title: Stem cell therapy is a promising tool for refractory angina: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  So far, relatively few studies have addressed the use of stem cells to treat patients with refractory angina. Moreover, the results of current studies were discrepant. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment on a relatively large scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were identified through PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, reviews, and reference lists of relevant papers. The weighted mean difference was calculated with random-effect models for net changes in exercise tolerance and angina frequency, and odds ratio (OR) with fixed-effect models for myocardial infarction (MI) and death.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five randomized controlled trials, with a total of 381 patients, were included in the analysis. Compared with the controls, patients who received stem cell therapy had a significant improvement in exercise tolerance of 61.3 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.1-104.4; P = 0.005; I(2) = 58%); an obvious reduction in angina frequency of 7.3 episodes per week (95% CI, -13.4 to -1.2; P = 0.02; I(2) = 93%); and lower risk of MI, with an OR of 0.37 (95% CI, 0.14-0.95; P = 0.04; I(2) = 0%). No difference was detected for the risk of death (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.08-1.39; P = 0.13; I(2) = 20%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stem cell therapy appears to be effective and safe in the management of patients with refractory angina. The findings need confirmation in larger-scale studies with longer follow-up.
authors: State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
authors: Na
authors: N
authors: Li
authors: Yue-Jin
authors: YJ
authors: Yang
authors: Qian
authors: Q
authors: Zhang
authors: Chen
authors: C
authors: Jin
authors: Hong
authors: H
authors: Wang
authors: Hai-Yan
authors: HY
authors: Qian
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome