Homeopathy Group Research Articles

Add-on homeopathic treatment to institutional management protocol in children suffering from acute encephalitis syndrome: A retrospective comparative cohort study

Background and objectives: Acute encephalitis syndrome is a health burden to a populous country like India. It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, altered sensorium with or without seizures, irritability, abnormal behaviour, or unconsciousness. This study aims to augment further evidence on the effects of add-on homeopathic treatment in reducing mortality and morbidity in children. Methods: This comparative retrospective study included children hospitalized with acute encephalitis syndrome between July 2016 to December 2016. We compared the parameters of children for whom decisions on Glasgow Outcome scale and Liverpool outcome score aided by add-on homeopathy against those of children from the same year when the add-on homeopathy was not used. All the children were on conventional supportive care and treatment tailored to each child. We also counted the days until the resumption of oral feeding and the length of hospital stay. Results: Ordinal regression analysis on analyses on 622 children (IH +CSC=329; IMP only=293) was done. Odds of a shift towards increased recovery were superior in the homeopathy-added group than in the IMP group without adjustment (crude OR 2·30, 95% CI 1·66 to 3·20; p=0·0001) and with adjustment (adjusted OR 3.38, 95% CI 2·38 to 4.81; p=0·0001). There was 14.8% less mortality and 17.4% more recovery in the add-on homeopathy group compared to CSC alone. Individualized homeopathic remedies commonly used were: Belladonna (n =238), Stramonium (n =17), Opium (n = 14), Sulphur (n=11) and Hyoscyamus niger (n = 7). Conclusion : This retrospective cohort study advocates for add-on homoeopathy in children suffering acute encephalitis which can produce notable improvements in terms of mortality and morbidity. Further studies in different settings are warranted.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a Marker of Improved Autonomic Function in PMS: A Homeopathy Intervention-Based Single Blind Randomized Control Study

Abstract Introduction: Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent condition contributing to a spectrum of physical and psychological symptoms during the menstrual cycle. Heart rate variability (HRV) stands as a potential tool to delve into the autonomic nervous system’s intricacies. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the relationship between HRV and PMS while concurrently evaluating the efficacy of individualised homoeopathic interventions in managing PMS. Materials and Methods: A prospective case–control study was conducted from August 2020 to April 2021, involving 37 young females aged 16–45 years with diagnosed PMS. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria and were randomised into the case (homoeopathy intervention) and control (placebo) groups. Individualised homoeopathic medicines were administered to the case group, while the control group received a placebo. Both groups were followed for 6 months. Autonomic function was assessed using HRV, employing NICOMON, and clinical improvement was evaluated through the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Out of the initially screened 37 subjects, 31 completed the study. The homoeopathy group (n = 15) demonstrated a highly significant improvement in MDQ scores compared to the placebo (n = 16) group (P < 0.00001). HRV analysis revealed significant increases in total power, low-frequency, high-frequency, root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences, NN50 and pNN50%, indicating enhanced autonomic modulation and parasympathetic dominance in the homoeopathy group (P < 0.001, P = 0.006, P = 0.006, P = 0.039, P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). The miasmatic analysis highlighted an 80% prevalence of sycotic miasm in the PMS cases. Conclusion: Individualised homoeopathic interventions resulted in substantial improvements in autonomic function, as evidenced by HRV metrics, and clinical symptoms in PMS patients. The study sheds light on the potential therapeutic impact of homoeopathy in achieving autonomic balance and relieving PMS symptoms. While acknowledging the study’s limitations, including sample size, these findings suggest avenues for further research in this domain.

Efficacy of individualized homeopathy as an adjunct to standard of care of COVID-19: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjunct homeopathy with standard of care for COVID-19 was conducted on 300 patients. • Primary outcome on total symptom score measured over 10 days decreased significantly favoring Standard of care + Homeopathy. • Recovery was earlier in Standard of care + Homeopathy group by 02 days showing the added benefits of homeopathy. • Resolution of fever was 20 h earlier in Standard of care + Homeopathy. • Arsenicum album , Bryonia alba and Phosphorus were the most frequently prescribed medicines.

