Type Of Complementary Medicine Research Articles

Use of Complementary Medicine Among US Adults with Post-COVID-19: Results from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of complementary medicine (CM) use as well as potential factors related to CM use in a representative sample of US adults with self-reported post-COVID-19. MethodsThis secondary data analysis was based on data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey 2022 about presence of post-COVID-19 symptoms and CM use in a representative adult sample (weighted n = 89,437,918). ResultsOur estimates indicate that 19.7% of those who reported having a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms, and 46.2% of those reported using any type of CM in the last 12 months. Specifically, post-COVID-19 respondents most often used mind-body medicine (32.0%), followed by massage (16.1%), chiropractic (14.4%), acupuncture (3.4%), naturopathy (2.2%), and art or music therapy (2.1%). Reporting post-COVID-19 was associated with an increased likelihood of using any CM in the last 12 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]. 1.03-1.34; P = .014) and specifically, to visit an art or music therapist (AOR 2.56; 95% CI, 1.58–4.41; P < .001). The overall use of any CM was more likely among post-COVID-19 respondents under 65 years old, females, those with an ethnic background other than Hispanic, African-American, Asian, or non-Hispanic Whites, having a higher educational level, living in large metropolitan areas, and having private health insurance. ConclusionsOur findings show a high prevalence of CM use among post-COVID-19 respondents, which highlights the need for further investigations on effectiveness, safety, and possible mechanisms of action.

Patients Experience Improvements in Pain and Quality of Life When Treated at a Physician Led Integrative Medicine Clinic at a Large Air Force Military Treatment Facility

ObjectiveA large percentage of military treatment facilities (MTFs) offer at least one type of complementary medicine and 80% of patients surveyed felt that integrative therapies should be routinely offered at all MTFs. We are the first to offer the breadth of modalities outlined below in a dedicated MTF Integrative Medicine Clinic (IMC). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the basket of services offered at our IMC improved patient pain and quality of life. Design and SettingPatient outcomes over a three-year period were retrospectively evaluated from a single cohort. Patients referred to the IMC for chronic pain at the MTF recorded pain scores using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) and completed the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ), a 16-item visual analog quality of life questionnaire, at each visit. They also completed a non-validated quality of life question on discharge from the clinic. Modalities used include microcurrent therapies, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, medical Acupuncture, myofascial release techniques, low-level laser therapy, and the AllCore360. Results761 patients were seen from August 2019 to October 2022 in over 3,280 clinic visits. On average per visit, DVPRS scores were reduced from 4.4 to 1.5 (MD 2.9; 95%CI, 2.7-3.1). Total DPQ scores were reduced by 16.5% (MD 27.7; 95%CI 22.7-32.7). On discharge from the clinic 81% of patients reported their quality of life was either “a lot better” or “somewhat better.” ConclusionsIf implemented, we believe comparable clinics across the Department of Defense can replicate these improvements in patient-oriented outcomes.

Essential Herbal Plants for the Clinical Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Patents for the Same

Abstract: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in females with excessive hormonal levels, but a reasonable cause is unknown. For PCOS, various pharmaceutical therapies have been offered, like oral contraceptive pills (which balance hormonal imbalances). PCOS is commonly used as an alternative to PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disease). Although a part of the implicated mechanism in the occurrence of PCOS has been discovered, the specific etiology and pathophysiology are still unknown. Many types of complementary medicines are used to treat PCOD, and herbal medicines are one of them. Medical herbs have long been utilized to manage PCOS in women's gynecological and reproductive issues. This review article discusses the importance of herbal medicines and lifestyle modifications for PCOD patients. Many clinical studies proved that herbs like liquorice, cinnamon, Unkei-to, and fenugreek are helpful in PCOD management by improving hormone levels, ovulatory dysfunctions, obesity, and insulin resistance in the body. This review explores the natural plants that can be used to treat the disease naturally. The herbs can be used either alone or in combination.

