2011年 · 第124卷第15期

Abstract：Background Some patients with exophytic renal masses less than 4 cm and suboptimal renal function, or a solitary kidney and bilateral renal tumors are considered for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), which is feasible for early-stage renal tumors, although it is still considered technically difficult and time consuming. Shortening the time of the operation and renal warm ischemia are required urgently. In this study, we report our initial experiences of LPN,especially with some improved surgical techniques. Methods Between July 2005 and October 2009, 74 patients with T1a renal tumor were treated by LPN, 39 using transperitoneal approach and 35 using retroperitoneal approach. In all cases, the tumor was removed with a margin of 0.5 cm. We compared glomerular filtration rate (GFR) preoperatively and postoperatively, and renal warm ischemia time between traditional ligature and Hem-o-lok methods. Results All operations were completed successfully, and there was no conversion to open surgery. Mean operation time was 76 minutes (range, 68-120), mean time of renal warm ischemia was 23 minutes (range, 15-32), and mean blood loss was 65 ml (range, 40-300). No hemorrhage or urine leak was observed in two cases with the collecting system sewn. Thirteen cases used Hem-o-lok to clamp the suture instead of traditional ligature, and mean time of renal warm ischemia was (16.5±2.3) minutes (range, 12-18). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.3 days (range, 5-12).Sixty-seven cases had renal clear cell carcinoma, six papillary renal cell carcinoma, and one renal collecting duct carcinoma. All the tumor margin specimens were negative. The mean follow-up was 30.6 months (range, 3-51), and no recurrence or metastasis was observed. Conclusions LPN for pT1 stage renal tumor was safe and feasible. Hem-o-lok instead of traditional ligature to clamp the suture when sewing the renal wound could shorten the warm ischemia time。

Abstract：Background Several clinical trials showed that erlotinib was effective after the failure of gefitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of erlotinib treatment after the failure of gefitinib based on the data from our hospital. Methods The clinical data of 20 patients with advanced NSCLC who were admitted to Shanghai Chest Hospital from August 2007 to December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. All of the patients were given erlotinib treatment after the failure of gefitinib. Survival analysis was made by Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox regression model was performed to analyze the relationship between the influential factors and the erlotinib progression-free survival (PFS). Results Five patients had a partial response (PR), nine patients had stable disease (SD) and six patients had progressive disease (PD) with gefitinib treatment. The median PFS was 277 days (95% C/0-566). No patient had a PR,seven had SD and fourteen PD with the erlotinib therapy. The median PFS was 31 days (95% Cl 9.1-52.9). The response rate (RR) was 0, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 35% (7/20). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that sex (P=0.96), age (P=0.89), smoking history (P=0.78), performance status (PS) (P=0.98), gefitinib efficacy (P=0.90)and whether chemotherapy was applied between using the two drugs (P=0.45) had no significant correlation with erlotinib PFS. Fifteen patients had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status determined. There were five cases got SD with the erlotinib treatment in ten mutation negative (wild-type) patients. No SD was recorded in the five mutation positive patients. Conclusions The efficacy of erlotinib treatment after gefitinib failure was limited. However, the patients who are EGFR mutation negative can probably benefit from erlotinib treatment after gefitinib failure。