Homeopathy for COVID-19 in primary care: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (COVID-Simile study)

BackgroundDifferent homeopathic approaches have been used as supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, but none has been tested in a clinical trial. ObjectivesTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic medicine, Natrum muriaticum LM2, for mild cases of COVID-19. Design, setting, participants, and interventionsA randomized, double-blind, two‐armed, parallel, single-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in São-Carlos, Brazil. Participants aged > 18 years, with influenza-like symptoms and positive result from a real-time polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were recruited and randomized (1:1) into two groups that received different treatments during a period of at-home-isolation. One group received the homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum, prepared with the second degree of the fifty-millesimal dynamization (LM2; Natrum muriaticum LM2), while the other group received a placebo. Outcome measuresThe primary endpoint was time until recovery from COVID-19 influenza-like symptoms. Secondary measures included a survival analysis of the number and severity of COVID-19 symptoms (influenza-like symptoms plus anosmia and ageusia) from a symptom grading scale that was informed by the participant, hospital admissions, and adverse events. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate time-to-event (survival) measures. ResultsData from 86 participants were analyzed (homeopathy, n = 42; placebo, n = 44). There was no difference in time to recovery between two groups among participants who were reporting influenza-like symptoms at the beginning of monitoring (homeopathy, n = 41; placebo, n = 41; P = 0.56), nor in a sub-group that had at least 5 moderate to severe influenza-like symptoms at the beginning of monitoring (homeopathy, n = 15; placebo, n = 17; P = 0.06). Secondary outcomes indicated that a 50% reduction in symptom score was achieved significantly earlier in the homeopathy group (homeopathy, n = 24; placebo, n = 25; P = 0.04), among the participants with a basal symptom score ≥ 5. Moreover, values of restricted mean survival time indicated that patients receiving homeopathy might have improved 0.9 days faster during the first five days of follow-up (P = 0.022). Hospitalization rates were 2.4% in the homeopathy group and 6.8% in the placebo group (P = 0.62). Participants reported 3 adverse events in the homeopathy group and 6 in the placebo group. ConclusionResults showed that Natrum muriaticum LM2 was safe to use for COVID-19, but there was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoints of Natrum muriaticum LM2 and placebo for mild COVID-19 cases. Although some secondary measures do not support the null hypothesis, the wide confidence intervals suggest that further studies with larger sample sizes and more symptomatic participants are needed to test the effectiveness of homeopathic Natrum muriaticum LM2 for COVID-19. Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID: JPRN-UMIN000040602.

Impact of Homeopathic Treatment on the Quality of Life of Women with Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Pragmatic Trial.

Despite the increasing demand for complementary and integrative medicine, only a few studies have evaluated the effect of these types of treatments on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the QoL of women treated with homeopathy within the Public Health System of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This is a prospective randomized controlled pragmatic trial. The patients were divided into two independent groups, one group underwent homeopathic treatment in the first 6-month period and the other did not receive any homeopathic treatment. In both randomized groups, patients maintained their conventional medical treatment when necessary. The World Health Organization Quality of Life abbreviated questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used for QoL analysis prior to treatment and 6 months later. Randomization afforded similar baseline results in three domains of QoL analysis for both groups. After 6 months' treatment, there was a statistically significant difference between groups in the physical domain of WHOQOL-BREF: the average score improved to 63.6 ± (SD) 15.8 in the homeopathy group, compared with 53.1 ± (SD) 16.7 in the control group. Homeopathic treatment showed a positive impact at 6 months on the QoL of women with chronic diseases. Further studies should be performed to determine the long-term effects of homeopathic treatment on QoL and its determinant factors.

Homeopathic Treatment as an Add-On Therapy May Improve Quality of Life and Prolong Survival in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Three-Arm, Multicenter Study.

