Pharmacological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

The commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms is non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and yet the pathophysiology of this condition has been poorly characterised and the optimum treatment is uncertain. It is estimated that pound450 million is spent on dyspepsia drugs in the UK each year.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of six classes of drugs (antacids, histamine H(2) antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, mucosal protecting agents and antimuscarinics) in the improvement of either the individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and also quality of life scores patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (1988 to January 2006), CINAHL (1982 to January 2006), SIGLE, and reference lists of articles. We also contacted experts in the field and pharmaceutical companies. Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and text words, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs of any of the six groups with each other or with placebo for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 73 trials: prokinetics (19 trials with dichotomous outcomes evaluating 3178 participants; relative risk reduction (RRR) 33%; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 18% to 45%), H(2)RAs (12 trials evaluating 2,183 participants; RRR 23%; 95% CI 8% to 35%) and PPIs (10 trials evaluating 3,347 participants; RRR 13%; 95% CI 4% to 20%) were significantly more effective than placebo. Bismuth salts (six trials evaluating 311 participants; RRR 40%; 95% CI -3 to 65%) were superior to placebo but this was of marginal statistical significance. Antacids (one trial evaluating 109 participants; RRR -2%; 95% CI -36% to 24%) and sucralfate (two trials evaluating 246 participants; RRR 29%; 95% CI -40% to 64%) were not statistically significantly superior to placebo. A funnel plot suggested that the prokinetic results could be due to publication bias or other small study effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence that anti-secretory therapy may be effective in NUD. The trials evaluating prokinetic therapy are difficult to interpret as the meta-analysis result could have been due to publication bias. The effect of these drugs is likely to be small and many patients will need to take them on a long-term basis so economic analyses would be helpful and ideally the therapies assessed need to be inexpensive and well tolerated.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. The role of H pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia is less clear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of H pylori eradication on dyspepsia symptoms in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were identified through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and keywords, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and with pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All parallel group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs to eradicate H pylori with placebo or other drugs known not to eradicate H pylori for patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on individual and global dyspeptic symptom scores, quality of life measures and adverse effects. Dyspepsia outcomes were dichotomised into minimal/resolved versus same/worse symptoms.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty one randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Eighteen trials compared antisecretory dual or triple therapy with placebo antibiotics +/- antisecretory therapy, and evaluated dyspepsia at 3-12 months. Seventeen of these trials gave results as dichotomous outcomes evaluating 3566 patients and there was no significant heterogeneity between the studies. There was a 10% relative risk reduction in the H pylori eradication group (95% CI = 6% to 14%) compared to placebo. The number needed to treat to cure one case of dyspepsia = 14 (95% CI = 10 to 25). A further three trials compared Bismuth based H pylori eradication with an alternative pharmacological agent. These trials were smaller and had a shorter follow-up but suggested H pylori eradication was more effective than either H2 receptor antagonists or sucralfate in treating non-ulcer dyspepsia.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

H pylori eradication therapy has a small but statistically significant effect in H pylori positive non-ulcer dyspepsia. An economic model suggests this modest benefit may still be cost-effective but more research is needed.

Psychological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Studies have also shown that non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients have higher scores of anxiety, depression, neurotism, chronic tension, hostility, hypochondriasis and tendency to be more pessimistic when compared with the community controls. However, the role of psychological interventions in NUD remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy and hypnosis in the improvement of either individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and quality of life scores in patients with NUD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were identified by searching the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 3-1999), MEDLINE (1966-99), EMBASE (1988-99), PsycLIT (1987-1999) and CINAHL (1982-99). Bibliographies of retrieved articles were also searched and experts in the field were contacted. Searches were updated on 10 December 2002 and 21 January 2004. The searches were re-run on 24 January 2005 and no new trials were found

