A clínica da similitude / The clinical practice of similarity

Agradecemos a gentileza do convite para proferir esta conferência no interessante momento em que, por iniciativa da comissão organizadora deste XXII Congresso Brasileiro de Homeopatia, são convidados observadores e palestrantes da área não homeopática com a intencionalidade de nos questionar e quebrar a assim chamada auto referência. Trazemos aqui algumas considerações sobre a Clínica da Similitude, que esperamos possam contribuir para a compreensão do nosso modelo e levantar questionamentos sobre a nossa prática. Foi-nos ensinado que a ciência começa na filosofia clássica como um projeto de conhecimento do homem, valendo-se inicialmente apenas da razão, incorporando posteriormente o trabalho experimental para a sua evolução e aperfeiçoamento. Nesse contexto observamos que, como consequência do resgate acidental de Hahnemann, a Homeopatia nasce bem dentro da proposta de experimentação buscando, a seguir, valer-se da razão para tentar compreender o conhecimento que ali se mostrava. (AU)

Tratamento homeopático e prevenção da Covid-19: protocolo de pesquisa clínica para avaliar a eficácia e a segurança do medicamento do gênio epidêmico / Homeopathic treatment and prevention of Covid-19: clinical research protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the epidemic genius medicine

Além da reconhecida aplicação nas doenças crônicas, a homeopatia individualizada também pode atuar de forma resolutiva ou complementar nos casos agudos, incluindo as doenças epidêmicas. No entanto, para atingir esse intento, apresenta uma metodologia semiológica e terapêutica específica que deve ser seguida e respeitada, com o risco de não apresentar a eficácia e a segurança desejada. No caso das doenças epidêmicas, que pela virulência dos seus agentes provoca um quadro sintomatológico comum na maioria dos indivíduos suscetíveis, o medicamento homeopático individualizado (medicamento homeopático do gênio epidêmico) deve apresentar semelhança com o conjunto de sinais e sintomas característicos dos pacientes acometidos nos diferentes estágios de cada surto epidêmico. Estudos evidenciam a eficácia e a segurança desta prática terapêutica e/ou profilática em diversas epidemias do passado. Assim sendo, após o levantamento dos possíveis medicamentos homeopáticos individualizados do gênio epidêmico de cada epidemia, sua aplicação terapêutica e/ou profilática em larga escala deve ser sustentada por ensaios clínicos prévios que demonstrem sua eficácia e segurança, em consonância com os aspectos éticos e bioéticos da pesquisa envolvendo seres humanos. Cumprindo essas premissas da boa prática clínica, elaboramos, em março de 2020, esse protocolo de pesquisa para investigar, em ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego e placebo-controlado, a eficácia e a segurança de possíveis medicamentos homeopáticos individualizados do gênio epidêmico da COVID-19. Caso a eficácia e a segurança se confirmem, e tão somente nessa condição, o medicamento poderá ser utilizado de forma generalizada e coletiva no tratamento e na prevenção da atual epidemia. Com esse intuito, encaminhamos este projeto a médicos, pesquisadores e gestores de diversos hospitais públicos e privados, solicitando uma oportunidade para aplicar essa proposta em pacientes internados em enfermarias e/ou centros de terapia intensiva destinadas ao tratamento da COVID-19.

In addition to the recognized application in chronic diseases, individualized homeopathy can also act in a resolutive or complementary way in acute cases, including epidemic diseases. However, to achieve this intent, it presents a specific semiologic and therapeutic methodology that must be followed and respected, with the risk of not presenting the desired efficacy and safety. In the case of epidemic diseases, which due to the virulence of their agents causes a common symptomatological picture in most susceptible individuals, the individualized homeopathic medicine (homeopathic medicine of the epidemic genius) should present similarity with the set of characteristic symptoms and signs of the patients affected in the different stages of each epidemic outbreak. Studies show the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic and/or prophylactic practice in several epidemics of the past. Therefore, after the survey of possible individualized homeopathic medicine from the epidemic genius of each epidemic, its therapeutic and/or large-scale prophylactic application should be supported by previous clinical trials that demonstrate its effectiveness and safety, in line with the ethical and bioethical aspects of research involving human beings. Fulfilling these premises of good clinical practice, we developed, in March 2020, this research protocol to investigate, in a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effectiveness and safety of possible individualized homeopathic medicines of epidemic genius of COVID-19. If effectiveness and safety are confirmed, and only in this condition, the medicine may be used in a generalized and collective manner in the treatment and prevention of the current epidemic. To this end, we refer this project to physicians, researchers and managers of several public and private hospitals, requesting an opportunity to apply this proposal to patients hospitalized in wards and/or intensive care units for the treatment of COVID-19.