Lessons Learned Conventional medicine and homeopathy work well together.Quality of life improves with additive homeopathy in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Survival improves with additive homeopathy in patients with NSCLC. BackgroundPatients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have limited treatment options. Alongside conventional anticancer treatment, additive homeopathy might help to alleviate side effects of conventional therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether additive homeopathy might influence quality of life (QoL) and survival in patients with NSCLC.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, three‐arm, multicenter, phase III study, we evaluated the possible effects of additive homeopathic treatment compared with placebo in patients with stage IV NSCLC, with respect to QoL in the two randomized groups and survival time in all three groups. Treated patients visited the outpatients' centers every 9 weeks: 150 patients with stage IV NSCLC were included in the study; 98 received either individualized homeopathic remedies (n = 51) or placebo (n = 47) in a double‐blinded fashion; and 52 control patients without any homeopathic treatment were observed for survival only. The constituents of the different homeopathic remedies were mainly of plant, mineral, or animal origin. The remedies were manufactured by stepwise dilution and succussion, thereby preparing stable Good Manufacturing Practice grade formulations.ResultsQoL as well as functional and symptom scales showed significant improvement in the homeopathy group when compared with placebo after 9 and 18 weeks of homeopathic treatment (p < .001). Median survival time was significantly longer in the homeopathy group (435 days) versus placebo (257 days; p = .010) as well as versus control (228 days; p < .001). Survival rate in the homeopathy group differed significantly from placebo (p = .020) and from control (p < .001).ConclusionQoL improved significantly in the homeopathy group compared with placebo. In addition, survival was significantly longer in the homeopathy group versus placebo and control. A higher QoL might have contributed to the prolonged survival. The study suggests that homeopathy positively influences not only QoL but also survival. Further studies including other tumor entities are warranted.

Homoeopathic therapy in cervical spondylosis pain management: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Homoeopathic medicines are known to be effective in alleviating pain and other troublesome symptoms of patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of predefined homoeopathic medicines in the pain management of cervical spondylosis using the Cervical Spondylosis Pain Management Scale (CSPMS). Methods: A prospective, double-blind randomised placebo-controlled multicentric clinical trial was conducted from April 2012 to May 2013. Results: Sixty-seven cases were enrolled in the Homoeopathy group and 69 in the placebo group. One hundred and thirty-four cases that completed the follow-ups were analysed. The improvement in pain was 56.18% in the Homoeopathy group and 46.45% in the placebo group, as per CSPMS. The mean improvement between the groups was not significant: 60.36% in the Homoeopathy group and 48.66% in the placebo group. The mean score of quality of life, assessed using the 'Patient's Global Impression of Change Scale,' was 2.29 ± 1.90 quality of life in the Homoeopathy group and 2.93 ± 2.28 in the placebo group. There was 27.95% more improvement in the Homoeopathy group, as compared to the placebo group. Among the most used medicines were Rhus toxicodendron (n = 19) 28.8%, Calcarea carbonica (n = 7) 10.6%, Kalmia latifolia (n = 7) 10.6% and Paris quadrifolia (n = 8) 12.1%. Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines are effective in management of acute pain due to cervical spondylosis.

Effects of individualised homoeopathic intervention in Stage I essential hypertension: A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a leading risk factor for death and disability and responsible for over 1.6 million deaths in India. Clinical case reports, observational studies and randomised controlled trials show the effects of homoeopathic medicine in HTN. Objectives: The results of this study will add to the evidence of effectiveness of individualised homoeopathic medicine in Stage I HTN. Methods: A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken from October 2013 to March 2018. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate the change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) every month for 3 months. Of 2127 patients screened, 217 patients who fitted the inclusion criteria were randomised to receive either homoeopathic Q potencies (or LM potencies) plus lifestyle modification (LSM) =116 or placebo + LSM = 101. LSM included physical activity and diet as part of the treatment regimen. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results: Repeated-measure ANOVA between the groups showed statistically significant difference (Wilk lambda 0.85, F = 12.12, df = 213,P = 0.0001), in both SBP and DBP favouring Individualised Homoeopathy (IH) along with LSM. Post hoc independent t-test showed a significant mean reduction in SBP (mean difference 7.12 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.72–9.53,P = 0.0001) and DBP (mean difference 5.76 mm Hg, 95% CI: 4.18–7.23,P = 0.0001) favouring Homoeopathy plus LSM group. Sulphur (n = 24), Natrum muriaticum (n = 21), Lycopodium (n = 16), Nux vomica (n = 12) and Phosphorus (n = 10) were the most useful medicines. Conclusion: IH in LM potency along with LSM was found effective over placebo along with LSM in the patients suffering from Stage I HTN. Further trials in rigorous setting are warranted.