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised studies assessing the effectiveness of psychological interventions (including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy and hypnosis) for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) were identified.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data collected included both individual and global dyspepsia symptom scores and quality of life (QoL) scores.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified only four trials each using different psychological interventions; three presented results in a manner that did not allow synthesis of the data to form a meta-analysis. All trials suggested that psychological interventions benefit dyspepsia symptoms and this effect persists for one year. However, all trials used statistical techniques that adjusted for baseline differences between groups. This should not be necessary for a randomised trial that is adequately powered suggesting that the sample size was too small. Unadjusted data was not statistically significant. The other problems of psychological intervention included low recruitment and high drop out rate, which has been shown to be greater in patients receiving group therapy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence from this review to confirm the efficacy of psychological intervention in NUD.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. The role of H pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia is less clear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of H pylori eradication on dyspepsia symptoms in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were identified through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and keywords, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and with pharmaceutical companies. These searches were updated in October 2004.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All parallel group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs to eradicate H pylori with placebo or other drugs known not to eradicate H pylori for patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on individual and global dyspeptic symptom scores, quality of life measures and adverse effects. Dyspepsia outcomes were dichotomised into minimal/resolved versus same/worse symptoms.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventeen randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Fourteen trials compared antisecretory dual or triple therapy with placebo antibiotics +/- antisecretory therapy, and evaluated dyspepsia at 3-12 months. Thirteen of these trials gave results as dichotomous outcomes evaluating 3186 patients and there was no significant heterogeneity between the studies. There was a 8% relative risk reduction in the H pylori eradication group (95% CI = 3% to 12%) compared to placebo. The number needed to treat to cure one case of dyspepsia = 18 (95% CI = 12 to 48). A further three trials compared Bismuth based H pylori eradication with an alternative pharmacological agent. These trials were smaller and had a shorter follow-up but suggested H pylori eradication was more effective than either H2 receptor antagonists or sucralfate in treating non-ulcer dyspepsia.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

H pylori eradication therapy has a small but statistically significant effect in H pylori positive non-ulcer dyspepsia. An economic model suggests this modest benefit may still be cost-effective but more research is needed.

Pharmacological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

The commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms is non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and yet the pathophysiology of this condition has been poorly characterised and the optimum treatment is uncertain. It is estimated that 450 million pounds is spent on dyspepsia drugs in the UK each year.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of six classes of drugs (antacids, histamine H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, mucosal protecting agents and antimuscarinics) in the improvement of either the individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and also quality of life scores patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and text words, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs of any of the six groups with each other or with placebo for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on dyspeptic symptom scores either individual or global symptom assessments and also quality of life scores and adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 11796 citations were obtained. 157 trials were retrieved and 98 trials fulfilled our eligibility criteria. However, subsequent data extraction was not possible in 31 trials. The final 67 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Prokinetics (14 trials with dichotomous outcomes generating 1053 patients; relative risk reduction [RRR] = 48%; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 27% to 63%), H2RAs (11 trials generating 2,164 patients; RRR = 22%; 95% CI = 7% to 35%) and PPIs (8 trials generating 3,293 patients; RRR = 14%; 95% CI = 5% to 22%) were significantly more effective than placebo. Bismuth salts (6 trials generating 311 patients; RRR = 40%; 95% CI = -3 to 65%) were superior to placebo but this was of marginal statistical significance. Antacids (one trial generating 109 patients; RRR = -2%; 95% CI = -36% to 24%) and sucralfate (two trials generating 246 patients; RRR = 29%; 95% CI = -40% to 64%) were not statistically significantly superior to placebo. A funnel plot suggested that the prokinetic and H2RA results could be due to publication bias.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence that anti-secretory therapy may be effective in NUD. The trials evaluating prokinetic therapy are difficult to interpret as the meta-analysis result could have been due to publication bias. The effect of these drugs is likely to be small and many patients will need to take them on a long-term basis so economic analyses would be helpful and ideally the therapies assessed need to be inexpensive and well tolerated.

The longitudinal accuracy of fit of titanium implant superstructures superplastically formed on investment models

OBJECTIVES

To measure the effect of three special liquid proportions and five forming temperatures on the length of superplastically formed titanium dental implant superstructures made using Rematitan dental casting investment.

METHODS

Rematitan dental casting investment was used to make models that contained two implant abutment analogues 8 mm apart. The investment was hand-mixed with 30, 50 or 70% special liquid proportions and ten models of each were made. Dies for superplastic forming (SPF) were made that contained three models (one for each special liquid proportion). Five dies were made for forming at 810 degrees C and five dies for forming at 810, 840, 873, 900 and 927 degrees C using 2 mm thick Ti-6Al-4V discs. The distance between the abutment impressions in the formed discs was measured with a traveling microscope and compared with the distance between the abutments of the master model to determine the most accurately fitting superstructure beam.

RESULTS

The proportion of special liquid used to make the SPF models had an unpredictable effect on the length of the superstructure at each forming temperature. Superstructure beams formed at lower temperatures had a better fit compared to the master model for all special liquid proportions. The most accurately sized beams were formed at 810 degrees C.

SIGNIFICANCE

SPF can provide an alternative method for the production of dental implant superstructures. The fit was affected predominantly by the forming temperature, but also by the special liquid proportion used for making the SPF investment model.

Psychological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Studies have also shown that NUD patients have higher scores of anxiety, depression, neurotism, chronic tension, hostility, hypochondriasis, and tendency to be more pessimistic when compared with the community controls. However, the role of psychological interventions in NUD remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy and hypnosis in the improvement of either individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and quality of life scores patients with NUD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycLIT, using very broad subject headings and text words. Bibliographies of retrieved articles were also searched and experts in the field were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised studies assessing the effectiveness of psychological interventions (including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy and hypnosis) for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) were identified.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data collected included individual, global dyspepsia symptom scores and quality of life (QoL) scores.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified only four trials, each using different psychological interventions and three presenting results in a manner, that did not allow synthesis of the data to form a meta-analysis. All trials suggest that psychological interventions benefit dyspepsia symptoms and this effect persists for one year. However, all trials use statistical techniques that adjusted for baseline differences between groups. This should not be necessary for a randomised trial that is adequately powered suggesting that the sample size of these papers was too small. Unadjusted data was not statistically significant. The other problem of psychological intervention include low recruitment and high drop out rate which has been shown to be greater in patients receiving group therapy.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient evidence from this review to confirm the efficacy of psychological intervention in NUD. There is also no evidence on the combined effects of pharmacological and psychological therapy. Nevertheless, if there are any benefits of psychological therapies, they are likely to persist long-term and NUD is a chronic relapsing and remitting disorder. Psychological therapies may therefore be offered to patients with severe symptoms that have not responded to pharmacological therapies.

Psychological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Studies have also shown that NUD patients have higher scores of anxiety, depression, neurotism, chronic tension, hostility, hypochondriasis, and tendency to be more pessimistic when compared with the community controls. However, the role of psychological interventions in NUD remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy and hypnosis in the improvement of either individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and quality of life scores patients with NUD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycLIT, using very broad subject headings and text words. Bibliographies of retrieved articles were also searched and experts in the field were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised studies assessing the effectiveness of psychological interventions (including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy and hypnosis) for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) were identified.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data collected included individual, global dyspepsia symptom scores and quality of life (QoL) scores.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified only four trials, each using different psychological interventions and three presenting results in a manner, that did not allow synthesis of the data to form a meta-analysis. All trials suggest that psychological interventions benefit dyspepsia symptoms and this effect persists for one year. However, all trials use statistical techniques that adjusted for baseline differences between groups. This should not be necessary for a randomised trial that is adequately powered suggesting that the sample size of these papers was too small. Unadjusted data was not statistically significant. The other problem of psychological intervention include low recruitment and high drop out rate which has been shown to be greater in patients receiving group therapy.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient evidence from this review to confirm the efficacy of psychological intervention in NUD. There is also no evidence on the combined effects of pharmacological and psychological therapy. Nevertheless, if there are any benefits of psychological therapies, they are likely to persist long-term and NUD is a chronic relapsing and remitting disorder. Psychological therapies may therefore be offered to patients with severe symptoms that have not responded to pharmacological therapies.