Comparing the Effect of Geranium Aromatherapy and Foot Reflexology on Fatigue and Daily Activities of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom described by patients undergoing hemodialysis. Foot reflexology and then aromatherapy, among the types of complementary medicine, are the most frequently used intervention to control fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to compare the effect of aromatherapy with geranium essential oil and foot reflexology on Fatigue and daily activities of patients undergoing hemodialysis referred to the Hemodialysis Centers of Dezful University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients (30 patients in the geranium essential oil aromatherapy intervention group, 30 patients in the foot reflexology intervention group, and 30 patients in the control group). After the consent form was completed by the patient, Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale were completed for patients before the intervention and then four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics (prevalence, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test, t test) in SPSS version 16. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test PFS and NEADL scores in the foot reflexology group. After foot reflexology, the mean fatigue scores decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.001) and the mean activities of daily living (ADL) scores increased significantly (P &lt; 0.001). There were no changes in fatigue and ADL scores in the geranium essential oil aromatherapy and the control groups after the intervention (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Foot reflexology can be used as an effective nursing intervention to reduce fatigue and increase ADLs of patients with chronic kidney failure and undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

Evaluation of the Use, Reasons, and Satisfaction with the Complementary Medicine among Patients Living with a Permanent Ostomy.

Patients living with a permanent ostomy encounter many physical, psychological, and social challenges due to the loss of function of a part of their body. Today, as the use of alternative therapies increases, some of these patients are seeking complementary medicine to relieve the symptoms and complications of their disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the use of, reasons for, and satisfaction with the complementary medicine among patients living with a permanent ostomy. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients living with a permanent ostomy who were referred to ostomy clinics in southeastern Iran. The census method was used for sampling. The research tool included a complementary medicine questionnaire. SPSS-25 was used for data analysis. The results showed that in physical methods, most of the participants used herbal medicines (83%), aromatherapy (79%), vitamin supplements (76%), and diet (66%). In mental methods, most of the participants used prayer/recourse/vow (91%) and music therapy (75%) (every day to several times a year). People with university education (p < 0.001), higher incomes (p = 0.002), and history of addiction (p = 0.048) used more methods of complementary medicine. Fifty-three point four of the participants used herbal medicines to reduce physical complications, 46.6% used them to improve anxiety and stress induced by ostomy, and between 66 and 80% was completely satisfied with the use of various types of complementary medicine. The study results showed that the frequency of complementary medicine use among patients living with a permanent ostomy varied from a few days to several years. Considering the use of complementary medicine by these patients, educational programs, and interventions are necessary to increase the general awareness of ostomy patients about the types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the effects of these methods.

Menopause symptoms in women and its relation with using complementary and alternative medicines: A survey in southeast Iran.

BackgroundPostmenopausal women are interested in using complementary and alternative medicine because of their menopausal symptoms and the side effects of chemical medications and hormone therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary medicine (CAM) and menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 288 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Kerman, southeastern Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the CAM questionnaire, and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).ResultsThe mean score for the menopausal symptoms of the participants was 8.73 ± 6.11. Only 28.8% of the participants had no/little symptoms. About 65.3% of the participants used at least one type of CAM in the previous year. The most commonly used types of CAM were nutritional supplements, prayer, and medicinal herbs. A significant association was found between the use of medicinal herbs, dry cupping, relaxation and meditation, prayer, and menopausal symptoms. Women experiencing menopausal symptoms used more CAM methods than those without menopausal symptoms (Odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval = 1.33–3.80).ConclusionThe study results indicated that the severity of menopausal symptoms and scores in somatic-vegetative and urogenital domains were higher in CAM users compared to non-CAM users. But there was no significant difference in the psychological domain between CAM and non-CAM users. Based on the results, it is suggested that more research be done in different communities with different healthcare systems to find out how complementary and alternative medicine affects menopausal symptoms in women.