Abstract：Background Echocardiography is regarded as a gold standard for measuring hemodynamic values. The ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) is a new method for measuring hemodynamics and could provide non-invasive point of care guidance. So far, there are no published USCOM reference values for neonates, nor has USCOM's accuracy been established in this population. We aimed to determine the accuracy and clinical utility of the USCOM in healthy neonates relative to published echocardiographic data, to establish normal hemodynamic parameters that it measures, and to assess the possible role of USCOM as an alternative to echocardiography as a trend monitor. Methods Right and left heart hemodynamics of 90 normal neonates were measured during circulatory adaptation over the first three days of life using the USCOM and automated oscillotonometry. Results Heart rate showed a significant decline from days one to three, from 126 to 120 (P<0.001). Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures all increased significantly from 66 to 71 mmHg, 33 to 38 mmHg and 44 to 49 mmHg,respectively (P <0.001 in each case). Right ventricular cardiac index (RV-CI) showed no change with a mean of 5.07 L·min-1·m-2. Left ventricular cardiac index (LV-Cl) declined from 3.43 to 3.00 L·min-1·m-2 (P＜0.001). RV-CI exceeded LV-CI on all three days by a mean of 61%. The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), based on LV-CI, increased significantly over the three days from 1083 to 1403 dyne·sec·cm-5m2 (P ＜0.001). Conclusions Normal neonatal hemodynamic values, as indicated by USCOM, were established. LV-CI measurement showed excellent agreement with published echocardiographic studies. RV-CI was constant and exceeded LV-CI for all three days of this study. It may be falsely high due to flow velocity measurement errors arising from the pulmonary branch arteries, and may represent a limitation of the USCOM method. The progressive rise of arterial pressure and SVRI despite a declining LV-CI may indicate functional closure of the ductus arteriosus, with the greatest change occurring within the first 24 hours. Evidence of closure of the foramen ovale was not observed。

Abstract：Background There are no clear guidelines on implant removal. Few have assessed the long-term outcomes of patients with implants left in-situ, or removed. Therefore, removal of implants after fracture fixation remains controversial. Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed 53 patients with implant for fracture fixation in-situ for more than 3 years. All patients were younger than 60 years. Quality of life of each patient was assessed with the Chinese (Hong Kong)validated Short Form-36 and the pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). All patients were clinically examined and plain radiographs were taken. Results The total SF-36 score of the patients was not statistically different from the Hong Kong norm (P ＞0.05). Mean score of VAS was 2.08. Thirty-three patients (62.3%) reported limited range of movement, 9 patients (17%) complained of cosmetic problems, and 10 patients (18.9%) complained of weakness. Clinically, 82.6% of patients had no scarring,84.7% of patients had full range of movement and all had no tenderness on assessment. Radiologically, no abnormality was detected except for one patient with known avascular necrosis of the femoral head after screw fixation. Conclusion As most patients were clinically and radiologically normal with quality of life scores comparable to the norm,removal of implants is not advisable as a routine practice。

Abstract：Background The frequencies of regulatory T cells (Tregs) increased over the HIV infection but its counts actually decreased. We proposed that the decrease of Treg counts may cause the reduction of inhibitory effect and thereby account for the over-activation of Tregs during HIV infection. However, it remains unknown whether Tregs are also over-activated and thereafter the activation induced death may lead to the decrease of Tregs. Methods Tregs were defined as CD4+CD25+CD127lo/-T cells. Eighty-one HIV-1 infected patients were enrolled in our study, and twenty-two HIV-1 seronegative donors were recruited as the control. The levels of HLA-DR on Tregs were determined by FACSAria flow cytometer. ResultsCompared to HIV-1 seronegative donors, the levels of HLA-DR on CD4+CD25+CD127lo/- Tregs were significantly increased in HIV-1 infected patients, and its increase was positively associated with viral loads (r=0.3163,P=0.004) and negatively with CD4 T-cell counts (r=-0.4153, P<0.0001). In addition, significant associations between HLA-DR expression on CD4+CD25+CD127lo/-Tregs and the percentages of HLA-DR, CD38, Ki67 expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were also identified. Conclusion HLA-DR on Tregs is a good marker for viral replication and disease progression. The over-activation of Tregs might result in the decrease of Tregs。

