Dental indications for the instrumental functional analysis in additional consideration of health-economic aspects.

Background: Besides clinical and radiological examination instrumental functional analyses are performed as diagnostic procedures for craniomandibular dysfunctions. Instrumental functional analyses cause substantial costs and shows a considerable variability between individual dentist practices.

Objectives: On the basis of published scientific evidence the validity of the instrumental functional analysis for the diagnosis of craniomandibular dysfunctions compared to clinical diagnostic procedures; the difference of the various forms of the instrumental functional analysis; the existence of a dependency on additional other factors and the need for further research are determined in this report.

Effectiveness of nonpharmacological secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Aim: To summarize the current evidence with regard to the effectiveness of nonpharmacological secondary prevention strategies of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to investigate the comparative effectiveness of interventions of different categories, specific intervention components and the effectiveness in patient subgroups.

Methods: A structured search of databases and manual search were conducted. Clinical trials and meta-analyses published between January 2003 and September 2008 were included if they targeted adults with CHD, had a follow-up of at least 12 months, and reported mortality, cardiac events or quality of life.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba in dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The benefit of Ginkgo biloba has been discussed controversially. The aim of this review was to assess the effects of Ginkgo biloba in Alzheimer's disease as well as vascular and mixed dementia covering a variety of outcome domains.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane databases, CINAHL and PsycINFO for controlled trials of ginkgo for Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia.

Quality of life as an outcome in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias--obstacles and goals.

Background: The number of individuals at risk for dementia will probably increase in ageing societies as will the array of preventive and therapeutic options, both however within limited economic resources. For economic and medical purposes valid instruments are required to assess disease processes and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for different forms and stages of illness. In principal, the impact of illness and success of an intervention can be assessed with biomedical variables, e.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of brain metastases.

Background: The objective of this systematic review was to summarise the current evidence concerning radiosurgical treatment (SRS) of newly diagnosed brain metastasis and to compare SRS as a single or additional treatment to treatment alternatives with regard to medical effectiveness and safety.

Methods: A structured search of electronic databases was performed to identify relevant publications from 2002 through 2007. Studies targeting patients with brain metastases were included.

Evaluation of medical and health economic effectiveness of non-pharmacological secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common and potentially fatal malady with a life time prevalence of over 20%. For Germany, the mortality attributable to chronic ischemic heart disease or acute myocardial infarction is estimated at 140,000 deaths per year. An association between prognosis of CHD and lifestyle risk factors has been consistently shown.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the 13C-urea breath test as the primary diagnostic investigation for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection compared to invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. There is a risk factor for gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastric cancer and MALT (Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue)-Lymphomas.

Behavioural and skill-based early interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise typical or infantile autism (Kanner syndrome), Asperger's disorder and atypical autism or pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified. The syndrome is characterized by deficits in (1) verbal and nonverbal communication, (2) reciprocal social interaction and (3) repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. Early behavioural interventions are based on learning theory and behaviour therapy.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the prevention of HPV 16/18 induced cervical cancer and its precursors.

Introduction: Essential precondition for the development of cervical cancer is a persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The majority - approximately 70% - of cervical carcinomas is caused by two high-risk HPV types (16 and 18). Recently, two vaccines have been approved to the German market with the potential to induce protection against HPV 16 and HPV 18 among additional low-risk virus types.

Medical and health economic assessment of radiosurgery for the treatment of brain metastasis.

Background: Radiotherapy for patients suffering from malignant neoplasms has developed greatly during the past decades. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is one important radiotherapeutic option which is defined by a single and highly focussed application of radiation during a specified time interval. One of its important indications is the treatment of brain metastases.

Concepts of care for people with dementia.

Introduction: Today there are approximately one million people with dementia in Germany. If current demographic trends continue, this number is likely to rise substantially in the coming years. In the older population, dementia is the most frequent reason for long-term care.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural strategies in the prevention of cigarette smoking.

Background: The hazardous health effects of smoking and second hand smoke have been confirmed in numerous studies. For Germany, the mortality attributable to smoking is estimated at 110,000 to 140,000 deaths per year, associated with annual smoking-related costs of 17 to 21 billion euro. Because the majority of smokers initiate this habit early in life, behavioural preventive strategies usually tried to prevent the uptake of smoking among children and youths.

Health Technology Assessment of laparoscopic compared to conventional surgery with and without mesh for incisional hernia repair regarding safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Introduction: Incisional hernias are a common complication following abdominal surgery and they represent about 80% of all ventral hernia. In uncomplicated postoperative follow-up they can develop in about eleven percent of cases and up to 23% of cases with wound infections or other forms of wound complications. Localisation and size of the incisional hernia can vary according to the causal abdominal scar.

Methods for determining cost-benefit ratios for pharmaceuticals in Germany.

The aim of this methodological paper is to summarize evidence on how to implement cost-benefit assessment according to the new German legislative framework (Competition Enhancement Act). Given the complexity of existing health policy frameworks within industrialised countries in adapting health economics in their respective regulatory scheme, no clear international scientific consensus on which health economic methods should be chosen for assessment can be determined. Nevertheless, a broad consensus on the internal properties of methods itself can be found.

Bypass materials in vascular surgery.

Introduction: Arteriosclerotic changes can lead to circulatory disturbances in various areas of the human vascular system. In addition to pharmacological therapy and the management of risk factors (e. g.

Sonographic diagnosis of "acute abdomen" in children and adults.

Introduction: The acute abdomen is the main term for an at first unclear emergency situation of the abdominal cavity. The acute abdomen belongs to the three most important reasons for the admission of patients into the emergency room. Further, this illness ranks 40% of all consultations in the ambulant care sector.