Pregnancy-Related Stress Among Pregnant Women Receiving Tocolytic and Non-Tocolytic Treatments Where Both Used Complementary Medicine.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the pregnancy stress among pregnant women in receiving tocolytic and non-tocolytic treatments where both used complementary medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 35 pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment and 35 receiving non-tocolytic treatment, where both used complementary medicine in a medical center in central Taiwan. A basic information questionnaire that contained demographic variables and types of complementary medicine used and the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale were used for the analysis. Results: The types of complementary medicines were surveyed using the multiple-choice questionnaire. Natural products (77.5%) were most commonly used by pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment, followed by alternative medicine (13.75%), manipulative and body-based practices (5%), and mind and body medicine (3.75%). In pregnant women who were receiving non-tocolytic treatment, natural products (59.1%) were most commonly used, followed by manipulative and body-based practices (16.4%), alternative medicine (15.4%), mind and body medicine (7.3%), and energy therapy (1.8%). According to the analysis of covariance test results, while both used complementary medicine in groups, pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment were less stressed than those who were receiving non-tocolytic treatment (Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score, p = 0.038), especially in dimension 2 (stress caused by infant care and changes in family relationships) (p = 0.015) and dimension 5 (stress caused by changes in physical appearance and function) (p = 0.008), which showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis results showed that the gestational age significantly associated with pregnancy stress (Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score, p = 0.029; dimension 2, p = 0.016; and dimension 5, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Among both who used complementary medicine, pregnancy stress was significantly lower in pregnant women who were receiving tocolytic treatment than in those who were receiving non-tocolytic treatment. This finding can be used as a reference for future pregnant women’s health studies.

Annual out-of-pocket expenditure associated with healthcare use among Australian older women with osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal condition among women that has a considerable impact on quality of life. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of healthcare use and to estimate associated out-of-pocket expenditure for the management of osteoporosis in older Australian women. Data was obtained from 393 Australian women from the 45 and Up Study who had osteoporosis. The women were asked about healthcare use for their osteoporosis, including conventional medicine, complementary medicine, and self-care practices or self-care products, and associated out-of-pocket expenditure for that use over 12months. The average age of participants was 72.0years. Over a 12-month period, the majority of participants (72%) consulted a doctor for their osteoporosis, 24% consulted an allied health practitioner, and 20% consulted a complementary medicine practitioner. Participants had a mean of 6.8 consultations with healthcare practitioners in the previous 12months for the osteoporosis. In addition, 46% participants used three or more types of complementary medicine products/practices in the previous 12months. Overall, the participants incurred a (arithmetic) mean ofAU$594 (median = $350; inter-quartile range = $450) in out-of-pocket expenditure for healthcare use over the 12-month period. Women with osteoporosis use a wide range of healthcare services that are associated with significant annual out-of-pocket expenditure. Preventive strategies can help decrease the cost burden of osteoporosis on the healthcare system.

Clinical epidemiology in complementary medicine (discussion)

The article presents an analytical review of the literature on the application of the principles of evidence-based medicine in modern healthcare. It is noted that in some areas of medicine, scientifically based standards of treatment significantly fall behind the general trends. Complementary medicine, including osteopathy, is an important healthcare resource, the use of which is officially recognized in 94 countries around the world. However, despite certain achievements in the treatment and prevention of many chronic diseases, there are scientific articles that criticize its effectiveness. Therefore, the relevance of obtaining new, strictly evidence-based data on the impact of osteopathy on health is beyond doubt. For osteopathy, as for other types of complementary medicine, a new paradigm of evidence-based clinical research is probably needed. Three types of the organism response to treatment — instant, fast and delayed — are identified.