Survey COVID-19 first peak 2020: viewpoint of Belgian homeopathic medical doctors

This retrospective observational survey of the practice of Homeopathic Medical Doctors in Belgium including 313 patients presenting mild COVID-19 symptoms allows us to conclude that during such epidemic situation for which not any effective therapy exists and no vaccination is possible homeopathy should be considered. The efficiency score (healing of symptoms in less than 8 days) is relevant for 83,1% of these patients. 4 homeopathic medicines were prescribed to 66% of them. 1,3% needed hospitalization for some time. Not any loss of chance to cure occurred for these patients. Market data reveals that homeopathy has been largely used for prevention and healing during the early peak of COVID-19 in Belgium.

Estudo preliminar para avaliação de sintomas e medicamentos prevalentes do "gênio epidêmico" da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil / Preliminary study to assess symptoms and prevalent drugs of the "epidemic genius" of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Estamos no meio da pandemia do Covid-19, em franco desenvolvimento no Brasil. No momento há perspectivas terapêuticas medicamentosa sem fases iniciais de teste, especialmente para o tratamento dos casos graves, aqueles que implicam em internação ou encaminhamento para Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Pouco tem sido abordado sobre tentativas de tratamento de pacientes com síndrome respiratória leve. Não há escolha terapêutica efetiva para o início do quadro e, desta forma, a doença cursa de acordo com a resposta imune ou suscetibilidade individual do acometido, e há muito pouco de efetivo e específico que altere a história natural dessa enfermidade. (AU)

Covid-19, el nuevo reto de la medicina homeopática / Covid-19, the New Challenge of Homeopathic Medicine

La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (covid-19), causada por el nuevo coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2), ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de la actualización constante y la resistencia del personal médico, así como la importancia de la organización y capacidad de la comunidad para responder a una enfermedad que indudablemente cambió nuestra manera de ejercer, de estudiar y de vivir. Originado en la ciudad de Wuhan, en China, el coronavirus ha logrado extenderse a todo el mundo desencadenando una crisis de salud pública, en la que la medicina homeopática tiene un papel fundamental. (AU)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) which is caused by the novel type 2 Severe Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has made manifest the need for constant updating, as well as concerns regarding the resistance of medical personnel. It has also exhibited the importance of organization and the capacity to respond to a disease as a community. The viral infection has thus far undoubtedly changed the way we practice, study and live. First identified in the city of Wuhan, China, the coronavirus has managed to spread throughout the globe, triggering a public health crisis, in which Homeopathy has a fundamental role. (AU)

A review on preclinical studies conducted with Homeopathic medicine Cephalandra indica as an Anti-hyperglycemic agent

Background ­ Diabetes Mellitus a metabolic disorder affects the secretion of insulin from pancreas leading to hyperglycemia, if uncontrolled leads to complications triggered by free radical formed after oxidative stress. Homeopathic medicine Cephalandra Indica has shown antidiabetic activity in various potencies performed on preclinical studies on diabetic rat model. The present review highlights the pharmacological profile of homeopathic preparations Cephalandra Indica on preclinical studies and calculating the probable human equivalent dosage from preclinical studies for the pilot studies. Method ­ Articles published between January 1988 and December 2018 was included in review. Databases like PubMed ­ Medline, Google scholar were used for collecting the articles. Keywords like 'Homeopathy' or 'Homoeopathy', 'Invitro', 'Invivo' and 'Cephalandra Indica' were used. SABEH criteria were implemented for assessing methodology quality of articles. Results ­ Seven full text articles were included in review which had six Invivo studies and one Invitro study. This review article provided the scientific validation of high diluted homeopathic medicines pharmacological activity of Cephalandra Indica and probable mechanism of action confirmed through preclinical studies. Conversion of dosage from animal model to human dosage for pilot studies has been hypothetically proposed. Conclusion ­ Homeopathic medicine Cephalandra Indica has a therapeutic and safety profile with no toxicity observed in preclinical studies. The proposed hypothesis of conversion of dosage needs to be validated for further studies. (au)

Management of early years of simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis with pre-defined Homoeopathic medicines ­ a Prospective Observational Study with 2-Years Follow-Up

Background Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (SMCB) is characterized by recurrent mucoid or mucopurulent expectoration in absence of localized suppurative disease. This observational open label study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of homeopathic medicine in SMCB. Methods 1902 patients were screened from 07 centres out of which 1305 were excluded. 597 patients were enrolled as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 14 pre-defined homeopathic medicines were shortlisted for prescription after repertorizing the pathological symptoms of SMCB. Outcomes were assessed through chronic bronchitis symptom scale (CBSS) and FEV1/ FVC ratio with spirometry for over a period of two years. Appearance of any change (relief/ worse)/ status quo was immediately followed by placebo/ change in dilution/ change in remedy. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: 532 patients were analyzed based on the intention to treat principle using last observation carry forward method. Mean CBS score reduced from 29.86±4.5 at baseline to 12.33±7.6 at completion of 2 years. Repeated measures ANOVA, at time points 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9, 12 ,15, 18, 21 and 24 months, showed significant reduction in CBS scores [Wilk's Lambda 0.104, F=564, df 524; p=00001]. The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was maintained within normal limits. 86% prescriptions included Lycopodium, Arsenicum album, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Stannum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, Bryonia alba. Conclusion: The result suggests effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in early years of SCMB patients. Controlled trials are warranted. (AU)

