-2010.

BACKGROUND: Recent, dramatic increases in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in China can be mostly explained by adverse changes in major cardiovascular risk factors. Our study aimed to assess the potential impact of subsequent changes in risk factors and population ageing on CHD deaths in Beijing between 1999 and 2010. METHODS: The previously validated IMPACT model was used to estimate the CHD deaths expected in 2010, with treatment uptakes being held constant at levels measured in 1999, comparing three scenarios: a) taking into account the ageing of the population but assuming no further changes in major risk factor levels from 1999 or, b) if recent risk factor trends continued until 2010 or, c) if there was a 0.5% annual reduction in each risk factor. RESULTS: Population ageing alone would result in approximately 1990 additional deaths in 2010 compared with 1999, representing an increase of 27%. Continuation of current risk factor trends would result in approximately 3,015 extra deaths in 2010, [a 40% increase]; three quarters of this increase would be attributable to rises in total cholesterol levels. Thus, demographic changes and worsening risk factors would together result in a 67% increase in CHD deaths. Conversely, assumed 0.5% annual reductions in risk factors (a mean population level decline of 0.3 mmol/L for total cholesterol in both genders, and smoking prevalence declining by 3.0% for men and 4.1% for women, body mass index by 1.3 kg/m2 for men and 1.4 kg/m2 for women, diabetes prevalence by 0.4% in both genders, and diastolic blood pressure by 4.7 mmHg for men and 4.4 mmHg for women) would result in some 3,730 fewer deaths, representing a 23% decrease overall. These findings remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: CHD death rates are continuing to rise in Beijing. This reflects worsening risk factor levels, compounded by demographic trends. However, the adverse impact of population ageing on CHD burden could be completely offset by eminently feasible improvements in diet and smoking.

Epidemiological transition of stroke in China: twenty-one-year observational study from the Sino-MONICA-Beijing Project.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epidemiological patterns of stroke may change with economic development. It is important to understand these changes for making timely strategies for stroke prevention. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in trends of stroke epidemiology during a period of fast economic development in China, based on data of the Sino-MONICA-Beijing project. METHODS: Acute stroke events were registered in a large defined population aged 25 through 74 years from 1984 to 2004. The age standardized incidence rates and case fatality rates of total stroke, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were calculated. The trends were analyzed by a regression model. RESULTS: There was a total of 14 584 stroke events registered in the study population from 1984 through 2004. The incidence rate of hemorrhagic stroke declined by 1.7% and the incidence rate of ischemic stroke increased by 8.7% annually on average. The case fatality rates significantly reduced in both types of stroke. The mean onset age of stroke was delayed by 2.7 years in men and 3.6 years in women. The proportion of deaths of cerebrovascular disease out of total deaths decreased and the proportion of ischemic heart disease increased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of stroke transition were found during a period of economic development in China. The changes in patterns of stroke have raised new challenges and the need for priority adjustment for stroke prevention in China.

Ten-year cardiovascular disease risk of metabolic syndrome without central obesity in middle-aged chinese.

This study aimed to examine the relation between central obesity and other metabolic disorders of metabolic syndrome (MS) and compare the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) between patients with MS with or without central obesity in middle-aged Chinese. The study included 30,378 Chinese aged 35 to 64 years at baseline with complete measurements for MS components and follow-up data for new acute CVD events from 1992 to 2003. The 10-year relative and absolute CVD risks in the MS groups with or without central obesity were compared. Results showed that 78% of patients with MS had central obesity and 22% with MS had no central obesity, diagnosed using updated Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with cut-off values appropriate for Asian populations. Central obesity, as well as other metabolic disorders in patients with MS, except for increased triglycerides, increased CVD risk significantly. There were no significant differences in 10-year absolute and relative risks of coronary heart disease events and ischemic CVD events between the 2 MS groups. In conclusion, MS with or without central obesity has a significantly increased 10-year risk of CVD in middle-aged Chinese.

Ten-year risk of cardiovascular incidence related to diabetes, prediabetes, and the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The relative contributions of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and dysglycemia on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have not been dissected. We aimed to compare MetS with dysglycemia in their association with the 10-year incidence risk of CVD. METHODS: A total of 30,378 subjects were recruited from 11 provinces in the CMCS and followed-up for new coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke events (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) for 10 years. Incidence rates and HRs were estimated by the presence or absence of MetS, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes, and by the various traits of MetS. RESULTS: Among the subjects, 18.2% were defined as having MetS; 21.1% had IFG, and 6.8% had diabetes. Metabolic syndrome prevalence in IFG and diabetes was 38.1% and 48.7%, respectively, and the prevalence of IFG and diabetes in MetS was 44.1% and 18.3%, respectively. After adjusting for nonmetabolic risk factors, HRs of total CVD, CHD, and ischemic stroke in MetS were significant and higher than those in non-MetS, regardless of glycemic status. In the absence of MetS, the impact of dysglycemia was found only in IFG to CHD and diabetes to ischemic stroke. Hyperglycemia without any concomitant disorders was not associated with significantly higher risk of CVD. CONCLUSIONS: The increased CVD risk in individuals with IFG or diabetes was largely driven by the coexistence of multiple metabolic disorders rather than hyperglycemia per se. Identification of clustering of metabolic abnormalities should be given more consideration in CVD prevention.

