Homeopathic Case Research Articles

Unleashing the Power of Narratives: Crafting Compelling Homeopathic Case Reports—Part 2 of the Research Method Series

AbstractThe case report is an essential genre in medical literature that presents unique clinical observations, findings, and outcomes of an individual patient. In the field of homeopathy, case reports hold significant value as they contribute to the growing body of evidence and provide insights into the extent of effect and applicability of homeopathic treatments in real-world scenarios. This article aims to provide guidance on how to write a comprehensive case report in homeopathy, highlighting key elements such as case selection, data collection, preparation, ethical considerations, and submission. The article emphasizes the importance of accurate and detailed documentation, adherence to reporting guidelines, and the role of case reports in advancing medical knowledge, guiding clinical decision-making, and inspiring further research. Additionally, it addresses the nuances of clinical photography, the de-identification process, and maintaining patient confidentiality. By following the recommended practices outlined in this article, homeopathic practitioners and researchers can effectively contribute to medical literature, enhance their clinical practice, and promote real-word homeopathic care.

Homeopathic diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Kenya

Homeopathic diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Kenya

Malaria treatment compared for homeopathic medicines and Coartem in homeopathic clinics in Kenya – A multicentre, pragmatic, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, ongoing trial

Malaria still has in Kenya a high mortality and morbidity rate; this is coupled with rising resistance levels to the new standard drug Coartem in several South Asian countries, according to WHO reports. Homeopathy can be considered a form of individualized immune therapy and as such it deserves a place next to treatments focused at the microorganisms themselves. These factors require scientific evidence that may support its application in endemic diseases. We have developed a research line that comprises both qualitative and quantitative aspects of homeopathic management of malaria patients. The first two studies have been conducted in 2014, the third in 2015.
 Aims: The assessment of homeopathically treated patients in several rural health care settings. This involves treatment of malaria in homeopathic clinics where comorbidity is also treated. The documentation of individualized homeopathy within homeopathic clinics, not an isolated study in a context where homeopathy usually not is applied. 
 Material and Methods: 
 1. In a retrospective design in one clinic, the 2013-2014 rain season, a group of 54 malaria patients were assessed for classical malaria symptoms, homeopathic case taking, laboratory tests and prescription strategies. 
 2. The prospective study in three clinics assessed the 2014 March – June rain season patients for the effect of homeopathic individual treatment. 86 patients were assessed and 69 completed follow up. All but one who returned for follow-up were negative for parasites. A drop-out analysis was made, indicating logistics as the main cause. 
 3. In 2015 a comparative study is being conducted between the effectiveness of homeopathy and the standard treatment of Coartem. Dependent variables are parasite conversion and quality of life. Both homeopathic and government clinic patients are participating; until now 50 cases from both groups have been confirmed negative for malaria parasites. 
 4. Pooled results from the three studies shall be analyzed using principal component analysis, for correlation of patterns of affected organs and prescribed remedies.

Electronic Registration in Complementary/Homeopathic Medical Practice with Identification of 'Best Homeopathic Cases': A Pilot Study.

Practice-based registration could identify 'general' and 'homeopathic' prognostic factors for therapeutic success in patients who seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)/homeopathic treatment. Identification of 'best homeopathic cases' within a database could inform clinical research and improve homeopathic practice. To investigate the feasibility of registration in daily CAM/homeopathic practice, evaluate patient-reported outcome measures and tools for identifying 'best homeopathic cases' and to make recommendations for an electronic database. In 2015 and 2016, 25 homeopathic doctors registered details of a maximum of 20 patients each, with 6 months of follow-up (extended follow-up for 'best homeopathic cases'), in Excel or in the Homeopathic Administration and Registration Program (HARP) database. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. Patient-perceived change of main complaint was measured by a 7-point Likert scale. Best homeopathic cases were defined by treatment with one homeopathic medicine, ≥ 2 months of follow-up, result score +2 to +4 on a 9-point Likert scale by the doctor, and by changes that could be attributed to the homeopathic medicine. Association between scores for change of main complaint and scores for 'best homeopathic case' was analysed by the Kruskal gamma test. Three-hundred and ninety-nine patients were included. In 49.1%, the main complaint was present for ≥ 2 years. The most common diagnosis was 'fatigue' (N = 56; 14%). Major improvement in the main complaint (score +3) was reported by 22 to 26% at consecutive follow-up visits. One-hundred and ninety-six patients were treated with a single homeopathic medicine, among whom 66 'best homeopathic cases' were identified. The correlation between patient-reported changes of main complaint and assessment by the doctor was significant (gamma = 0.832; p < 0.001). Registration of (co-)diagnoses, chronicity, treatments and outcomes in homeopathic practice with identification of 'best homeopathic cases' is feasible, using the tools provided. A user-friendly electronic database for efficient recording is recommended.

