Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials (198 patients) were included. Meta-analysis showed that thymosin alpha1 may raise the level of CD4(+)T lymphocytes [WMD=6.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12 to 11.36] and the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+)(WMD=0.14, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.25, P=0.01), improve the immune state of the patients. Also, thymosin alpha1 therapy decreased the score of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), WMD=3.82, 95%CI 2.36 to 5.28 , P<0.001 ) and the mechanical ventilation days (WMD=-4.17, 95%CI-7.00 to -1.34, P=0.004 ). Furthermore, thymosin alpha1 therapy shortened the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (WMD=-4.87, 95%CI -8.17 to -1.60, P=0.004). CONCLUSION: The current evidence shows that thymosin alpha1 improves the immuno-suppression and helps recovery of the patient from disease. However not enough evidence is found in decreasing the mortality. Further randomized controlled trials should include the dosage, duration of the treatment and timing of using thymosin alpha1.
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Authors | Yang Yu, Jin-hui Tian, Ke-hu Yang, Peng Zhang |
Journal | Zhongguo wei zhong bing ji jiu yi xue = Chinese critical care medicine = Zhongguo weizhongbing jijiuyixue
(Zhongguo Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue)
Vol. 21
Issue 1
Pg. 21-4
(Jan 2009)
ISSN: 1003-0603 [Print] China |
PMID | 19141185
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review, Systematic Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Humans
- Prognosis
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Sepsis
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Thymalfasin
- Thymosin
(analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
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