[Enamel matrix proteins in the treatment of intrabony defects: A cochrane systematic review].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence for efficacy of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) in comparison with guided tissue regeneration(GTR) for the treatment of intrabony defects.

METHODS

The selected studies were pooled from seven major electronic databases from 1997 to 2008 for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) with at least 6 months of follow-up. Several English journals were hand-searched. In addition, a Meta-analysis was presented regarding the clinical results during regeneration with EMPs or GTR. Outcome measures were probing depth(PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and gingival recession(GR).

RESULTS

A meta-analysis showed that the baseline between the two groups were comparative, but there were no statistical significant differences in PD reduction and CAL gain and GR was observed between the two regenerative treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence of important differences between EMPs and GTR in PD reduction, CAL gain and GR. EMPs can gain the similar clinical effects as GTR when treated with intrabony defects. Supported by Research Project of Education Bureau of Liaoning Province (Grant No.20061021).