Vitamin D deficiency and treatment versus risk of infection in end-stage renal disease patients under dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Infections are common and can be fatal in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. Recent studies have shown conflicting evidence associating infection with vitamin D status or use of vitamin D and have not been systematically reviewed in this population.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase and three Chinese databases from inception until December 2017 for interventional [non-randomized or randomized controlled trials (RCTs)], cohort and case-control studies on levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] or use of vitamin D [supplemental nutritional vitamin D or vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA)] and infection (any infection, infection-required hospitalization or infection-related death or composite) in long-term dialysis patients.

Oral Astragalus (Huang qi) for preventing frequent episodes of acute respiratory tract infection in children.

Background: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are common in children and can involve both upper and lower airways. Many children experience frequent ARTI episodes or recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in early life, which creates challenges for paediatricians, primary care physicians, parents and carers of children.In China, Astragalus (Huang qi), alone or in combination with other herbs, is used by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in the form of a water extract, to reduce the risk of ARTIs; it is believed to stimulate the immune system.

Dietary interventions for mineral and bone disorder in people with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a systemic dysfunction of mineral and bone metabolism in people with CKD. Recent research shows that phosphate retention plays a significant role in the development of CKD-MBD. Compared with drug therapies, dietary interventions may be simple, inexpensive and feasible for phosphate retention.

Shenfu injection for intradialytic hypotension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Shenfu injection (SFI) for intradialytic hypotension (IDH). Methods.

Ginkgo biloba Extract for Patients with Early Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review.

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a Ginkgo biloba extract for patients with early diabetic nephropathy. Methods.