Use of Complementary Medicine in Competitive Sports: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Although complementary medicine is frequently used in Germany, there is almost no information about complementary medicine use in competitive sports. The aim was to assess the use of complementary medicine among elite athletes in Germany. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study among athletes was performed between March 2012 and September 2013. Athletes of both sexes who visited a sports medical outpatient clinic in Munich, Bavaria were included. Data about the use of complementary medicine were collected by means of a standardized measurement instrument, the German version of the international complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire. Results: Of the 334 athletes (female 25%, mean age 20.2 ± 6.6 years) who completed all 4 sections of the questionnaire, 69% reported the use of at least one type of complementary medicine within the last 12 months. 505 athletes (female 26%, mean age 20.5 ± 7.0 years) completed at least one section of the questionnaire entirely. Within 12 months, the osteopath (11%), herbal medicine (17%), vitamins/minerals (32%), and relaxation techniques (15%) were the most frequently visited/used in relation to the respective sections of the questionnaire. Conclusion: Complementary medicine is frequently used by athletes in Germany. The efficacy, safety, and costs of complementary medicine should be investigated in clinical trials among athletes in the future.

Prevalence and predictors of mind-body medicine use among women diagnosed with gynecological cancer: Findings from the 2017 US National Health Interview Survey

BackgroundGynecological cancer is a major health burden globally. In the US, it is common for cancer patients to utilize different types of complementary medicine. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of mind-body medicine use among US women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. MethodsWe used data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to investigate prevalence and predictors of mind-body medicine utilization in the past 12 months among gynecological cancer patients in a representative sample of the US population (N = 26,742). We descriptively analyzed the 12-month prevalence of any mind-body medicine use, separately for women with a prior diagnosis of gynecological cancer and those without. Using and b multiple logistic regression analyses, we identified predictors of mind-body medicine use. ResultsA weighted total of 2,526,369 women (2.0%) reported having received a diagnosis of gynecological cancer. More women diagnosed with gynecological cancer (weighted n = 964,098; 38.2%) than those not diagnosed with gynecological cancer (weighted mean = 36,102,852; 28.8%) had used mind-body medicine in the past 12 months. A higher prevalence of mind-body medicine use was associated with being non-Hispanic White, living in Western US and having received higher education. Spiritual meditation was found to be the most frequently used mind-body medicine modality, followed by yoga and progressive relaxation. ConclusionsWhile mind-body medicine is popular among US gynecological cancer patients, clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of different mind-body medicine modalities is yet to be established. Randomized controlled trials should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of popular modalities like spiritual meditation or yoga to inform clinical decision and patient choice.

Abstract 2680: Antitumor promoting activity of the phytotherapic Polypodium leucotomos in oral cancer

Abstract The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the eighth most prevalent malignant neoplasm and representing an important health problem worldwide. OSCCs have a highly variable clinical course, and due to its late diagnostic in advanced stages, the overall survival rate is less than 50% in 5 years. Despite the advances and last recent discoveries, the prognosis of this disease is still unpredictable. The search for new therapeutic strategies of OSCC is still needed to improve patient survival. From this point of view, oscc treatment and adjuvant methods represent a promising and challenging field for researchers. In the last few years, the use of some types of complementary medicines, such as phytotherapeutic products, has significantly increased among cancer patients. Recently, a phytotherapeutic compound, Polypodium Leucotomos (PL), was particularly introduced on the market for the treatment of inflammatory changes and other skin diseases caused by UV radiation, due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties. It is possible that PL also demonstrates antitumor action, and therefore seems a plausible target for further investigation regarding its therapeutic potential on oral cancer. The present study has characterized the biological effects of the extract of PL on proliferation, migration and invasion of oral cancer cell lines; and investigated the antitumor potential of PL in vivo, by treating oral tumors chemically induced on the tongue of Balb/C mice. Our results showed that oral cancer cells proliferations measured by MTT assay has decreased up to 60% and 78% for a period of 48hrs PL treatment for the SSC9 and LN1 cells, respectively. The scratch assay did not demonstrate a significant reduction on the migration potential these cells. As for the invasion assay, we verified that both lineages, but mainly LN1, a more aggressive oscc cell line, diminish its breach capacity, after previous incubation with PL (p&amp;lt;0.01). We further investigated whether PL extract would have any role in protecting the cellular DNA of the damages caused by UV radiation, often associated with cancer. The comet assay data showed that normal primary gingival fibroblasts previously treated with PL, and then submitted to UVR, had a reduction on DNA damage in about 40%, compared to the fibroblasts non treated (p&amp;lt;0.05). Our preliminary in vivo assays suggest that PL extract has an antitumor activity. Majority of animals with 4NQO-induced tongue tumor recovered weight after 6 weeks treatment, with significant reduction of tumor size and decreased Ki67 positivity in the injured oral tissue, compared the mice not treated with PL extract. Altogether, our results demonstrated, for the first time, the potential of the extract Polypodium Leucotomos as an effective phytotherapeutic agent for prevention and/or adjuvant treatment of oral cancer. Citation Format: Pammela A. Borges, Gabriela S. Teixeira, Nathalia N. Pantarotto, Luan Oenning, Liliane O. Marinho, Lucilene Lopes, Eduardo J. Caldeira, Pablo A. Salvador, Ricardo D. Colleta, Clóvis A. Pinto, Gustavo Simões Augusto, Taize M. Augusto, Carine E. Oliveira, Nilva K. Cervigne. Antitumor promoting activity of the phytotherapic Polypodium leucotomos in oral cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2680.

