Complementary Medicine Research最新文献

Introduction A healthy lifestyle is considered to be an important factor for healthy aging. Kneipp therapy (KT) includes a combination of hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, mind-body medicine, physical activities and healthy nutrition. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of KT care on activities of daily living, health and quality of life in residents of nursing homes. Methods We conducted a prospective, two-armed comparative observational study to compare matched nursing homes with KT (Kneipp group) vs. nursing homes with common preventive interventions (control group) over a 12-month period.. Outcome measures included activities of daily living (Barthel Index), cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and quality of life (QUALIDEM; Short-Form 12 (SF-12)). Results We included 7 nursing homes (n=105 residents) for the Kneipp group and 6 nursing homes (n=69) as control. Except for Barthel Index, there were no time point dependent differences between the groups. The Barthel Index showed a smaller difference from baseline in the control group (mean diff. 0.94, 95%CI [-1.94; 3.82]) compared to Kneipp group (- 4.08, 95%CI [-6.46; -1.69]; p=0.009) after 6 months. Pooled over the timepoints the SF-12 mental health sum scale exhibited a smaller difference from baseline in the Kneipp group (-1.3, 95%CI [-3.6; 0.9]) compared to the control group (-3.8, 95%CI [-6.3; -1.4]; p=0.027). Furthermore, the MMSE sumscore, decreased less in the Kneipp group compared to control (-1.1, 95%CI [-2.2, -0.1]; p=0.033) after 12 months. A post hoc comparison of residents from both groups who received at least 30 preventive interventions monthly exhibited better values for QUALIDEM items "social relations", "social isolation" and "feeling at home". Conclusion This comparative observational study showed only small differences in outcome measures between the groups. The frequency of treatments may positively influence social components of behavior and well-being in residents. High-quality pragmatic randomized trials are needed for further investigations.

Background: The quality of homeopathic research studies is controversially discussed. In order to improve the overall assessment of homeopathic studies and subsequently facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making, we aimed to combine methodological tools for scientific rigor with tools for external and model validity into one global tool.

Method: Against the background of previous literature and the results of a preparatory survey, a first draft of a potential overarching tool was presented to an expert panel. Then, Delphi feedback rounds were conducted to elicit responses on the feasibility. The resulting preliminary tool was pilot-tested by five research experts on five randomly selected studies. After further optimization another five studies were assessed by the same experts and another three experts tested the second version. The ratings were tested for interrater-reliability using Gwet's AC2.

Results: The appraisal tool comprises four domains. These are the assessment of risk-of-bias (1) using the Cochrane Tool, the studies' credibility (2) including the CONSORT statement and its extension on homeopathy, the study interventions' coherence (3) with homeopathic textbooks and previous research, and of the studies' clinical relevance (4). Each domain is assessed using a point system, which is then added up to an overall score. The instrument was evaluated as useful and "easy to apply" by the raters. The interrater reliability was 0.81 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.88) for five raters, and 0.64 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.79) for additional three raters in round 2, signifying good to moderate interrater reliability.

Conclusion: We have developed an applicable and reliable assessment tool for homeopathic intervention studies. Using it in systematic reviews and meta-analyses will increase their scientific value.

Introduction Many patients with breast cancer use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including mistletoe preparations (Viscum Album Extracts, VAE). CAM alone has been associated with poor outcomes. Few, if any, confirmed breast cancer remissions have been reported with CAM treatment alone. Case presentations Case 1: 61-year-old female with a histologically confirmed local recurrence of hormone receptor positive (HR+) Her2/neu negative (HER2-) breast cancer three years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The patient declined conventional therapies and was treated with intratumoral VAE plus intratumoral influenza vaccine (IV) and concurrent VAE-induced hyperthermia. Lumpectomy five months later confirmed a near pathological complete remission (near pCR). Follow-up at 3 years confirms durable remission. Case 2: 59-year-old female with histologically confirmed HR+, HER2- right sided breast cancer with 2-[18F]FDG-PET/CT positive metastatic disease who declined conventional treatment. The patient was treated with 17 monthly cycles of VAE-induced hyperthermia, eight of which included intratumoral VAE, four of these eight including intratumoral IV. Almost two years after treatment start, a follow up 2-[18F]FDG-PET/CT showed marked morphological and metabolic reduction of breast tumor on the right side, stable local lymph node metastases in the right axilla, complete remission of pulmonary metastases, the single bone metastasis, and the majority of hilomediastinal lymph node metastases but a new metabolic highly active left adrenal lesion. Conclusions Clinical studies of intratumoral Viscum Album Extract-Influenza Vaccine with concurrent VAE-induced hyperthermia in ER positive HER2/neu negative breast cancer are warranted.