Migraine and the Scope of Homeopathy

AbstractMigraine is usually a genetic disorder. In the United States, every 10 seconds someone with a migraine goes to the emergency room. Approximately 1.2 million annual visits to the emergency room occur due to acute migraine attacks. About 90% of migraine patients have a family history of this illness. More than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine episode, affecting their quality of life and medical expenditure. While the majority of patients experience attacks once or twice a month, more than four million people suffer due to a chronic migraine with at least 15 migraine days per month. Migraine is often undiagnosed and undertreated and remains a poorly understood disease. In spite of the high prevalence of migraine and its effects on patients, research into migraine is still underfunded. In this article, the author reviewed facts about migraine, the best possible suggested treatments and the scope of homeopathy for its treatment. More research and clinical trials with improved trial designs are warranted. Publications of large numbers of homeopathic case studies worldwide, long-term observational studies of treated migraine patients having no further migraine recurrences are needed to see the role of homeopathy for the complete cure.

Homeopathic prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections following spinal cord injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Virtually many patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Although the most severe consequence of NLUTD, damage of renal function, can be treated effectively today, urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common urologic problems in SCI patients. They severely impair the quality of life, and no evidence-based prophylaxis exists. The goal of this study is to assess the usefulness of adjunctive homeopathic treatment for the reduction of UTI in patients with SCI. Methods/Design: A prospective randomized controlled trial is designed to assess whether adjunctive treatment with classical homeopathy leads to a relevant reduction of the rate of UTI in patients with SCI. In addition, it will be assessed if homeopathic treatment will significantly improve patient satisfaction and quality of life. Fifty patients with SCI and recurrent (3 or more) UTI per year will be recruited from the patients of the neuro-urology of the Swiss paraplegic Centre in Nottwil, Switzerland. All patients will be randomly allocated into two groups: patients in the homeopathy group (n = 25) will receive standard of-care prophylaxis combined with homeopathic treatment; the control group (n = 25) will receive standard of-care prophylaxis alone. Standard of-care prophylaxis consists of cranberry products and urine acidification. Homeopathic treatment consists of a homeopathic medication; the remedy is chosen individually based on the homeopathic case taking. Patients do not routinely present to the homeopaths during the study, but can contact them if a UTI occurs during the course of the study. Primary outcome are the UTI rate, and secondary outcomes are quality of life and satisfaction with the treatment over a follow-up period of 1 year. Discussion: There is a high demand for effective UTI prophylaxis in patients with SCI, because UTI are associated with an increased morbidity and even mortality. The results of the study will significantly add to our knowledge not only about UTI prevention, but the clinical value of homeopathy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01477502, registered on 17 November 2011. Ethics: The Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz (EKNZ): PB_2016-00054 approved this study protocol. Informed consent: Patients will sign an informed consent prior to participation in the study.

The Use of Temperaments in the Healing Process

Certain cases, if not all, necessitate a stereoscopic perspective. This perspective requires seeing simultaneous part to whole connections and variations to determining the desired results, all of which are geared to optimise the immune system. This article describes a systemic approach to homeopathic case taking that includes the use of the Genogram and Temperaments to assess the needed remedy through a process of joining with the subject's narrative, not as a passive ‘unprejudiced observer’.