The Value of Treatment Processes in Germany: A Discrete Choice Experiment on Patient Preferences in Complementary and Conventional Medicine.

BackgroundThe effects of health interventions are often complex, and it is argued that they comprise more than pure changes in clinical parameters. Aspects of the treatment process, so-called ‘benefits beyond health’, are often overlooked in the evaluation of health interventions but can be of value to the patients.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess patients’ preferences and willingness to pay regarding the treatment process and its attributes in patients using acupuncture, homeopathy or general medicine (GM).MethodsA systematic literature search, six semi-structured interviews and a stakeholder involvement were conducted to determine the attributes of the treatment process. Five process attributes and one cost attribute were used to construct the experimental design of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) (6 × 3), a cross sectional survey method. Patients were recruited by outpatient physicians practicing in Berlin and Munich, Germany. Process attributes were effects-coded. Data were analyzed in a conditional logit regression.ResultsData from 263 patients were analyzed. DCE results showed that the treatment process attributes ‘active listening’ and ‘time’ were most relevant to all patients. Preferences for the attributes ‘holistic treatment’ (more relevant to the acupuncture and homeopathy groups) and ‘information’ (more relevant to the GM group) seemed to differ slightly between the groups. Willingness-to-pay values were higher in the acupuncture and homeopathy groups.ConclusionsThe time physicians take and the extent to which they listen attentively are most important and are equally important to all patients. These results may contribute to the debate about more patient-centered healthcare. They support a strengthening of medical consultations in the German healthcare system. We suggest giving physicians the opportunity to spend more time with their patients, which may be achieved by changing the general conditions of remuneration (e.g., improved reimbursement of medical consultations).German Clinical Trial RegisterDRKS00013160.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40271-018-0353-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Double-blind evaluation of homeopathy on cocaine craving: a randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundBrazil is among the nations with the greatest rates of annual cocaine usage. Pharmacological treatment of cocaine addiction is still limited, opening space for nonconventional interventions. Homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and Erythroxylum coca have been tested in the integrative treatment of cocaine craving among homeless addicts, but this setting had not proven feasible, due to insufficient recruitment. ObjectiveThis study investigates the effectiveness and tolerability of homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca in the integrative treatment of cocaine craving in a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation setting. Design, setting, participants, and interventionsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, eight-week pilot trial was performed at the Psychosocial Attention Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPS-AD), Sao Carlos/SP, Brazil. Eligible subjects included CAPS-AD patients between 18 and 65 years of age, with an International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis of cocaine dependence (F14.2). The patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: psychosocial rehabilitation plus homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca (homeopathy group), and psychosocial rehabilitation plus indistinguishable placebo (placebo group). Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measure was the percentage of cocaine-using days. Secondary measures were the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores. Adverse events were reported in both groups. ResultsThe study population comprised 54 patients who attended at least one post-baseline assessment, out of the 104 subjects initially enrolled. The mean percentage of cocaine-using days in the homeopathy group was 18.1% (standard deviation (SD): 22.3%), compared to 29.8% (SD: 30.6%) in the placebo group (P < 0.01). Analysis of the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale scores showed no between-group differences in the intensity of cravings, but results significantly favored homeopathy over placebo in the proportion of weeks without craving episodes and the patients’ appraisal of treatment efficacy for reduction of cravings. Analysis of 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores found no significant differences. Few adverse events were reported: 0.57 adverse events/patient in the homeopathy group compared to 0.69 adverse events/patient in the placebo group (P = 0.41). ConclusionsA psychosocial rehabilitation setting improved recruitment but was not sufficient to decrease dropout frequency among Brazilian cocaine treatment seekers. Psychosocial rehabilitation plus homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca were more effective than psychosocial rehabilitation alone in reducing cocaine cravings. Due to high dropout rate and risk of bias, further research is required to confirm our findings, with specific focus on strategies to increase patient retention. Trial registrationRBR-2xzcwz (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br).