Estudio piloto del efecto terapéutico de algunos medicamentos homeopáticos indicados en la rinofaringitis aguda / Pilot study of therapeutic effect of some homeopathic medicines indicated for acute nasopharyngitis

El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de mostrar el efecto terapéutico de algunos medicamentos homeopáticos en la rinofaringitis aguda o resfriado común, enfermedad aguda de vías respiratorias superiores de tipo viral de baja patogenicidad (VRSBP) y gran incidencia en la actualidad, en una muestra piloto de tipo clínico, longitudinal y prospectiva, conformada por 22 pacientes captados en la Unidad Médica de la Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía (ENMH) del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN); 15 pacientes del sexo femenino y 7 del masculino, en un rango de entre 4 y 11 años de edad. La elección de los medicament s homeopáticos se realizó con base en lasemiología de los síntomas presentados, enfatizando particularmente en las modalidades, el color del moco, ataque al estado general y la exploración física.

This paper aims to show the therapeutic effect of some homeopathic medicines in acute nasopharyngitis or common cold , acute upper respiratory disease of viral type low pathogenic ( VRSBP ) and high incidence currently in a pilot sample clinical , longitudinal and prospective type , consisting of 22 patients recruited in the Medical Unit of the National School of Medicine and Homeopathy ( ENMH ) of the National Polytechnic Institute ( IPN) ; 15 female patients and 7 male , ranging between 4 and 11 years old. The choice of homeopathic medicament s was made based on thesemiotics of the symptoms presented , emphasizing particularly on the modalities , the color of mucus, malaise and physical examination.

Un caso clínico de oligohidramnios severo tratado con homeopatía / A clinical case of severe oligohydramnios treated with homeopathy

Este artículo relata un caso clínico urgente de oligohidramnios (OH) severo, en una paciente primigesta que se encontraba en la semana 21 de gestación, y con un pronóstico de terminación de la misma en las siguientes 48 a 72 horas. La intervención con una prescripción compleja permitió la reversión pronta y total del OH hasta permitir la conclusión a término de un producto sano. Dada la carencia de bibliografía en esta patología, se describe la justificación de la conducta terapéutica.

This paper talks about a mild-severe, urgent case of oligohydramios (OH) in a 21 years woman on her first pregnancy, with a fatal prognosis during the next 48- 72 hours. Homeopathic intervention with a complex prescription produced a rapid and total reversion of OH, leading a term birth of a healthy boy. Due to lacking of homeopathic bibliography on this condition, it is presented rational of therapeutic conduct.

Effects of 200cH medications on mice bone marrow cells and macrophages. / Effects of 200cH medications on mice bone marrow cells and macrophages.

Paracelsus once wrote: "All things are poison and nothing is without poison, only the dose permits something not to be poisonous." Latter Hahnemann formulated the law of similars, preparations which cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals if given in diluted form to patients exhibiting similar symptoms will cure it. Highly diluted natural complexes prepared according to Hahnemann?s ancient techniques may represent a new form of immunomodulatory therapy. The lack of scientific research with highly diluted products led us to investigate the in vivo and in vitro actions of commonly used medications. Here we describe the results of experimental studies aimed at verifying the effects of Mercurius solubilis, Atropa Belladonna, Lachesis muta and Bryonia alba. All medications were at 200cH dilution. Animals were maintained for 7 days and were allowed to drink the medications, which were prepared in a way that the final dilution and agitation (200cH) was performed in drinking water. The medication bottle was changed and sucussed every afternoon. Coculture of non treated mice bone marrow cells and in vitro treated peritoneal macrophages were also performed. After animal treatment the bone marrow cells were immunophenotyped with hematopoietic lineage markers on a flow cytometer. We have determined CD11b levels on bone marrow cells after culture and co-culture with treated macrophages and these macrophages were processed to scanning electron microscopy. We have observed by morphological changes that macrophages were activated after all treatments. Mercurius solubilis treated mice showed an increase in CD3 expression and in CD11b on nonadherent bone marrow cells after co-culture with in vitro treatment. Atropa Belladonna increased CD45R and decreased Ly-6G expression on bone marrow cells after animal treatment. Lachesis muta increased CD3, CD45R and, CD11c expression and decreased CD11b ex vivo and in nonadherent cells from co-culture. Bryonia alba increased Ly-6G, CD11c and CD11b expression ex vivo and when in co-culture CD11b was increased in adherent cells as well as decreased in nonadherent cells. With these results we have demonstrated that highly diluted medications act on immune cells activating macrophages, and changing the expression profile of hematopoietic lineage markers. Highly diluted medications are less toxic and cheaper than other commonly used medications and based on our observations, it is therefore conceivable that this medications which are able to act on bone marrow and immune cells may have a potential therapeutic use in clinical applications in diseases were the immune system is affected and also as regenerative medicine as it may allow proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells.