[The impact of two continuing education models on competence for hypertension diagnosis and treatment of community physicians].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of two different continuing education models: traditional model and a new model entitled "problem-oriented and case-based" mutual pattern and "train the trainer" course, on improving hypertension diagnosis and treatment competence of community physicians. METHODS: A total of 632 physicians from 22 district and community hospitals in Haidian district (new model) and 20 district and community hospitals in Chaoyang district (traditional model) in Beijing were trained during July to October 2002. The survey was carried out before and 2 years after training with examination questionnaire. RESULTS: The competence evaluated as a score (maximal 100) for hypertension diagnosis and treatment of physicians was similar in physicians before training from the two districts. Post training, the score significantly increased from 40.0 to 47.4 (P < 0.01) in physicians from Chaoyang district and from 40.5 to 70.5 (P < 0.01) in physicians from Haidian district and the final score for physicians from Haidian district is significantly higher than that for physicians from increased from Chaoyang district (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The new model is more efficient for improving community physician's competence for diagnosing and treating hypertension.

[Serum total cholesterol and 10-year cardiovascular risk in a Chinese cohort aged 35-64 years].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between serum total cholesterol (TC) and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in subjects aged 35-64 years. METHODS: This prospective study was performed from 1992 to 2002 in 11 provinces of China and the association between baseline TC level and the development of cardiovascular diseases was analyzed in 30 384 subjects aged 35-64 years using Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the group of TC < 3.64 mmol/L (140 mg/dl), multivariate-adjusted relative risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD, including CHD and ischemic stroke) increased continuously with increasing TC level. (2) TC level was positively related to the occurrence of ischemic stroke, but not to hemorrhagic stroke. The risk of CHD increased by 74% (RR = 1.743) and the risk of ischemic stroke increased by 12% (RR = 1.119) in the group with TC > or = 5.72 mmol/L compared with the group with TC < 5.72 mmol/L (220 mg/dl). (3) High serum cholesterol was responsible to 5.9% of ICVD, 11.7% of the acute CHD and 2.9% of the acute stroke. (4) At each TC level, the 10-year risk of ICVD increased in the presence of other risk factors. CONCLUSION: Starting from TC of 3.64 mmol/L, the risk of ICVD increases continuously with increasing TC level. Multiple risk factor intervention should be strengthened to reduce the overall risk of CVD.

[A study on the capability of dyslipidemia diagnosis and treatment among 42 community hospitals in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the use of lipidemia related assistant examinations and lipid-lowering agents, the clinical ability among physicians in district and community hospitals in Beijing, and to evaluate the capability of dislipidemia diagnosis and treatment in these hospitals. METHODS: A survey was carried out in 42 hospitals in Chaoyang and Haidian district, including 9 district level hospitals, and the rest were at the community level. Questionnaire survey and in-depth interview were used to collect information from the leaders of related departments in those hospitals. A total number of 632 physicians in those hospitals were investigated, using a close book examination. RESULTS: 100% of the hospitals could perform TC and TG tests; 87.5% and 72.5% of the hospitals had medications as statins and bile acid, respectively; 100% of the hospitals could test ALT and 40.0% of the hospitals could test CK. The correct rates of selecting treatment strategy and determining the appropriate treatment goals were 53.7% and 17.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The hardware condition of community hospitals seem to have satisfied the implicit requirements of dyslipidemia evaluation and treatment but it was essential to improve the knowledge and ability among physicians in community hospitals.

Influences on childhood asthma in low-income communities in China and the United States.

For comparison of childhood asthma, the same case-finding survey and parent interview questionnaires were used to collect data from 639 children with asthma in 21 elementary schools in Beijing and 835 children with asthma in 14 elementary schools in Detroit, Michigan. Asthma prevalence in Beijing (7.3%) was more than three times lower than in Detroit (24%) despite a high level of smoking among Chinese parents. Body mass index (BMI; weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) levels were higher in Detroit but were not associated with persistent asthma in either country. Higher levels of past infection in Beijing and household allergens in Detroit were noted and may be associated with differences in prevalence. Despite less severe disease observed in Beijing, hospitalizations and office visits did not differ from Detroit. This may be partially associated with less use of anti-inflammatory medicine and lower levels of parental asthma management in China.