Abstract：Background Peripheral nerve regeneration across large gaps is clinically challenging. Scaffold design plays a pivotal role in nerve tissue engineering. Recently, nanofibrous scaffolds have proven a suitable environment for cell attachment and proliferation due to similarities of their physical properties to natural extracellular matrix. Poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC) nanofibrous scaffolds have been investigated for vascular tissue engineering. However, no reports exist of PPC nanofibrous scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of aligned and random PPC nanofibrous scaffolds as substrates for peripheral nerve tissue and cells in nerve tissue engineering. Methods Aligned and random PPC nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning and their chemical characterization were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured on the nanofibrous substrates for 7 days. Neurite outgrowth and Schwann-cell migration from DRG were observed and quantified using immunocytochemistry and SEM. Schwann cells derived from rat sciatic nerves were cultured in electrospun PPC scaffold-extract fluid for 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days. The viability of Schwann cells was evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethyl(thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl] tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results The diameter of aligned and random fibers ranged between 800 nm and 1200 nm, and the thickness of the films was approximately 10-20 μm. Quantification of aligned fiber films revealed approximately 90% alignment of all fibers along the longitudinal axis. However, with random fiber films, the alignment of fibers was random through all angle bins. Rat DRG explants were grown on PPC nanofiber films for up to 1 week. On the aligned fiber films, the majority of neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration from the DRG extended unidirectionally, parallel to the aligned fibers.However, on the random fiber films, neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration were randomly distributed. A comparison of cumulative neurite lengths from cultured DRGs indicated that neurites grew faster on aligned PPC films ((2537.6±987.3) μm) than randomly-distributed fibers ((493.5±50.6) μm). The average distance of Schwann cell migration on aligned PPC nanofibrous films ((2803.5±943.6) μm) were significantly greater than those on random fibers ((625.3±47.8) μm). The viability of Schwann cells cultured in aligned PPC scaffold extract fluid was not significantly different from that in the plain DMEM/F12 medium at all time points after seeding. Conclusions The aligned PPC nanofibrous film, but not the randomly-oriented fibers, significantly enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration in vitro, indicating the substantial role of topographical cues in stimulating endogenous nerve repair mechanisms. Aligned PPC nanofibrous scaffolds may be a promising biomaterial for nerve regeneration。

Abstract：Background The interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAKI) is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Recent studies have suggested that the IRAK1 functional genetic variant could affect the severity of sepsis in Caucasians. In this report, we have investigated whether polymorphisms at the IRAK1 gene are associated with the susceptibility to and severity of sepsis among the Chinese population. Methods Haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) were selected from the HapMap database.They were genotyped in 255 patients with sepsis and 260 control subjects by PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The association between the selected htSNPs and the susceptibility to and severity of sepsis were estimated by Logistic regression with adjustments for age, sex, smoking, drinking, chronic disease status,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score and primary diseases. Results rs1059702 was selected to represent the six linked htSNPs for IRAK1. Genotype frequencies of the htSNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for females, as were allele frequencies for both sex groups. Associations were observed in females between the htSNPs C/C genotype and increased susceptibility to sepsis (odds ratio (OR), 5.46;95% confidence interval (Cl), 1.12-26.67; P=0.018), and such associations were also observed between the IRAK1variant haplotype (CC/C-allele) and increased susceptibility to sepsis (OR, 1.68; 95% Cl, 1.05-2.70; P=0.031) when compared with the T/T + T/C genotype and the wild-type haplotype (TC + TT/T-allele). In the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) subgroup, the variant haplotype was also associated with increased severity of sepsis (OR, 2.37; 95%Cl, 1.13-4.94; P=0.02) when compared with the wild haplotype. This association was not significant in male patients. Conclusions The functional polymorphism in exon 5 and the variant haplotype of IRAK1 gene mediate susceptibility to and severity of sepsis. IRAK1 might be a genetic risk factor for the occurrence and development of sepsis in the Chinese population。

Abstract：Background Several risk stratification models have been developed for cardiac surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four existing risk stratification models, the Fuwai System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (FuwaiSCORE), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2008 cardiac surgery risk model for isolated valve surgery (the STS model), the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) and the initial Parsonnet's score (the Parsonnet model) in predicting prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in Chinese patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from records of 1333 consecutive patients who received heart valve surgery in a single center between November 2006 and December 2007. Prolonged ICU stay was defined as not less than 124 hours. Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness of fit test. Discrimination was assessed using the receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve area. Results The FuwaiSCORE showed good calibration and discrimination compared with other risk models. According to the H-L statistics, the value of the FuwaiSCORE was 12.82, P＞0.1. The area under ROC curve of the FuwaiSCORE was 0.81 (95%C/0.78-0.84). Conclusions Our study suggests that the FuwaiSCORE is superior to the other three risk models in predicting prolonged length of ICU stay in Chinese patients with heart valve surgery. Having fewer variables, the system is much easier for bedside use than other systems。