Homeopathy for Perennial Asthma in Adolescents: Pilot Feasibility Study Testing a Randomised Withdrawal Design.

Previous findings from a pragmatic trial suggest that usual care compared with usual care plus individualised homeopathy is not a feasible design to address homeopathic interventions for asthma. The main purpose of this article was to investigate the feasibility of the randomised withdrawal design as a strategy to assess the effectiveness of a standardised clinical-pharmaceutical homeopathic protocol (Organon.modus) on perennial asthma in adolescents. Randomised withdrawal, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled, 12-week study. Patients: 12 to 17 years old adolescents, with the diagnosis of perennial asthma, using inhalatory beclomethasone (plus fenoterol for wheezing episodes), who achieved 3 months of well-controlled asthma, after a variable period of individualised homeopathic treatment according to Organon.modus protocol. Setting: a secondary care medical specialist centre. Intervention: continuation with the individualised homeopathic medicine or with indistinguishable placebo during 12 weeks of beclomethasone step-down. Primary outcome: number of days of well-controlled asthma. Secondary measures: number of days of fenoterol use, number of visits to an emergency service (without hospitalisation) and percentage of patients excluded due to an exacerbation characterising a partly controlled asthma. Tolerability was assessed by Adverse Events, registered at every visit. Nineteen patients were randomised to continue treatment with homeopathy and 21 with placebo. Effectiveness measures for the homeopathy and placebo groups respectively were median number of days of good clinical control: 84 versus 30 (p = 0.18); median number of days of fenoterol use per patient: 3 versus 5 (p = 0.41); visits to an emergency room: 1 versus 6 (p = 0.35); percentage of exclusion due to partly controlled asthma: 36.8% versus 71.4% (p = 0.05). Few Adverse Events were reported. This pilot study supports the feasibility of the double-blind randomised withdrawal design in studies investigating homeopathy on teenage asthma, when performed by specialists following a standardised clinical-pharmaceutical homeopathic protocol. RBR-6XTS8Z.

Usefulness of classical homeopathy for the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in individuals with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

Context/Objective: to investigate the usefulness of classical homeopathy for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).Design: prospective study.Setting: rehabilitation center in Switzerland.Participants: patients with chronic SCI and ≥3 UTI/year.Interventions: Participants were treated either with a standardized prophylaxis alone or in combination with homeopathy.Outcome measures: The number of UTI, general and specific quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction with homeopathic treatment were assessed prospectively for one year.Results: Ten patients were in the control group; 25 patients received adjunctive homeopathic treatment. The median number of self-reported UTI in the homeopathy group decreased significantly, whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. The domain incontinence impact of the KHQ improved significantly (P = 0.035), whereas the general QoL did not change. The satisfaction with homeopathic care was high.Conclusions: Adjunctive homeopathic treatment lead to a significant decrease of UTI in SCI patients. Therefore, classical homeopathy could be considered in SCI patients with recurrent UTI.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. (NCT01477502).

A randomised comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment -vs- standard allopathy treatment for acute adenolymphangitis due to lymphatic filariasis

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatment with standard allopathic regimen in acute ADL and secondary objective was to assess the reduction in frequency, duration and intensity of subsequent attacks, improvement of the quality of life of patients. Methods: The study was designed as a comparative randomized trial conducted from October 2012 to April 2014, on 112 patients at Regional Research Institute, Puri, Odisha. The ADL patients enrolled were randomized to receive either homoeopathic treatment or standard allopathic treatment for a period of six months. The outcome parameters used were ADL score and WHO QOL Bref. Results: 112 Patients were considered for primary outcome analysis as per the Intention to treat principle. (Homoeopathy= 55 and Allopathy= 57) and were analysed on 11th day of treatment. Both the treatments produced equal improvement in ADL scores. However, during the six months study period, the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks were better in Homoeopathy group compared to allopathy group. There was statistically significant improvement in Homoeopathy for Domain 4 of WHOQOL (P = 0.004) as compared to allopathy group. Medicines like Apismellifica (n = 23), Rhus toxicodendron (n = 20), Pulsatilla (n = 8), Arsenic album (n = 1), Bryonia alba (n = 1), Silicea (n = 1) and Hepar sulph (n = 1) were found most useful in the acute attacks. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to support the fact that individualized homoeopathy treatment is equally effective for ADL as the standard allopathy treatment in the management of ADL.

