Clinical characteristics based homeopathic Remedy Profiling of COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to recognize core symptoms associated with COVID-19 positivity, its impact on mental health of patients and to identify indicated homeopathic remedies for COVID-19. Methods: In this pilot study, 25 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted at Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH) established under Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth campus took part in survey questionnaire entitled as “Health impact survey for clinical features and patient profiles of COVID 19: Based on Homoeopathic perspective” observed by three independent observers. Based on the survey, specificity and sensitivity of symptoms was analyzed by three independent physicians to perform remedy analysis in order to identify indicated homeopathic medicines for COVID-19 in mild to moderate cases. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in study. Out of 25, 16 patients did not have any co-morbidity while 9 patients had diabetes, blood pressure or thyroid as one of the co-morbidities. The mean age of the patients was 39.4 years ± 12.6 where mean age of patients without co-morbidity was significantly lower than the patients with co-morbidities. The major symptoms were found to be fever (76%), cough (76%), shortness of breath (72%), sore throat (56%), fatigue (80%), loss of smell (40%) and Loss of taste(48%). Likelihood ratio of a positive test was found to be higher for Loss of smell, Loss of taste and Cough. Mixed and contrasting responses were reported by the study subjects on mental health impact. Majority of patients showed mild negative impact on mental health. In remedy analysis total 6 homeopathic medicines were observed with most commonly indicated being Carbo vegetabilis (70.66%), Antimonium tartaricum (10.66%), Arsenic album (9.33%) and Bryonia alba Linn. (4%) in 30C potency. Conclusion: The observation from current study demonstrate that fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, loss of smell and Loss of taste are most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 and Carbo vegetabilis, Antimonium tartaricum, Arsenic album and Bryonia alba Linn. are most frequently indicated homeopathic medicines for COVID-19.