Abstract：Background Patients with severe full-thickness burn injury suffer from their inability to maintain body temperature through perspiration because the complete destructed sweat glands can not be regenerated. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) represent an ideal stem-cell source for cell therapy because of their easy purification and multipotency. In this study, we attempted to induce human BM-MSCs to differentiate into sweat gland cells for sweat gland regeneration through ectodysplasin (EDA) gene transfection. Methods The dynamic expression of EDA and EDA receptor (EDAR) were firstly observed in the sweat gland formation during embryological development. After transfection with EDA expression vector, human BM-MSCs were transplanted into the injured areas of burn animal models. The regeneration of sweat glands was identified by perspiration test and immunohistochemical analysis. Results Endogenous expression of EDA and EDAR correlated with sweat gland development in human fetal skin. After EDA transfection, BM-MSC acquired a sweat-gland-cell phenotype, evidenced by their expression of sweat gland markers by flow cytometry analysis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a markedly contribution of EDA-transfected BM-MSCs to the regeneration of sweat glands in the scalded paws. Positive rate for perspiration test for the paws treated with EDA-transfected BM-MSCs was significantly higher than those treated with BM-MSCs or EDA expression vector (P ＜0.05). Conclusions Our results confirmed the important role of EDA in the development of sweat gland. BM-MSCs transfected with EDA significantly improved the sweat-gland regeneration. This study suggests the potential application of EDA-modified MSCs for the repair and regeneration of injured skin and its appendages。

Abstract：Background Pituitary adenomas are common intracranial tumors, with a rising incidence in China. Excision is a mainstay therapy for this disease, and is often carried out via transfrontal, transsphenoidal or transpterional approaches.However, few studies have systematically addressed the regional anatomy involved in these microsurgical procedures.The present study attempted to establish some key anatomic measurements relevant to pituitary adenoma resection based on cadaver and computer tomography (CT) image studies. Methods Head specimens from 30 randomly selected formalin-fixed adult cadavers were used for anatomical analysis.Measurements were made on the base of the skull following removal of brain structures above the pituitary gland, and on the mid-sagittal plane of the cranium. Parameters were designed by considering the 3 above-mentioned common microsurgical approaches, and obtained on each head using a sliding caliper. Multi-level CT images from 30 individuals were also used for distance measurements between landmark structures that are relevant to these surgeries. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS 11.5 software. Results There was statistically significant difference (P＜0.05) of distance measured on cadavers relative to CT images in 3 sets of measurements related to the transfrontal surgical approach, i.e., distances from the midpoint of superciliary arch superior border to the cranial entrance of internal carotid arteries (ICAs), the opposite side entrance of ICA and to the genu of ICA. While regional anatomical analyses were carried out according to the transpterional approach,statistically significant difference was also found in 3 sets of distance measurements between cadaver and CT image data, with regard to the distances between the pterion and some landmark structures around the pituitary. Conclusions The present study provides key anatomical and CT image measurements involving the 3 conventionally used surgical approaches for pituitary tumor resection. The data implicate that while CT scan results can provide valuable guidelines for operations, cautions and adjustments are needed during surgery for sufficient tumor excision and protection of key blood vessels and nerves in the vicinity of the pituitary gland and around the surgical pathway。

Abstract：Background p73, a homologue of p53, has been located at chromosome 1 p36-33, a region of frequently observed loss of heterozygosity in breast cancers. The objective of the present study was to investigate the function of p73 in Japanese with breast cancers. Methods Sixty Japanese patients with breast cancer were assessed by polymerase chain reaction single strand confirmation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing to detect the p73 allele. p73 mRNA levels were also determined in 40 out of 60 patients by reverse-transcriptional polymerase chain reaction. Results We analyzed the entire open reading frame of the p73 gene by polymerase chain reaction single strand confirmation polymorphism and sequencing, and failed to identify any mutations of p73 in the encoding regions detected.Loss of heterozygosity of p73 was infrequent and only found in 9% of breast carcinomas. We revealed a few polymorphisms with a frequency of 13%-29%, which had been reported previously. Down-regulation of p73 mRNA expression was observed in tumor tissues in comparison to the normal breast tissues. A significant inverse correlation was found between p73 transcripts and high histological grade, suggesting that down-regulated p73 expression could be related to poor prognosis in those patients. Conclusion Our results suggest that p73 may serve as a tumor suppressor gene and its expression plays a role in tumorigenesis in Japanese patients with breast cancer。