Efficacy of Arsenicum album 30cH in preventing febrile episodes following DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination − a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundAmong the post-immunization adverse events, especially of Diphtheria-Pertusis-Tetanus (DPT), fever is a common systemic reaction. There is anecdotal support for the use of the homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album in preventing post-vaccination fever. The investigators intended to evaluate its efficacy in preventing febrile episodes following vaccination. MethodsIn the community medicine out-patient of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India, between August 2014 and January 2017, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 120 children (verum: 60, placebo: 60) who presented for the 2nd and 3rd dose of DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination and reported febrile episodes following the 1st dose. Intervention used was Arsenicum album 30cH 6 doses or placebo (indistinguishable from verum), thrice daily for two subsequent days. Parents were advised to report any event of febrile attacks within 48h of vaccination, either directly or over telephone. ResultsThe groups were comparable at baseline. Children reporting fever after the 2nd dose was 29.8% and 30.4% respectively for the homeopathy group and control group respectively [Relative Risk (RR)=1.008] with no significant difference (P=0.951) between groups. Again after the 3rd dose, children reporting fever were 31.5% and 28.3% respectively for the homeopathy group and control group respectively (RR=0.956) with no significant difference (P=0.719) between groups. ConclusionEmpirically selected Arsenicum album 30cH could not produce differentiable effect from placebo in preventing febrile episodes following DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination. [Trial registration: CTRI/2017/02/007939]

A retrospective cost-analysis of additional homeopathic treatment in Germany: Long-term economic outcomes.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to provide a long-term cost comparison of patients using additional homeopathic treatment (homeopathy group) with patients using usual care (control group) over an observation period of 33 months.MethodsHealth claims data from a large statutory health insurance company were analysed from both the societal perspective (primary outcome) and from the statutory health insurance perspective (secondary outcome). To compare costs between patient groups, homeopathy and control patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores. Predictor variables for the propensity scores included health care costs and both medical and demographic variables. Health care costs were analysed using an analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline costs, between groups both across diagnoses and for specific diagnoses over a period of 33 months. Specific diagnoses included depression, migraine, allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and headache.ResultsData from 21,939 patients in the homeopathy group (67.4% females) and 21,861 patients in the control group (67.2% females) were analysed. Health care costs over the 33 months were 12,414 EUR [95% CI 12,022–12,805] in the homeopathy group and 10,428 EUR [95% CI 10,036–10,820] in the control group (p<0.0001). The largest cost differences were attributed to productivity losses (homeopathy: EUR 6,289 [6,118–6,460]; control: EUR 5,498 [5,326–5,670], p<0.0001) and outpatient costs (homeopathy: EUR 1,794 [1,770–1,818]; control: EUR 1,438 [1,414–1,462], p<0.0001). Although the costs of the two groups converged over time, cost differences remained over the full 33 months. For all diagnoses, homeopathy patients generated higher costs than control patients.ConclusionThe analysis showed that even when following-up over 33 months, there were still cost differences between groups, with higher costs in the homeopathy group.

Randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial shows no benefit of homeopathic mastitis treatment in dairy cows