Integration of Homeopathy and Complementary Medicine in the Tuscan Public Health System and the Experience of the Homeopathic Clinic of the Lucca Hospital.

The healthcare programs of the Region of Tuscany (Italy) have started the process of integration of some types of complementary medicine (CM), including homeopathy, which began in 1996. The Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca was opened in 1998, followed by the Homeopathic Clinic for Women in 2003, and the Clinic for CM and Diet in Oncology in 2013. Observational longitudinal studies conducted on 5,877 patients (3,937 in the general clinic, 1,606 in the women's clinic and 334 in oncology) were consecutively examined from 2003 to 2016. The Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) was generally used to assess outcomes. Comparing the clinical conditions before and after homeopathic treatment, improvement was observed in 88.8% of general medicine patients with follow-up (45.1%); in particular, 68.1% of the patients had a major improvement in or resolution (ORIDL +2, +3, +4) of their condition. In women, an improvement was obtained in 74.1% cases and a major improvement in 61.2%. In cancer patients with homeopathic and integrative treatment, a significant improvement was observed for all the symptoms during anti-cancer therapy, particularly for hot flashes, nausea, depression, asthenia, and anxiety. These results suggest that homeopathy can effectively be integrated with allopathic medicine and that the Tuscan experience could provide a useful reference for developing national and European regulations on the use of CM and homeopathy in public healthcare.

A Brief Review of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications of Enema in Iranian Traditional Medicine and Other Complementary Medicines

Introduction: Enema or ‘hoqne’ is a therapeutic approach used for a wide range of diseases in the Iranian traditional medicine. The use of this method dates back to thousands of years to Hippocrates and Galen. The aim of this study was to review the history of enema and its methods and indices in the Iranian medicine and other complementary medicine.Methods: This review study was conducted on the Iranian medicine textbooks and articles published in the international databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, as well as the Iranian databases, such as SID and Magiran. The searching process was performed using the following keywords: ‘Hoqne’, ‘Enema’, ‘Vasta’, ‘Basta’, and ‘Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)’. There was no limitation regarding the publication data of the included studies.Result: In the Iranian medicine, the term “hoqne” is equivalent to enema. Enema is used in various diseases of the brain, respiratory system, digestive system, urogenital system, and musculoskeletal system, as well as systemic diseases. Enema is one of the five main therapies in the Indian medicine or Ayurveda. In other types of complementary medicine, including Chinese medicine, this procedure has therapeutic applications. Although enema has been recognized as a diagnostic method in modern medicine, it has been considered as a therapeutic approach in the recent years.Conclusion: According to the findings of the reviewed studies, enema is a major therapeutic focus in complementary medicine, part of which has been confirmed in the recent studies. Given the low side effects and high success rate of this treatment, it can be used as a supplemental therapy for the management of poisoning, febrile seizures, prolonged functional constipation, and chronic kidney disease, as well as the prevention of swelling. However, this theory requires further investigation and targeted clinical trials. This method has been recently identified and updated as a preventive and therapeutic modality.