Systematic review: Antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, prokinetics, bismuth and sucralfate therapy for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Evidence for the effectiveness of antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, bismuth salts, sucralfate and prokinetic therapy in non-ulcer dyspepsia is conflicting.

AIM

To conduct a systematic review evaluating these therapies in non-ulcer dyspepsia.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed using the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, EMBASE, Cinahl and SIGLE until September 2002. Dyspepsia outcomes were dichotomized into cured/improved vs. same/worse.

RESULTS

Prokinetics [14 trials, 1053 patients; relative risk reduction (RRR), 48%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 27-63%] and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (11 trials, 2164 patients; RRR, 22%; 95% CI, 7-35%) were significantly more effective than placebo. Bismuth salts (RRR, 40%; 95% CI, - 3% to 65%) were superior to placebo, but this was of marginal statistical significance. Antacids and sucralfate were not statistically significantly superior to placebo. A funnel plot suggested that the prokinetic and histamine-2 receptor antagonist results could be due to publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analyses suggest that histamine-2 receptor antagonists and prokinetics are superior to placebo. These data are difficult to interpret, however, as funnel plot asymmetry suggests that the magnitude of the effect could be due to publication bias or other heterogeneity-related issues.

Pharmacological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

The commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms is non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and yet the pathophysiology of this condition has been poorly characterised and the optimum treatment is uncertain. It is estimated that pound 450 million is spent on dyspepsia drugs in the UK each year.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of six classes of drugs (antacids, histamine H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, mucosal protecting agents and antimuscarinics) in the improvement of either the individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and also quality of life scores patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and text words, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs of any of the six groups with each other or with placebo for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on dyspeptic symptom scores either individual or global symptom assessments and also quality of life scores and adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 11796 citations were obtained. 155 trials were retrieved and 96 trials fulfilled our eligibility criteria. However, subsequent data extraction was not possible in 31 trials. The final 65 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Prokinetics (14 trials with dichotomous outcomes generating 1053 patients; relative risk reduction [RRR] = 48%; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 27% to 63%), H2RAs (11 trials generating 2,164 patients; RRR = 22%; 95% CI = 7% to 35%) and PPIs (7 trials generating 3,031 patients; RRR = 14%; 95% CI = 5% to 23%) were significantly more effective than placebo. Bismuth salts (6 trials generating 311 patients; RRR = 40%; 95% CI = -3 to 65%) were superior to placebo but this was of marginal statistical significance. Antacids (one trial generating 109 patients; RRR = -2%; 95% CI = -36% to 24%) and sucralfate (two trials generating 246 patients; RRR = 29%; 95% CI = -40% to 64%) were not statistically significantly superior to placebo. A funnel plot suggested that the prokinetic and H2RA results could be due to publication bias.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence that anti-secretory therapy may be effective in NUD. The trials evaluating prokinetic therapy are difficult to interpret as the meta-analysis result could have been due to publication bias. The effect of these drugs is likely to be small and many patients will need to take them on a long-term basis so economic analyses would be helpful and ideally the therapies assessed need to be inexpensive and well tolerated.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. The role of H pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia is less clear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of H pylori eradication on dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life scores in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were identified through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and keywords, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and with pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All parallel group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs to eradicate H pylori with placebo or other drugs known not to eradicate H pylori for patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on individual and global dyspeptic symptom scores, quality of life measures and adverse effects. Dyspepsia outcomes were dichotomised into minimal/resolved versus same/worse symptoms.

