Revista Médica de Homeopatía最新文献

Introduction and objectives

Haemorrhoids are a frequent complaint that can be treated with homeopathy, but effectiveness of this treatment has not been evaluated. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of treating haemorrhoids with homeopathic treatment (intervention group) compared to usual care (control group).

Methods

A non-randomised, controlled, prospective study was conducted on patients (> 18 years, without cognitive impairment) with haemorrhoids, of which 21 were assigned to receive usual care and 32 homeopathic treatment, on the basis of their preference and regular practice in 14 community pharmacies in Girona, Spain (May-August 2013). At baseline, 15 days, and 30 days, pain and itch were measured using visual analogue scales (VAS), and quality of life was measured using the EUROQoL-5D and VAS.

Results

The usual care patients were more likely to be using other treatments for haemorrhoids at baseline (P < .05). Both groups showed a general improvement in the symptoms. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of relief of itching, reduction in the level of pain, or improvement in the quality of life. Statistical power was only adequate in the analysis of the reduction of pain. Only 55% of patients suffering the condition for more than 10 years had visited a physician for their haemorrhoids.

Conclusions

The sample size was limited and there were confounding factors (use of other medications) that may have limited the possibility of detecting differences. Randomised controlled studies, with a longer follow-up period and a larger sample size, should be carried out before making systematic recommendations concerning these treatments.

Otitis media is among the most common infectious diseases of childhood, and can be a short event to progression of a chronic disease that can lead to absence from school and permanent hearing impairment. Conventional treatment, in some cases, is not sufficient to cure recurrent cases, and excess antibiotic use unnecessarily generates bacterial resistance. Unicist homeopathy for otitis media should be handled under the principle of individuality, taking into account the integrity of the patient's symptoms, and not only those that refer to particularly to the ear. There are some studies associated with unicism, but new approaches are needed to demonstrate its usefulness and be exposed to the scientific community, as well as being applied in the general health services.

Background and objectives

It is known that the high prevalence of hypertension in Florida has led to the use of alternative therapies that can replace the use of conventional drugs. The aim of this study was to compare the homeopathic and conventional treatment response in patients suffering from high blood pressure.

Methods

An experimental, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted on 264 patients who came to the Out Patient Department of Manuel Piti Fajardo General Hospital of Florida, with a diagnosis of hypertension, from June to July of 2014. Two groups of patients were formed; Group A received the homeopathic treatment (Viscum album 30 CH, 5 drops sublingually every 5 min up to 4 administrations), and Group B, conventional treatment (1 tablet of captopril 25 mg sublingually as a single dose). Improvement was considered in patients whose arterial blood pressure decreased by 10% after 60 min.

Results

Hypertension predominated slightly in female patients between 48 and 62 years old. The large majority (81.82%) of patients improved, with no significant differences between both experimental groups. Time of arterial blood pressure reduction was less for the group of patients who received the natural treatment (37.50 min). Adverse drug reactions were not reported for Viscum album.

Conclusions

Arterial blood pressure increases slightly with age, with no significant differences between sexes. The homeopathic remedy decreases the arterial blood pressure in less time, being as effective as the conventional drug, and without adverse drug reactions.