Study Gaps Relevant to Use of Complementary Medicine in Patients With Leukemia: A Review Study

Context: A review of the literature of recent decades has shown that few studies have been conducted on the effects of various types of complementary medicine on patients with leukemia. Therefore, the present study aimed to find research gaps in the use of different types of complementary medicine in patients with leukemia to be applied in future studies. Evidence Acquisition: The present study was a review-type design based on a review of the literature on different types of complementary medicine in patients with leukemia, up to 2015. The search was conducted through electronic databases and search engines. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 studies which had been conducted on the use of complementary medicine in patients with leukemia were selected for the identification of gaps. Results: The overall results showed that few studies have been conducted on the use of exercise, massage therapy, music therapy, acupressure, and healing touch in patients with leukemia, and these subjects are potential research areas for many different studies. However, no studies have been carried out on the effects of acupuncture, relaxation, and yoga on these patients. Conclusions: The results of this review showed that the number of studies on the use of complementary medicine in leukemia patients is very limited (especially in Iran), and it can be the subject of numerous studies in the future.

Performance care practices in complementary and alternative medicine by Thai breast cancer survivors: An ethnonursing study

The purpose of this study was to explore how Thai breast cancer survivors perform care practices in complementary and alternative medicine to promote their health and well-being. Research was conducted using an ethnonursing method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 Thai breast cancer survivors in Thailand. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using the ethnonursing analysis method. The findings showed Thai breast cancer survivors started their care practices in complementary and alternative medicine immediately following a diagnosis of breast cancer. They sought out and gathered alternative medicine information from several sources, such as the people around them, media resources, books, magazines, or newspapers. After gathering information, Thai breast cancer survivors would try out various types of complementary medicines rather than use only one type because of information from other people and their own evaluation. The findings of this study indicate the need for a conversation about complementary medicine use between healthcare providers and Thai breast cancer survivors as an on-going process throughout the cancer trajectory to ensure that safe and holistic care is provided.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Twenty Five Cases of Acute Hepatitis Following Ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

Background/AimsComplementary medicines, including herbal preparations and nutritional supplements, are widely used without prescriptions. As a result, there has been growing interest in the risk of hepatotoxicity with these agents. It is difficult to determine causal relationships between these herbal preparations and hepatotoxicity. We report on 25 patients diagnosed with toxic hepatitis following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.MethodsTwenty-five patients (median age, 48 years [24 to 65 years]; M:F=18:7) with suspected P. multiflorum Thunb-induced liver injury were admitted to our hospital between 2007 and 2009. We analyzed clinical and histological data, including the types and the duration of P. multiflorum Thunb intake and the duration of hospital care. We also determined the type of liver injury using the R ratio (serum activity of ALT/serum activity of ALP).ResultsThe types of complementary medicine used included tea (n=16), liquor (n=5), tea and liquor (n=2), powder (n=1), and honeyed pudding (n=1). The most common presenting sign was jaundice (76%), and 18 patients (72%) had evidence of hepatocellular liver injury. Histological findings were consistent with acute hepatitis in all cases (n=10) for which liver biopsy was performed. Twenty-three patients (91.6%) recovered with conservative management, 1 patient (4%) had a liver transplant, and 1 patient (4%) died of hepatic failure.ConclusionsIn our cases, we found that P. multiflorum Thunb could be hepatotoxic and could lead to severe drug-induced liver injury, and even death.