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy production, and homeopathic remedies have been used increasingly in recent years to treat it. Clinical trials evaluating homeopathy have often been criticized for their inadequate scientific approach. The objective of this triple-blind, randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in bovine clinical mastitis. The study was conducted on a conventionally managed dairy farm between June 2013 and May 2014. Dairy cows with acute mastitis were randomly allocated to homeopathy (n = 70) or placebo (n = 92), for a total of 162 animals. The homeopathic treatment was selected based on clinical symptoms but most commonly consisted of a combination of nosodes with Streptococcinum, Staphylococcinum, Pyrogenium, and Escherichia coli at a potency of 200c. Treatment was administered to cows in the homeopathy group at least once per day for an average of 5 d. The cows in the placebo group were treated similarly, using a placebo preparation instead (lactose globules without active ingredients). If necessary, we also used allopathic drugs (e.g., antibiotics, udder creams, and anti-inflammatory drugs) in both groups. We recorded data relating to the clinical signs of mastitis, treatment, time to recovery, milk yield, somatic cell count at first milk recording after mastitis, and culling. We observed cows for up to 200 d after clinical recovery. Base-level data did not differ between the homeopathy and placebo groups. Mastitis lasted for an average of 6 d in both groups. We observed no significant differences in time to recovery, somatic cell count, risk of clinical cure within 14 d after disease occurrence, mastitis recurrence risk, or culling risk. The results indicated no additional effect of homeopathic treatment compared with placebo. The advantages or disadvantages of homeopathy should be carefully assessed for individual farms.

Individualized homeopathic treatment in addition to conventional treatment in type II diabetic patients in Hong Kong – a retrospective cohort study

Objective: Glycaemic goals are not achieved in most patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in those with long disease duration and taking multiple oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD). We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in glycaemic control. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: At least 6 months of individualized homeopathic treatment at a private homeopathic centre in Hong Kong. Participants: Twenty-seven adults aged 37–84 years were treated with individualized homeopathic remedies between 2012 and 2015. Published data on 40 T2DM patients under standard conventional treatment in Hong Kong were used as a control. Main outcome measure: Change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 12-month or the last follow-up, whichever is earlier. Results: Compared with the conventional treatment only group, the homeopathy group had higher baseline FPG ( p = 0.044), and more patients had a long (>20 years) duration of diabetes ( p = 0.006), and a history of cardiac events ( p = 0.022). The mean difference in FPG in the homeopathy group was significantly greater than in the control after 12 months: −2.24 mmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.47 to −1.01) vs 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI: −1.72 to 2.04), p = 0.001. The mean difference in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was also significantly greater, −1.11% (95% CI: −2.17 to −0.05) vs 0.08% (95% CI: −1.37 to 1.53), p = 0.046. Poorer baseline glycaemic control was associated with better outcome (r = −0.750, p < 0.001), but not the duration of diabetes (r = 0.058, p = 0.772). The improvement was robust to sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Individualized homeopathic treatment was associated with better glycaemic control compared with standard conventional treatment alone.

Is metabolic dysregulation associated with antidepressant response in depressed women in climacteric treated with individualized homeopathic medicines or fluoxetine? The HOMDEP-MENOP Study.

Climacteric is associated with both depression and metabolic dysregulation. Scarce evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation may predict poor response to conventional antidepressants. Response to depression treatment has not been studied in homeopathic medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic disorders in depressed climacteric women treated with homeopathic medicines, fluoxetine or placebo, and if these alterations have any association with response to depression treatment. One hundred and thirty-three Mexican women (40-65 years) with depression, enrolled in the HOMDEP-MENOP study, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, three-arm trial with a 6 week follow-up, underwent a complete medical history and clinical examination. Metabolic parameters were assessed at baseline. Association between baseline metabolic parameters and response to depression treatment was analyzed with bivariate analysis in the three groups. Odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Metabolic parameters were considered for inclusion in the logistic regression model if they had a statistically significant relationship with response rate on bivariate analysis at p<0.05 or if they were clinically relevant. Overall combined prevalence (obesity and overweight) was 86.5%; 52.3% had hypertriglyceridemia; 44.7% hypercholesterolemia; 46.7% insulin resistance; and 16% subclinical hypothyroidism. There was no statistically significant association between dyslipidemia, overweight, or insulin resistance and non-response in the homeopathy group [OR (95% CI) 1.57 (0.46-5.32), p=0.467; 0.37 (0.003-1.11), p=0.059; 0.67 (0.16-2.7), p=0.579, respectively]. Metabolic dysregulation was not significantly associated with response to depression treatment in depressed climacteric women treated with individualized homeopathic treatment (IHT), fluoxetine or placebo. Due to the high prevalence of metabolic disorders and its relationship with depression in the climacteric, further investigation should be focused on whether individualized prescriptions based on classical homeopathy for depressed climacteric women have an effect on metabolic parameters, and/or if treating the metabolic disorders at the same time could lead to higher response rates. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01635218 URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01635218?term=depression+homeopathy&rank=1.