Abstract：Background The delayed diagnosis of pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) disruption in children following blunt abdominal trauma can result in loss of function of the involved kidney. We examined the potential for kidney preservation and the limits of diagnostic delays. Methods A retrospective review of 17 cases of PUJ disruption at Beijing Children's Hospital from 1993 to 2009 was done with respect to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Results The interval from trauma to diagnosis of PUJ disruption was (52±52) days. If one case with nephrectomy was excluded, the interval from trauma to diagnosis was (40±20) days. The average time between injury and first treatment was (49±25) days. Pelvi-ureteric reanastomosis and caliceal ureterostomy were performed separately in 11 and 4patients, respectively. lleal replacement for ureter injuries was finally performed in one patient. Hydronephrosis of the injured kidney was reduced and the function improved in 15 out of 17 patients (88%). Only one patient received nephrectomy and the nephrectomy rate was 5.9%. Conclusion Differential renal function at the PUJ disruption side can be saved and the rate of nephrectomy reduced by appropriate surgery if the time to diagnosis and first treatment is limited to within two months。

Abstract：Background Analysis of changes in recipient and donor hematopoietic cell origin is extremely useful to monitor the effect of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and sequential adoptive immunotherapy by donor lymphocyte infusions. We developed a sensitive, reliable and rapid real-time PCR method based on sequence polymorphism systems to quantitatively assess the hematopoietic chimerism after HSCT. Methods A panel of 29 selected sequence polymorphism (SP) markers was screened by real-time PCR in 101 HSCT patients with leukemia and other hematological diseases. The chimerism kinetics of bone marrow samples of 8 HSCT patients in remission and relapse situations were followed longitudinally. Results Recipient genotype discrimination was possible in 97.0% (98 of 101) with a mean number of 2.5 (1-7)informative markers per recipient/donor pair. Using serial dilutions of plasmids containing specific SP markers, the linear correlation (r) of 0.99, the slope between -3.2 and -3.7 and the sensitivity of 0.1% were proved reproducible. By this method, it was possible to very accurately detect autologous signals in the range from 0.1% to 30%. The accuracy of the method in the very important range of autologous signals below 5% was extraordinarily high (standard deviation <1.85%),which might significantly improve detection accuracy of changes in autologous signals early in the post-transplantation course of follow-up. The main advantage of the real-time PCR method over short tandem repeat PCR chimerism assays is the absence of PCR competition and plateau biases, with demonstrated greater sensitivity and linearity. Finally, we prospectively analyzed bone marrow samples of 8 patients who received allografts and presented the chimerism kinetics of remission and relapse situations that illustrated the sensitivity level and the promising clinical application of this method. Conclusion This SP-based real-time PCR assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and accurate quantitative assessment of mixed chimerism that can be useful in predicting graft rejection and early relapse。

Abstract：Background Skeletal muscle dysfunction is one of important systemic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with mortality in patients with COPD, thus quantifying its strength is of great clinical interest and of particular value. Quadriceps maximal volitional contraction (MVC) is often used for the routine measurements of this muscle's strength; while twitch tension (TwQ) evoked by magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve has been employed for measurement of quadriceps strength non-volitionally. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD patients by measurement of quadriceps strength with volitional and non-volitional techniques, and to probe into some methodological issues. Methods We recruited 71 COPD patients and 60 control subjects. Quadriceps strength was measured with both maximality of TwQ and MVC force. The reproducibility for TwQ and MVC was investigated using within-occasion variability from three repeated maneuvers. Results Maximal TwQ was achieved in 121 participants at a mean of 90% of the stimulator's maximum output. The mean maxmality of TwQ was decrease by about 44%-47% in COPD patients as compared with controls (P<0.05), so was MVC. There was a significant correlation between quadriceps TwQ and MVC, and the mean ratio of TwQ/MVC was 0.29 in controls and 0.33 in patients. The coefficient of variation showed that TwQ yielded lower within-occasion variability than MVC in both groups. Conclusions Quadriceps strength is commonly and substantially impaired in patients with COPD, in terms of MVC as well as TwQ. The magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve presents a higher reproducibility and is a better technique for measurement of quadriceps strength for the general population, especially for those who are too unwell to perform a full MVC; while it may not be applied to subjects who are over-weighted。