Identification and Characterization of the Causal Organism of Gummy Stem Blight in the Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Gummy stem blight is a major foliar disease of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). In this study, morphological characteristics and rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were analyzed to identify the causal organism of this disease. Morphological examination of the Jeonbuk isolate revealed that the percentage of monoseptal conidia ranged from 0% to 10%, and the average length x width of the conidia was 70 (+/- 0.96) x 32.0 (+/- 0.15) microm on potato dextrose agar. The BLAST analysis showed nucleotide gaps of 1/494, 2/492, and 1/478 with identities of 485/492 (98%), 492/494 (99%), 491/494 (99%), and 476/478 (99%). The similarity in sequence identity between the rDNA ITS region of the Jeonbuk isolate and other Didymella bryoniae from BLAST searches of GenBank was 100% and was 95.0% within the group. Nucleotide sequences of the rDNA ITS region from pure culture ranged from 98.2% to 99.8%. Phylogenetic analysis with related species of D. bryoniae revealed that D. bryoniae is a monophyletic group distinguishable from other Didymella spp., including Ascochyta pinodes, Mycosphaerella pinodes, M. zeae-maydis, D. pinodes, D. applanata, D. exigua, D. rabiei, D. lentis, D. fabae, and D. vitalbina. Phylogenetic analysis, based on rDNA ITS sequence, clearly distinguished D. bryoniae and Didymella spp. from the 10 other species studied. This study identified the Jeonbuk isolate to be D. bryoniae.

Homeopatia no tratamento de pneumonia com derrame pleural na UTI pediátrica: relato de caso / Homeopathy in the treatment of pneumonia with pleural effusion in the pediatric ICU: a case report

O presente artigo relata um caso de tratamento de pneumonia associada com derrame pleural, em um pré-escolar de 4 anos de idade, com antecedentes de alergia alimentar, refluxo gastresofágico, rinite, asma, hipogamaglobulinemia, eosinofilia, gastrite, encefalite e internações prévias por pneumonia. Além do comprometimento pulmonar, apresentava alteração do sistema nervoso central, com alternância de sonolência e agitação psicomotora. Foi tratado com Bryonia alba 30 cH 1 gota dose única, tendo boa evolução clínica e após 4 dias do inicio do tratamento homeopático, teve alta do UTI Pediátrica.

This article reports the homeopathic treatment of pneumonia with pleural effusion in a 4-year-old boy with a background of food allergy, gastroesophageal reflux, rhinitis, asthma, hypogammaglobulinemia, eosinophilia, gastritis, encephalitis and previous hospitalizations due to pneumonia. Besides the affection of the lungs he exhibited disturbs of the central nervous system, with sleepiness alternating with psychomotor agitation. He was treated with Bryonia alba 30cH 1 drop single dose, exhibiting good clinical response and 4 days after the onset of homeopathic treatment could be discharged from the pediatric ICU.

La medicina homeopática ante la epidemia de influenza tipo A H1N1 en México / Homeopathic medicine to the epidemic of influenza A H1N1 in Mexico

La epidemia de influenza aparecida en el mes de abril, documentada ya como una epidemia diferente a la de tipo estacional, se ha manifestado con uma especial virulencia, obligando alas autoridades de la secretaria de Salud a adoptar medidas inusuales en nuestro pais.

Sindrome de Sjogren, posibilidades de tratamiento homeopatico / Sjogren Syndrome, homeopathic treatment possibilities

Presentamos una revision de las actualidades fisiopatologicas y terapeuticas del sindrome de Sjogren(SS), enfermedad autoinmune que se considera la segunda en prevalencia en los Estados Unidos, solo por detras de la Artritis Reumatoidea(AR). Asimismo incluimos un planteamiento teorico acerca de los medicamentos homeopaticos que pudiesen ser utiles en la terapia de esta enfermedad con base en el conocimiento de sus componentes y los mecanismos patologicos que estos producen, ademas de los resultados observados en un grupo de 6 pacientes con SS y manejados con homeopatia por un periodo de 3 a 6 meses posteriores al tratamiento. El resultado ha sido una remision total de los sintomas durante el tiempo que se tomo el medicamento, y en algunos casos, 6 meses despues de suspenderse este.