Introduction: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a traditional herbal remedy with various pharmacological activities mainly used for digestive and respiratory ailments. GutGard® is a flavonoid-rich, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root extract and is standardized to glabridin (≥3.5% w/w), and others viz., glabrol, eicosanyl caffeate, docosyl caffeate, and total flavonoids (≥10% w/w) with glycyrrhizin (≤3.0% w/w)  as glycyrrhizin causes electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and water retention. Hence, the objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GutGard® in managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related symptoms when compared to placebo.

Methods: It was a double-blind, parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with participants randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the placebo group or GutGard® group. The duration of the interventions/treatment was for 28 days and the follow-up visits were done at day 7, day 14, day 28, and day 35. A telephonic follow-up was also done on day 21. The primary outcome measures studied was the change in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale.

Results: We screened a total of n = 296 participants and enrolled n = 200 participants and obtained written, informed consent from them. Participants in the GutGard® group reported a significantly better quality of life at the end of the intervention period (p = 0.014). They also reported earlier resolution of symptoms of GER as against the placebo group, especially the symptoms of heartburn (p = 0.017 on day 14 and p = 0.005 on day 28) and regurgitation (p = 0.025 on day 7, p = 0.029 on day 14, and p = 0.022 on day 28).

Conclusions: The GutGard® group showed better and earlier resolution (within 2 weeks) of symptoms of GER as against the placebo group, especially heartburn and regurgitation.

Background: Previous studies on nostril regulated breathing have contrasting findings attributed to lack of controls or not taking into account baseline nostril patency. This randomized crossover study on the effects of three nostril regulated yoga breathing practices and two controls on mood states and attention attempted to address these issues.

Materials and methods: Forty-five participants between 20 and 45 years (group mean age ± SD; 24.3±3.8 years; M;F 23:22) were assessed in five sessions in random order on five separate days. Nostril patency recorded pre-interventions in 225 sessions showed right nostril dominant at rest (RNDR) in 136 and left nostril dominant at rest (LNDR) in 89 sessions. The sessions were: (i) SAV or right uninostril breathing, (ii) CAV or left unnostril breathing, (iii) (AV or alternate nostril yoga breathing, (iv) breath awareness (BAW), and (v) quiet seated rest (QS). The practices were for 15 min each. Nostril patency was recorded pre, Brief mood introspection scale (BMIS), Global Vigor and Affect Scale (GVA) and Six letter cancellation test (SLCT) were recorded pre and post each session. Data analysis used general linear mixed model analysis, with fixed effects of states (pre and post), sessions and baseline nostril dominance (right or left).

Results: A significant interaction of sessions, states and nostril dominance at baseline was observed for total global affect (GA) (F9,396.194=2.871, p=0.003) which increased after SAV, CAV, AV and QS in participants right nostril dominant at rest (NDR) (padj<0.05 in all cases). A significant main effect of states was observed followed by significant post-hoc pair wise comparison in right NDR for (i) pleasant mood after SAV, CAV, AV and QS, (ii) positive mood after SAV and AV, and (iii) global vigor after SAV, CAV, AV and QS, and (iv) a decrease in negative mood after CAV and AV. While the volunteers who had left NDR showed a significant increase in (i) PU after CAV, AV, and QR, (ii) PT after CAV, and (iii) GV after CAV and QS.

Conclusion: Nostril dominance pre intervention appears to influence the effects of nostril regulated yoga breathing practices.

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies have shown great improvement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, yet no bibliometric analysis on TCM therapies for COPD exists.

Summary: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on TCM therapies for COPD within the past decade, utilizing the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. To analyze collaborative patterns among countries/regions, institutions, and authors, as well as identify influential references and emerging research trends, CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were employed. The dataset comprised 625 articles from WOS and 5,641 from CNKI, revealing a consistent growth in COPD-related TCM research over the past 10 years. China emerged as the leading contributor, with a predominant focus on TCM Universities. The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine was the most cited journal, while Medicine published the highest number of articles. Li JS was the most prolific author, and Barnes PJ was the most frequently cited researcher. Key studies by Leung RWM [Eur Respir J. 2013;41(5):1051-7], Li SY [BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:197], and Polkey MI [Chest. 2018;153(5):1116-24] garnered significant attention. Keyword analysis highlighted the prominence of Tai Chi, Chinese herbal medicine, acupoint sticking, acupuncture, lung function, quality of life, and inflammation as core research themes.

Key messages: Research on TCM therapies for COPD has gained growing attention over the past decade. Among the most commonly studied TCM interventions are Tai Chi, Chinese herbal medicine, acupoint sticking, and acupuncture. Lung function, quality of life, and inflammation have emerged as key areas of investigation and are likely to remain focal points for future research endeavors.

Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of homeopathic treatments for Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in children, comparing outcomes to standard allopathic treatments. Building on promising pilot study results that suggested homeopathy's non-inferiority, this multicenter trial aims to validate these findings and assess their broader clinical applicability.

Method: This open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on children (aged 02 to 12 years), suffering from acute otitis media. Primary outcome was changes in Acute Otitis Media-Severity of Symptoms (AOM-SOS) scale and Tympanic Membrane Examination scale (TMES) over 21 days and time to improvement in pain through FPS-R (Facial Pain Scale-Revised) over 10 days. The secondary outcomes were the need for antibiotics during acute AOM and the recurrence over 12 months.

Results: Intention to treat analysis was carried out on 222 children; Homeopathy(n=116)(H-group), Allopathy(n=106) (A-group). Statistically significant reduction in AOM-SOS+TMES score in H-group compared to A-group was observed at time point day 3 (mean diff.±sd: 1.67±0.47; 95% CI: 0.75 to 2.59; p=0.001), at day 7 (mean diff.±sd: 1.22±0.56; 95% CI: 0.13 to 2.31, p=0.028) favored homeopathy. However, the median time for FPS-R score to become zero by day 10 (H= 3 days, A= 4 days) was statistically insignificant (p=0.29). None of the children in the H group required antibiotics whereas it was required in 14 children(12.4%) in A group .

Conclusion: Homeopathic treatment helped in managing acute otitis media in children similar to that of Allopathic treatment. Homeopathy can be a safe treatment approach in managing in this condition. Further blinded studies are warranted.

Background: Cupping therapy, a traditional treatment method, has been shown to be effective in various studies. However, there have been reports of significant neurological complications following cupping therapy. This comprehensive review aimed to investigate the important and potentially severe neurological complications documented in the literature.

Summary: The review analyzed case reports and case studies published in three major databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) up to June 2024. The search strategy involved a three-step process, where two traditional medicine experts independently searched for case reports and published case series, and then a 3-person committee consisting of two traditional medicine experts and a neurologist reviewed the selected articles. Out of 280 case reports and case series, 12 studies were included in the review, reporting 14 patients with neurological complications. The majority of cases (7/14) involved interventions combining cupping with other traditional medicine manual therapies. Complications reported included vascular and infectious complications, with subdural hemorrhage being the most common (4/14). Most patients (11/14) were free of underlying diseases, and all but 3 patients recovered from their complications with surgical and medical treatments.

Key messages: The study concludes that although rare, neurological complications of cupping therapy can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential for traditional medicine practitioners to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to prevent them. Adopting proper techniques and adhering to health guidelines can help mitigate the likelihood of complications. The creation of an international system to record and report the side effects of cupping therapy is also recommended.

Introduction: Postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) are common in women after delivery and often progress to postpartum depression (PPD). This secondary analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of acupoint hot compress in patients with different PPD risks.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 1,085 participants. Of these, 537 received acupoint hot compress treatment, while 548 received routine postpartum care. Participants were categorized into two groups based on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores measured 76.5 h after delivery. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared, and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between acupoint hot compress and PDS. Subgroup analyses were used to determine the effect of acupoint hot compress on participants with different PPD risks.

Results: Among the 1,085 participants, 866 were in the low-risk PPD group (EPDS score <9), and 219 in the high-risk PPD group (EPDS score ≥9). Educational level, labor induction, postpartum uterine contraction pain intensity, sleep and appetite during pregnancy significantly impacted PDS. Acupoint hot compress significantly improved PDS after vaginal delivery, particularly in high-risk PPD patients with lower educational levels, abnormal pregnancy appetite or sleep, and serve postpartum uterine contraction pain.

Conclusion: Acupoint hot compress is an effective, non-invasive intervention with minimal side effects for improving PDS.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly affects work productivity and quality of life. Despite advancements in treatment, LBP continues to pose a global health challenge, with increasing research on manipulative therapy as a non-invasive treatment option. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends in manipulative therapy for LBP.

Summary: This study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze global research dynamics on manipulative therapy for LBP from 1998 to 2023. A total of 2,879 articles were identified and analyzed using CiteSpace software, revealing key research trends, leading countries, and influential contributors. The analysis demonstrated that research on manipulative therapy for LBP has been steadily increasing, particularly between 2019 and 2021. The USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark were among the leading countries in this field. Core research concepts identified through keyword co-occurrence analysis include "low back pain," "manipulative therapy," and "spinal manipulation."

Key messages: Manipulative therapy for LBP is a growing field with increasing global interest, particularly between 2019 and 2021. The USA, Netherlands, and Denmark are leading contributors to the research, with notable academic collaborations. Future research should focus on comparative treatment effectiveness, safety assessments, and mechanistic analyses to further validate the role of manipulative therapy in LBP management.