Book Review: Edited by Dean Whitehead

Oxford handbook of complementarymedicine by Edzard Ernst, Max H.Pittler, Barbara Wider and Kate Boddy(eds). 2008. Oxford University Press,Oxford, UK. ISBN 9780199206773.423 pp. £29AE95.This special edition of JCN is devoted toissues related to complementary medi-cine (CAM). It contains two reviewsthat critique completely contrastingtypes of books as just a small proportionof the huge number of books nowavailable on CAM – reflecting its estab-lished significance and place in the fieldof healthcare provision. This particularreviewed book is another handy pocketbook in the established tradition of themedical and nursing-related series ofOxford University Press Handbooks [anumber of which were previouslyreviewed together in the November2007 edition of JCN (16: 11: 2182)]addressing a whole raft of clinical issuesfor specific clinical disciplines. In thelatest of the series it is the turn of CAM.Most nurses will at least be aware of thepremise of CAM while many will haveexperienced at first-hand its clinicalapplication. This book will appeal toboth groups – and those in-between.This book, as has already been hintedat, is a convenient ‘smallish’ pocket size.As is often a weakness of this formatthough, this means that issues can onlyever be covered succinctly and in brief.For many, however, this is also theadvantage of texts of this nature. Suchquick ‘dip in–dip out’ resources have awide appeal. As with other handbooksin this series, the text is set out in alogical and sequential format. Chapter 1serves as a general introduction and thelegal and ethical context of CAM;chapter 2 covers diagnostic methods;chapter 3 the different common (andnot-so-common) types of CAM; chapter4 the different potentially availablemedicines (mainly based on herbalism);chapter 5 (and perhaps the one that willappeal to most clinical practitioners)relates to different medical conditionsand how CAM can assist; chapter 6deals with vulnerable client groups; andchapter 7 (not really a chapter) is a briefbut useful look at common FAQ’s.As is usually the case with the OxfordHandbook series, this book is anotherexample of a well written and presentedhandy pocket-book. It may have beenwritten primarily for a medical audiencebut its relevance to all health profes-sional groups is clear to see. If you havea ‘beginning’ interest in CAM or like tohave an ‘immediate’ quick referenceresource at your finger-tips, then thishandbook is sure to appeal.Dean WhiteheadSenior LecturerSchool of Health and Social ServicesMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand

Why do people use different forms of complementary medicine? Multivariate associations between treatment and illness beliefs and complementary medicine use

This study investigated associations between complementary medicine use and treatment and illness beliefs. Previously validated questionnaire measures of treatment beliefs, illness beliefs, and complementary medicine use were presented and advertised online. Completed questionnaires were received from 247 participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that demographic characteristics, treatment beliefs, and illness beliefs accounted for approximately 36% of the variance in complementary medicine use. Separate analyses were conducted to predict use of different types of complementary medicine. The strength of associations between beliefs and complementary medicine use was related to the type of complementary medicine used. The results suggest that people use complementary medicine because they are attracted to it rather than because they are disillusioned with orthodox medicine, and that both treatment and illness beliefs have an important role in explaining why people use complementary medicine.

Evaluation of haptotherapy for patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy at a day clinic

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate a haptotherapeutic treatment and its effects on the perceived well-being of patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy in day care. Methods The study had a pre-test–post-test semi-experimental design, with 31 patients in the intervention group and 26 in the control group. Patients in the control group were matched with patients in the experimental condition with respect to age, gender, type of cancer, type of chemotherapy, prognosis and the period between pre- and post-test. Standardized questionnaires were used measuring perceived well-being and satisfaction with care (haptotherapy). Indicators of well-being measured were quality of life, mood, meaning in life, general functioning, physical and psychological symptoms, sleep quality and body awareness. The intervention consisted of five haptotherapy sessions of 45 minutes each. Patients in the control condition received standard medical care. Results Patients were highly satisfied with the haptotherapy treatment, and especially valued the personal attention and the relaxation they experienced. The haptotherapy treatment improved both the perceived general quality of life and the perceived cognitive and social functioning of patients. No improvement was found for mood, meaning in life, general functioning, physical symptoms, sleep quality and body awareness. Conclusion It may be concluded that haptotherapy positively contributes to several indicators of perceived well-being of patients with cancer during the period they receive chemotherapy. More rigorous experimental studies are necessary in this field, especially concerning randomization, number of participants and homogeneity of the sample. Practice implications Haptotherapy as a type of complementary medicine is a potentially valuable and effective intervention to raise the well-being of patients with cancer undergoing invasive treatments like chemotherapy.