Benefits of Repertorisation in Solving a Homeopathic Case

This paper underlines the benefits of the repertorisation together with the knowledge of the Materia Medica, in order to attain the simillimum. The correct remedy is sometimes found only at the follow-up, reconsidering the information from the first consultation and/or using the information collected at the follow-ups. This paper presents a case that shows both the working method to find the simillimum and an illustrative case of the curative remedy.

Homeopathy for Depression: A Randomized, Partially Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Four-Armed Study (DEP-HOM)

BackgroundThe specific clinical benefit of the homeopathic consultation and of homeopathic remedies in patients with depression has not yet been investigated.AimsTo investigate the 1) specific effect of individualized homeopathic Q-potencies compared to placebo and 2) the effect of an extensive homeopathic case taking (case history I) compared to a shorter, rather conventional one (case history II) in the treatment of acute major depression (moderate episode) after six weeks.MethodsA randomized, partially double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-armed trial using a 2×2 factorial design with a six-week study duration per patient was performed.ResultsA total of 44 from 228 planned patients were randomized (2∶1∶2∶1 randomization: 16 homeopathic Q-potencies/case history I, 7 placebo/case history I, 14 homeopathic Q-potencies/case history II, 7 placebo/case history II). Because of recruitment problems, the study was terminated prior to full recruitment, and was underpowered for the preplanned confirmatory hypothesis testing. Exploratory data analyses showed heterogeneous and inconclusive results with large variance in the sample. The mean difference for the Hamilton-D after 6 weeks was 2.0 (95%CI −1.2;5.2) for Q-potencies vs. placebo and −3.1 (−5.9;−0.2) for case history I vs. case history II. Overall, no consistent or clinically relevant results across all outcomes between homeopathic Q-potencies versus placebo and homeopathic versus conventional case taking were observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable for all groups.ConclusionsAlthough our results are inconclusive, given that recruitment into this trial was very difficult and we had to terminate early, we cannot recommend undertaking a further trial addressing this question in a similar setting.Prof. Dr. Claudia Witt had full access to all the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01178255. Protocol publication: http://www.trialsjournal.com/content/12/1/43

Homeopathy for Depression - DEP-HOM: study protocol for a randomized, partially double-blind, placebo controlled, four armed study

BackgroundHomeopathy is often sought by patients with depression. In classical homeopathy, the treatment consists of two main elements: the case history and the prescription of an individually selected homeopathic remedy. Previous data suggest that individualized homeopathic Q-potencies were not inferior to the antidepressant fluoxetine in a sample of patients with moderate to severe depression. However, the question remains whether individualized homeopathic Q-potencies and/or the type of the homeopathic case history have a specific therapeutical effect in acute depression as this has not yet been investigated. The study aims to assess the two components of individualized homeopathic treatment for acute depression, i.e., to investigate the specific effect of individualized Q-potencies versus placebo and to investigate the effect of different approaches to the homeopathic case history.Methods/DesignA randomized, partially double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-armed trial using a 2 × 2 factorial design with a six-week study duration per patient will be performed. 228 patients diagnosed with major depression (moderate episode) by a psychiatrist will be included. The primary endpoint is the total score on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale after six weeks. Secondary end points are: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score after two and four weeks; response and remission rates, Beck Depression inventory total score, quality of life and safety at two, four and six weeks. Statistical analyses will be by intention-to-treat. The main endpoint will be analysed by a two-factorial analysis of covariance. Within this model generalized estimation equations will be used to estimate differences between verum and placebo, and between both types of case history.DiscussionFor the first time this study evaluates both the specific effect of homeopathic medicines and of a homeopathic case taking in patients with depression. It is an attempt to deal with the challenges of homeopathic research and the results might be useful information in the current discussion about the evidence on homeopathyTrial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01178255

Platina und die Überhöhung der Methodik

Erkrankungen wie Morbus Parkinson stellen die Homöopathie auch als Methodik vor besondere Herausforderungen. Anhand der Kasuistik einer Patientin werden einerseits die Begrenztheit, andererseits aber auch der Nutzen von Modellen zur homöopathischen Fallanalyse diskutiert. Verschiedene Perspektiven bei der Fallanalyse stellen nur jeweilige Annäherungen an ein Ideal dar – sie sind mehr oder weniger brauchbare „Verbiegungen” des Organon, erlauben mitunter jedoch auch bei schlechter Symptom-Wahrnehmung eine gewisse Handlungsfähigkeit.