Effect of Homeopathy on Pain Intensity and Quality Of Life of Students With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundObservational studies indicate a positive association between homeopathy and pain relief and quality of life improvement in women with dysmenorrhea. However, there are no interventional studies in this area.ObjectivesTo evaluate an association between homeopathy and pain relief and quality of life improvement in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with 2 parallel arms.MethodsFifty-four students with primary dysmenorrhea residing at the dormitories of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, who had moderate or severe menstrual pain, were randomized to receive either homeopathic remedy or placebo. The homeopath and participants were blinded to treatment assignment. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and quality of life assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale and short-form 36 (SF-36), respectively, and the secondary outcome was number of analgesic pills used.ResultsEach group comprised 27 students; eventually, 26 in the homeopathic and 21 in the placebo group were followed up. There was no significant difference between the groups for either pain intensity (adjusted difference: -0.44; 95% CI: -1.43 to 0.54) or any other outcomes. Compared with the baseline scores, statistically significant improvements were observed in pain intensity (P = 0.021) and physical health (P = 0.020) scores only in the homeopathic group; and in the mental health score in both groups (P = 0.014 in the homeopathy group and P = 0.010 in the placebo group).ConclusionsThis study could not show any significant effect of homeopathy on primary dysmenorrhea in comparison with placebo. Considering the possible effect of the homeopath and the homeopathic remedies prescribed on the results of such interventions, further studies are needed to help us arrive at a conclusion.

The Hypotensive Effect of Homoeopathic Medicines In The Management Of The Patients Suffering From Uncomplicated Essential Hypertension - A Prospective, Observational Study

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) considersHypertension (HT) as one of the most important causes of premature death worldwide.It is directly responsible for 57% of all deaths due to stroke and 24% of all deaths due to coronary heart disease deaths in India. Recent studies conducted on Indian population have shown that the prevalence of hypertension in urban areas is 25%,whereas, it is 10% in rural areas. 1 According to the statistics of the WHO, homoeopathy is the second most useful health care system in the world. However, a meta-analysis in 2005 concluded that the clinical effects of homoeopathy are nothing but placebo effects. 2 Although a conflicting conclusion was arrived at earlier in 1997 by another meta-analysis. 3 The aim of this study was to evaluate whether individualized homoeopathic medicines could produce any significant hypotensive effect different from placebo in patients with essential hypertension by comparing the lowering of blood pressure level between groups. Settings and Design: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial was conducted atDr.NishantDaryani’s clinic, Jaipur &Dr.NiveditaPattanaik’sclinic, Udaipur.(Raj.). Material and Methods:Total 233 hypertensive patients were assessed for eligibility, out of which 150 were enrolled and randomized for the study (verum/homoeopathy 70 &control/placebo 80). Among 150 patients 18 were dropped out during the study while 132 remained under regular follow up (verum 64, control 68). The outcome measures were assessed at the end of 3 and 6 months. Results: The baseline data were not significantly different between the groups. After 6 months, mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in the homoeopathy group reduction was 26.6 mm Hg (95% CI 21.5, 31.7) whereasSBP in the placebo group increased by 3.6 mm Hg (95% CI -8.7, 1.5). Similarly, the mean Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) in the homoeopathy group reduced by 11.8 mm Hg (95% CI 9.2, 14.4) whereas DBP increased by 1.6 mm Hg (95% CI -3.6, 0.4) in the placebo group. Repeated measures ANOVA also showed significant difference (P=0.0001) between the groups. Detailed case recording of each patient was doneon Case recording format (CRF) following guidelines laid down by Master Hahnemann in Organon of Medicine 4 and Kent's philosophy 5 .Wherever required repertorization was done from synthesis repertory using RADAR software version 10.5 6 and final selection of medicine was done through Homoeopathic MateriaMedica. Frequently prescribed medicines were Natrummur.,Lachesis, Glonoine, Gelsemium, Bryonia alba, Aurum met.,Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Digitalis and Belladonna.