Abstract：Background Intractable secondary glaucoma with severe ocular contusion involving the posterior segment is difficult to treat. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of combined trabeculectomy and vitrectomy for intractable glaucoma with severe ocular contusion involving the posterior segment. Methods This retrospective interventional study enrolled 18 eyes from 18 consecutive cases with uncontrolled intraocular pressure, angle recession exceeding 180°, dense vitreous hemorrhage, and/or limited retinal detachment after severe ocular contusion. Combined trabeculectomy and vitrectomy was performed after giving the patient sufficient anti-inflammatory and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication. Follow-up averaged 26.2 (range, 6.0-48.0)months. Results The mean IOP decreased from (36.4±10.0) mmHg on maximum lOP-lowering medications to (14.6±4.4)mmHg on (0.7±1.2) topical medications at the final follow-up (P <0.0001). During the first postoperative month, four eyes (22%) had a short hypertensive phase and six eyes (33%) had early hypotony, including one case (5.6%) of bleb leakage.Seven eyes (39%) developed recurrent hypertension 3-6 months postoperatively, five of which were controlled by topical medications. Ten (55.6%) eyes were classified as a complete success, five (27.8%) as a qualified success, and three eyes (16.7%) as failures. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for complete and cumulative success showed 53.5% and 80.0%survival at 48 months, respectively. Visual acuity was improved in 15 eyes (83.3%). Three eyes (16.7%) had unchanged visual acuity, one (5.6%) of which developed atrophia bulbi despite a normal intraocular pressure. No recurrent retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage developed. Conclusion Combined trabeculectomy and vitrectomy is a viable surgical procedure for the management of intractable glaucoma with severe ocular contusion involving the posterior segment in selected cases。

Abstract：Background Breast cancer remains the most important cancer among women worldwide. The disease itself and treatment may have a profound impact on the patients' psychological well being and quality of life. Depression is common in breast cancer patients and affects the therapeutic effects as well as prolongs the duration of hospital stay. However,few studies reported the effectiveness of music therapy on depression and duration of hospital stay of female patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy. Methods One hundred and twenty subjects were recruited to this clinical trial and randomly allocated to two groups.The experimental group (n=60) received music therapy on the basis of routine nursing care, whereas the control group (n=60) only received the routine nursing care. The whole intervention time was from the first day after radical mastectomy to the third time of admission to hospital for chemotherapy. Data of demographic characteristics and depression were collected by using the General Questionnaire and Chinese version of Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS)respectively. One pre-test (the day before radical mastectomy) and three post-tests (the day before discharge from hospital, the second and third admission to hospital for chemotherapy) were utilized. Duration of hospital stay was calculated from the first day after radical mastectomy to the day of discharged from hospital. Results The mean depression score of all subjects was 37.19±6.30. Thirty-six cases (30%) suffered from depression symptoms, with 26 (72.2%) mild depression cases, 9 (25.0%) moderate depression cases, and 1 (2.8%) severe depression case. After music therapy, depression scores of the experimental group were lower than that of the control group in the three post-tests, with significant differences (F=39.13, P<0.001; F=82.09, P<0.001). Duration of hospital stay after radical mastectomy of the experimental group ((13.62±2.04) days) was shorter than that of the control group ((15.53±2.75) days) with significant difference (t=-4.34, P<0.001). Conclusions Music therapy has positive effects on improving depression of female patients with breast cancer, and duration of hospital stay after radical mastectomy can be reduced. It is worthy of applying music therapy as an alternative way of nursing intervention in clinical nursing process of caring female patients with breast cancer。