MAIN RESULTS

Fifteen randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Thirteen trials compared antisecretory dual or triple therapy with placebo antibiotics +/- antisecretory therapy, and evaluated dyspepsia at 3-12 months. Twelve of these trials gave results as dichotomous outcomes evaluating 2,903 patients and there was no significant heterogeneity between the studies. There was a 9% relative risk reduction in the H pylori eradication group (95% CI = 5% to 14%) compared to placebo. The number needed to treat to cure one case of dyspepsia = 15 (95% CI = 10 to 28). A further two trials compared Bismuth based H pylori eradication with an alternative pharmacological agent. These trials were smaller and had a shorter follow-up but suggested H pylori eradication was more effective than either H2 receptor antagonists or sucralfate in treating non-ulcer dyspepsia.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

H pylori eradication therapy has a small but statistically significant effect in H pylori positive non-ulcer dyspepsia. An economic model suggests this modest benefit may still be cost-effective but more research is needed.

Measurement of the setting and thermal expansion of dental investments used for the superplastic forming of dental implant superstructures

OBJECTIVES

The study examined the setting and thermal expansions of seven dental casting investments intended for use in the superplastic forming (SPF) of Ti6A14V for dental implant superstructures. The total expansion is compared with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the alloy.

METHODS

The unrestricted setting expansion of the investment was measured at room temperature using a lined brass trough and dial gauge. The thermal expansion was measured at a heating rate of 5 degrees C/min up to 900 degrees C. The thermal expansion of Ti6A14V was measured at a heating rate of 15 degrees C/min.

RESULTS

The Selevest investment had a small shrinkage on setting. The largest setting expansions were observed with Rema Exakt and Fujivest. Selevest DM and Fujivest had the greatest thermal expansions. Rema Exakt had the greatest overall expansion. The total expansion of Rematitan most closely matched the thermal expansion of Ti6A14V when the manufacturer's recommended special liquid to water ratio for crowns and bridges was used.

SIGNIFICANCE

SPF is a novel technique which is being applied to the manufacture of dental prostheses. As dental casting investments are used to make the dies used for SPF the dimensional changes associated with these materials should be matched to the dimensional changes of the Ti6A14V alloy used in order to achieve a passive fit. This study has identified Rematitan as an investment whose total expansion may enable an accurately fitting SPF implant superstructure to be made.

Psychological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Studies have also shown that NUD patients have higher scores of anxiety, depression, neurotism, chronic tension, hostility, hypochondriasis, and tendency to be more pessimistic when compared with the community controls.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, guided imagery or hypnosis in the improvement of either individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and also quality of life scores patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycLIT, using appropriate subject headings and text words and searching bibliographies of retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised studies assessing the effectiveness of psychological interventions (including psychotherapy, psychodrama, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy, guided imagery or hypnosis) for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on individual, global dyspepsia symptom scores, as well as measures of quality of life (QoL) scores and adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

The three trials identified showed that there was improvement in the dyspepsia symptom scores at the end of treatment and one trial showed improvement in the psychological parameters. However, meta-analysis was not possible as these trials used different psychological interventions and two of the trials only reported mean change in symptoms and did not give standard deviations of this change.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Psychological intervention in the form of psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may be useful in the treatment of NUD. However, we need more trials to assess dyspepsia symptom scores and also psychological intervention in order to give us a clearer picture of the role of psychological intervention in NUD.

Systematic review and economic evaluation of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment for non-ulcer dyspepsia. Dyspepsia Review Group

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate efficacy and cost effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia infected with H pylori.

DESIGN

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing H pylori eradication with placebo or another drug treatment. Results were incorporated into a Markov model comparing health service costs and benefits of H pylori eradication with antacid treatment over one year.

DATA SOURCES

Six electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials from January 1966 to May 2000. Experts in the field, pharmaceutical companies, and journals were contacted for information on any unpublished trials. Trial reports were reviewed according to predefined eligibility and quality criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relative risk reduction for remaining dyspeptic symptoms (the same or worse) at 3-12 months. Cost per dyspepsia-free month estimated from Markov model based on estimated relative risk reduction.