Polarity analysis, a new approach to increase the precision of homeopathic prescriptions

The Swiss randomised controlled trial of homeopathy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was a rigorous test of homeopathy. In each of its three phases it delivered evidence for a specific effect of homeopathic treatment, but it also unmasked weaknesses of the method. Misleading reports of sensations and mind symptoms by parents were frequent, while modalities and polar symptoms usually proved to be reliable information for repertorisation. The problem of cases with a paucity of symptoms was resolved by reintroduction of (pathognomonic) perception symptoms into the repertorisation. Additionally polarity analysis, a further development of Boenninghausen's concept of contraindications, was tested and introduced. It allows a precise differential diagnosis of possible homeopathic medicines. Increasing the rate of optimal prescriptions by 20%, polarity analysis turned out to be the most efficient modification to case analysis. This paper describes the transfer of the new insights to the treatment of other diseases and as the evaluation of this process. Polarity analysis was tested and applied in acute diseases by completing patient histories with repertory specific checklists, mainly based on modalities and polar symptoms. The checklists encompassed eleven different complaints. Treatment results were compared with results reached by conventional homeopathic case analysis methods. The same procedure was applied in chronic diseases with repertory-specific questionnaires. Again, eleven different areas were covered. Treatment results for chronic diseases were also compared with a conventional case analysis approach. Polarity analysis, checklists and questionnaires led to an increase in optimal prescriptions of 22% in acute diseases and 16% in chronic diseases. In addition, the average improvement rates in chronic disease were 9% higher than with conventional homeopathic procedures. The new method is demonstrated by a case example with a verified clinical cure, and its impacts on homeopathy are discussed. The use of polarity analysis as an integral part of case analysis and differential diagnosis of possible remedies together with an increased awareness for assessing the reliability of symptoms in repertorisation lead to a substantial improvement in the precision of homeopathic prescriptions.

Can the caged bird sing? Reflections on the application of qualitative research methods to case study design in homeopathic medicine.

BackgroundTwo main pathways exist for the development of knowledge in clinical homeopathy. These comprise clinical trials conducted primarily by university-based researchers and cases reports and homeopathic "provings" compiled by engaged homeopathic practitioners. In this paper the relative merits of these methods are examined and a middle way proposed. This consists of the "Formal Case Study" (FCS) in which qualitative methods are used to increase the rigour and sophistication with which homeopathic cases are studied. Before going into design issues this paper places the FCS in an historical and academic context and describes the relative merits of the method.DiscussionLike any research, the FCS should have a clear focus. This focus can be both "internal", grounded in the discourse of homeopathy and also encompass issues of wider appeal. A selection of possible "internal" and "external" research questions is introduced. Data generation should be from multiple sources to ensure adequate triangulation. This could include the recording and transcription of actual consultations. Analysis is built around existing theory, involves cross-case comparison and the search for deviant cases. The trustworthiness of conclusions is ensured by the application of concepts from qualitative research including triangulation, groundedness, respondent validation and reflexivity. Though homeopathic case studies have been reported in mainstream literature, none has used formal qualitative methods – though some such studies are in progress.SummaryThis paper introduces the reader to a new strategy for homeopathic research. This strategy, termed the "formal case study", allows for a naturalistic enquiry into the players, processes and outcomes of homeopathic practice. Using ideas from qualitative research, it allows a rigorous approach to types of research question that cannot typically be addressed through clinical trials and numeric outcome studies. The FCS provides an opportunity for the practitioner-researcher to contribute to the evidence-base in homeopathy in a systematic fashion. The FCS can also be used to inform the design of clinical trials through holistic study of the "active ingredients" of the therapeutic process and its clinical outcomes.

Otitis media: a homeopathic case and ethical considerations

Otitis media: a homeopathic case and ethical considerations