[Association between serum uric acid and triglyceride in a Chinese community].

OBJECTIVE: To Study the association between the level of serum uric acid and triglyceride in a Chinese population. METHODS: In 1999, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a natural population of Beijing, using stratified-random sampling method. Serum uric acid and triglyceride were measured in 1239 subjects. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia significantly increased with increased level of serum uric acid among both the men and women. After adjusting BMI, HOMA index and alcohol consumption level with stratified methods, the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia increased with increasing level of basal serum uric acid in different levels of BMI, HOMA index and alcohol consumption. After adjusting gender, age, BMI, HOMA index, total cholesterol, smoking and alcohol consumption, the results of multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that the odds ratio for hypertriglyceridemia as compared with the lowest quartile of serum uric acid was 1.26 (P = 0.28) for the second quartile, 1.88 (P = 0.002) for the third quartile, and 3.36 (P < 0.001) for the highest quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid level was strongly associated with triglyceride independent of age, genders, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and insulin resistance.

[The application of a systematic-dynamic model to study the computer simulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome transmission and the impact of control measures].

OBJECTIVE: (1) Building a macroscopical systematic-dynamic model of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) transmission and disease control process. (2) To determine key variables on the control of SARS epidemic through computer simulation methodology, especially to analyze the effect of "screening for fever" practice during the epidemics. (3) To provide evidence for related decision-making. METHODS: Parameters in the model were collected from local hospitals and municapal CDC through interview, questionnaire survey, literature review and case analysis. A systematic-dynamic model was built under similar studies. 'What-if' analysis was used during the simulation process. RESULTS: (1) The mean duration between disease onset and hospital admission, rate of contacts of each infectious individual as well as the rate of contacts in hospital of each infectious individual appeared to be the key variables in the process of SARS transmission. (2) Physician's alertness/sense and practice of self-protection on SARS, measures on quarantine and isolation to the patients, ventilation and disinfection process in the wards appeared to be the key variables for the control of epidemics. (3) "Screening for fever" practice on each patient at the entrance of the hospital did not seem to act as an important factor to the control of the epidemics. CONCLUSION: The health system in Beijing can control SARS epidemic rapidly based on current applied disease control measures and plan.

A trial of asthma self-management in Beijing schools.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effectiveness in children in China of an asthma education programme adapted from a model developed in the USA. METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-nine children in 21 elementary schools in one agricultural and one industrial area participated in a randomized, controlled trial. Data were collected at baseline and 1 year subsequently. The self-regulation-based programme addressed topics including preventing and managing symptoms, using medicines, and identifying and controlling triggers. RESULTS: Positive effects on treatment children v. control children were noted in school performance (0.21 v. - 0.06, p=0.04), absences (-0.55 v. -0.32, p= 0.02), and home environment (1.78 v. 4.75, p= 0.009). Industrial-area children additionally benefited from fewer hospitalizations (odds ratio =1.96, p =0.05) and asthma-related concerns of parents (-0.63 v. -0.34, p = 0.001). Agricultural-area parents showed greater improvement in asthma management (0.93 v. 0.26, p= 0.0001), and expressed more negative feelings about asthma (-0.13 v. - 0.58, p= 0.04) and asthma concerns (-0.31 v. -0.63, p= 0.0001). DISCUSSION: The programme provided overall benefits related to school performance, absences, and home environment. In the agricultural area, where fewer resources were available, benefits were fewer and concerns greater. In the industrial area, where education and income were higher, additional benefits related to healthcare use and parents' quality of life were realized.

Cardiovascular disease risk factor levels and their relations to CVD rates in China--results of Sino-MONICA project.

BACKGROUND: The Sino-MONICA project is a 7-year study monitoring trends and determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in geographically defined populations in different parts of China. This report focuses on risk factor levels and their relations to CVD rates. DESIGN: Successive surveys on smoking habits, blood pressure (BP), serum total cholesterol (TC), weight and height were conducted in independent random samples of the same populations early (1987-1988) and late (1992-1993) in the study period, by the methodology and criteria of the WHO MONICA project. Associations between risk levels and CVD rates were also assessed by correlation analysis. RESULTS: In general, the mean level of BP in the populations studied was high by international standards. Serum TC and body mass index (BMI) were low compared with the world average. There were significant geographic variations in CVD risk levels, being higher in the north and lower in the south, which correlated with the north-south difference of CVD event rates. CONCLUSIONS: The Sino-MONICA study has established the feasibility of long-term monitoring of CVD events and risk factors with international standardized methods in Chinese communities. The results will have significance in curbing the CVD epidemic not only in China, but also internationally.