RESULTS

Twelve trials were included in the systematic review, nine of which evaluated dyspepsia at 3-12 months in 2541 patients. H pylori eradication treatment was significantly superior to placebo in treating non-ulcer dyspepsia (relative risk reduction 9% (95% confidence interval 4% to 14%)), one case of dyspepsia being cured for every 15 people treated. H pylori eradication cost pound56 per dyspepsia-free month during first year after treatment.

CONCLUSION

H pylori eradication may be cost effective treatment for non-ulcer dyspepsia in infected patients but further evidence is needed on decision makers' willingness to pay for relief of dyspepsia.

Effects of orthotopic liver transplantation on body composition

AIMS/BACKGROUND

The effects of orthotopic liver transplantation on body composition are unclear. We aimed to assess changes in body composition after transplantation using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and total body potassium.

METHODS

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and total body potassium counting to assess muscle mass were performed in 55 patients before and up to 24 months after liver transplantation and the results expressed as paired data before and at time intervals after transplantation.

RESULTS

The results showed that total body weight fell by 3.6 +/- 1.3 kg (p < 0.02) at 1 month, with a maximal fall in lean tissue mass at 2-5 months of 4.8 +/- 1.2 kg (p < 0.003). Thereafter, no change in lean tissue mass was recorded, although there were increases at 12 and 24 months of total body weight (11.5 +/- 2.4 kg, 7.8 +/- 3.1 kg; p < 0.03, respectively) and fat mass (12.9 +/- 2.2 and 10.5 +/- 2.7 kg; p < 0.003). A fall in total body potassium was seen at 1 month (118 +/- 12 mmol; p < 0.003) and 2-5 months (176 +/- 9.9 mmol; p < 0.03), which mirrored the fall in lean mass.

CONCLUSIONS

After liver transplantation there is an initial fall in body weight due to a loss of lean mass. Lean mass does not recover after transplantation, although there is an increase in fat mass that leads to the observed increase in total body weight.

Risk factors for loss of lean body mass after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

After liver transplantation there is a fall in lean body mass.

AIMS

To determine the risk factors for this fall in lean body mass using univariate and subgroup analyses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed in 36 patients (12 with Child-Pugh Class A, 20 with Class B and 4 with Class C disease) before and up to 24 months after liver transplantation. Univariate and sub-group comparative analyses were performed to assess possible risk factors for the fall in lean body mass post-transplantation.

RESULTS

The pre-transplantation serum albumin inversely correlated with the fall lean body mass at 1 month (r = 0.55; p < 0.009) and at 6-9 months (r = 0.51; p < 0.05) post-transplantation. A positive correlation between the fall in lean body mass and: (i) cumulative dose of steroids administered at 2-5 months (r = 0.57; p < 0.05) and (ii) length of hospital stay after transplantation (r = 0.52; p < 0.05) were also observed. Neither the severity or presence of cholestatic liver disease pre-transplant, nor acute cellular rejection post-transplant were risk factors for a fall in lean mass.

DISCUSSION

A hypercatabolic state post-transplant (represented by low albumin pre-transplantation), immobility, lack of exercise and steroid induced catabolism of muscle may cause the observed fall in lean mass after liver transplantation. Earlier transplantation of patients with better nutritional status and the use of low dose steroid immunosuppressive regimens may prevent the observed fall in lean body mass after transplantation.

Hidden clasps versus C clasps and I bars: a comparison of retention

The Hidden clasp system overcomes the problem of poor esthetics of partial denture clasps, but it is not known how well it works as a retainer. This study tested the retention of Hidden clasps compared with that of C clasps and I bars when they function as part of a tooth-supported partial denture framework. Nine standardized frameworks that incorporated one of the three clasp designs on a premolar abutment were tested on a laboratory model. Their retention was recorded on a tensile testing machine. Specimens carrying the Hidden clasp had the greatest variability in retention among the three groups. Statistically significant differences were found between the C clasp and I bar groups.