A Case of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Successfully Treated during Homeopathic Supportive Care in Oncology.

INTRODUCTION: A 32-year-old patient with colon cancer consulted for homeopathic supportive care (HSC). She had also suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) for 20 years. Could homeopathy treat these two very different issues with the same medicine? THE PATIENT'S MAIN CONCERNS: Though the main reason for the consultation was a fear of the side effects of chemotherapy, the presence of Escherichia coli-induced RUTIs affected the patient's quality of life. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The repertory listing highlighted Pulsatilla as the patient's homeopathic constitutional medicine. It was prescribed both for HSC and also for RUTI. In association with Arsenicum album and Nerves, Pulsatilla enabled a good tolerance to chemotherapy, with rapid recovery from peripheral neuropathies. In combination with Colibacillinum, Pulsatilla provided relapse-free curing of the RUTIs. The MOdified NARanjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) Inventory score was +9. CONCLUSION: The one individual's two different clinical complaints were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine, Pulsatilla, which covered the whole case. However, in HSC, the use of the constitutional remedy alone is rarely sufficient: it was reinforced by individualised symptomatic medication, organotherapy and isotherapy. For RUTI, isopathic and tubercular miasmatic treatments were each helpful. For both complaints, individualised homeopathy gave rapid, long-lasting and effective results.

Promising Roles of Alternative Medicine and Plant-Based Nanotechnology as Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered to be the most common infections worldwide, having an incidence rate of 40-60% in women. Moreover, the prevalence of this disorder in adult women is 30 times more than in men. UTIs are usually found in many hospitals and clinical practice; as disorders, they are complicated and uncomplicated; in uncomplicated cases, there is no structural or functional abnormality in the urogenital tract. However, obstruction, retention of urine flow and use of catheters increase the complexity. There are several bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, etc.) successfully residing in the tract. The diagnosis must not only be accurate but rapid, so early detection is an important step in the control of UTIs caused by uropathogens. The treatment of UTIs includes appropriate antimicrobial therapy to control the infection and kill the causal microbes inside the body. A long-time usage of antibiotics has resulted in multidrug resistance causing an impediment in treatment. Thus, alternative, combinatorial medication approaches have given some hope. Available treatments considered Homeopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani, and other herbal-based drugs. There are new upcoming roles of nanoparticles in combating UTIs which needs further validation. The role of medicinal plant-based nanotechnology approaches has shown promising results. Therefore, there must be active research in phyto-based therapies of UTIs, such as Ayurvedic Biology.

Two Case Reports of Integrated Management of Antibiotic-Resistant Urinary Tract Infection.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent in women. Cystitis after intercourse (post-coital cystitis) accounts for 60% of recurrent cases. Most physicians treat recurrent UTIs (R-UTIs) with multiple courses of antibiotics. The high prevalence indicates that this bacteria-oriented approach in the long term is ineffective for many women. A change in clinical behavior regarding use of antibiotics and recognizing the importance of a patient's self-defense mechanisms are important considerations in combating antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: The intervention for each of two women with R-UTI was integrated treatment with a non-conventional and tailor-made homeopathy regimen, addressing multiple levels of disease simultaneously, for the prevention of recurrence as well as for treatment. Assessment of causal attribution of homeopathy treatment effect was carried out using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. RESULTS: Case 1 presented with chronic multi-morbid conditions, including R-UTI which had become multi-drug resistant. With regular homeopathic treatment, her antibiotic use reduced, her diabetic profile improved, and she did not need prophylactic antibiotics. Case 2 suffered from R-UTI with post-coital cystitis and burning sensation, despite following all conventional advice for treatment and prophylaxis. Addition of homeopathy improved her quality of life and prevented relapses. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score for each patient was +10/13 and +9/13, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of homeopathy can be an effective approach in integrated management of antibiotic-resistant R-UTIs. Controlled research on the topic is thus indicated.

Homeopathic medicine Cantharis modulates uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC)-induced cystitis in susceptible mice.

OBJECTIVE: This is a random blinded placebo controlled murine experimental model to study the effects of Cantharis 6 CH, a homeopathic medicine, on E coli-induced cystitis. METHODS: 24 adult susceptible female BALB/c mice were inoculated with E coli - UPEC O4:K-:H5 by a transurethral catheter. Cantharis 6cH or vehicle (placebo) was offered to mice by free access into the drinking water (1:100), during 24 h after infection. Spleen, bladder and kidneys were processed for quantitative histopathology after immunohistochemistry, using anti-CD3, CD79, MIF, NK and VEGF antibodies; the cytokines present in the bladder washing fluid were measured using a LUMINEX-Magpix KIT. Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact test were used as statistical analysis. RESULTS: Cantharis 6 CH increased IL12p40, IFN-γ and decreased IL10 concentrations in the bladder fluid (p⩽0.05); in the bladder mucosa, it increased the ratio between B and T lymphocytes (31%) and between B lymphocytes and MIF+ macrophages (57%, p⩽0.05). In the pelvis, instead, it decreased the B/T cells ratio (41%, p⩽0.05) and increased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio (42%, p⩽0.05). No differences were seen in the kidney and spleen analysis. CONCLUSION: The inverted balance of inflammatory cells and cytokines in bladder and pelvis mucosa shows specific local immune modulation induced by Cantharis 6cH.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in persons with spinal cord injury in Switzerland: a survey study.

STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaire-based survey study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of and the satisfaction with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Rehabilitation Center, Switzerland. METHODS: Between May and September 2014, all patients with chronic (>1 year) SCI attending the urologic outpatient clinic were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding the use of CAM. RESULTS: Of the 103 participants (66 men and 37 women), 73.8% stated that they have used some form of CAM since SCI, with acupuncture and homeopathy being the two techniques that were used most frequently (31% each). The most common indications for CAM use were pain and urinary tract infections (UTIs). CAM was used supplementarily rather than exclusively. Overall satisfaction (85.1%) as well as satisfaction rates for the different indications (pain: 85%; UTI: 90.5%) and for the most frequently used forms of CAM (homeopathy: 90.6%; acupuncture: 78.1%) were high. CONCLUSION: According to our data, there is a demand for adjunctive CAM procedures for the treatment of medical complications by persons with SCI. CAM led to high satisfaction levels. On the basis of these results, future research should systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of the most popular CAM techniques, for example, acupuncture and homeopathy, for the treatment of secondary medical complications of SCI.

Organ-preserving treatment of an epididymal abscess in a patient with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of successful organ-preserving treatment of an epididymal abscess in a tetraplegic patient. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Switzerland. METHODS: We present the clinical course of a patient with an epididymal abscess caused by multiresistant bacteria. As the patient declined surgical intervention, a conservative approach was induced with intravenous antibiotic treatment. As the clinical findings did not ameliorate, adjunctive homeopathic treatment was used. RESULTS: Under combined treatment, laboratory parameters returned to normal, and the epididymal abscess was rapidly shrinking. After 1 week, merely a subcutaneous liquid structure was detected. Fine-needle aspiration revealed sterile purulent liquid, which was confirmed by microbiological testing when the subcutaneous abscess was drained. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: As the risk for recurrent epididymitis is high in persons with spinal cord injury, an organ-preserving approach is justified even in severe cases. Homeopathic treatment was a valuable adjunctive treatment in the above-mentioned case. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the future opportunities and limitations of classical homeopathy in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

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).

Homeopathic medicine activity on the growth of Gram-negative bacteria

Homeopathy is a therapy that uses medications prepared with infinitesimal and dynamized dilutions. Current studies demonstrate in vitro activity of homeopathy on gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureusand Streptococcus pyogenes. Among bacterial infections, urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequent, leads to later consequences and the main causal agent is Escherichia coli(E. coli). In other publications, it has been reported inactivity of homeopathy on E. colicultures. Due to the divergence in the literature, the objective of this study was to evaluate gram-negative bacteria growth under homeopathy treatment. Methods:The medicines Atropabelladona, Cantharis, Staphysagria,and Colibacillinumwere tested at 6CH, 12CH and 30CH inE. coliATCC 25922 and EPEC (Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) ATCC 43887. Two hundred and fifty microliters of the medicines in alcohol 30% were incubated at 37ºC with 3 mL of Müller Hinton broth (MH), 10 µL of cultures at 0.5 Macfarland and subsequent dilution at 1/10. Bacterial growth was evaluated in a spectrophotometer at 600nm, in the periods of 6, 12,and 20 hours of incubation. Resultsand Discussion:The results showed no inhibition of bacterial growth under the studied conditions. These data corroborate with studies already published that indicate the absence of action of homeopathy on E. colicultures. Considering other studies, it can be suggested that homeopathic medicines have direct activity on the growth of Gram-positive and not Gram-negative bacteria. Evaluating the two bacterial groups, it is possible to assume that the difference in homeopathy activity could be linked to differences in the bacterial wall structure. This hypothesis should be evaluated by other tests with the same bacterialstrains. Conclusion:The homeopathic medicines tested have no direct activity on Gram-negative bacteria cultures.

Utilization and Safety of Common Over-the-Counter Dietary/Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Agents, and Homeopathic Compounds for Disease Prevention.

Dietary supplements are commonly used by patients as part of their medical care plan. Often clinicians may not be aware of their use, because patients do not always consider these to be medications. All clinicians need to continually ask patients about their use of dietary supplements when collecting a medication history. Dietary supplements and prescription medications often share similar enzymatic pathways for their metabolism. These interactions may lead to severe adverse reactions. This article reviews available evidence for a variety of dietary supplements in select disease categories.

Panorama de resistencia antimicrobiana de los aislamientos urinarios de pacientes adultos en los servicios de urgencias de Manizales, Caldas, durante el 2018 / Overview of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract isolates from adult patients in the emergency room service of Manizales, Caldas, in 2018

Introducción: los servicios de urgencias requieren de la toma de medidas eficaces y oportunas en el manejo de los pacientes, esto incluye el uso adecuado de antibióticos. La resistencia antimicrobiana dificulta la instauración de terapias empíricas adecuadas, por lo que su vigilancia toma un papel fundamental en los programas de optimización de uso de antimicrobianos. Objetivo: describir el perfil microbiológico y la resistencia antibiótica de los aislamientos urinarios obtenidos de pacientes adultos de los servicios de urgencias de 7 instituciones de tercer nivel de la ciudad de Manizales, durante el año 2018. Resultados: se recolectaron 1991 aislamientos urinarios, el microorganismo más frecuentemente aislado fue Escherichia coli con un 62%. Se encontraron altas tasas de resistencia a cefazolina, trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol, ciprofloxacina y ampicilina/sulbactam. La resistencia a nitrofurantoína y fosfomicina al igual que a carbapenémicos es baja para Escherichia coli. Los aislamientos urinarios de Pseudomonas aeruginosa muestran niveles de resistencia superiores al promedio nacional. Conclusiones: es importante individualizar el manejo antibiótico empírico, teniendo en cuenta la estratificación por severidad, la presencia de factores de riesgo para bacterias multidrogorresistentes, y la epidemiología local; los análisis de cada institución y los resultados de este trabajo, pueden ser utilizados para establecer conductas terapéuticas más precisas en los casos de infecciones del tracto urinario, mejorando los desenlaces de estos pacientes y los costos derivados de la atención en salud.

Introduction: patient management in emergency rooms require swift and effective clinical decisions; this includes choosing antibiotics correctly. Antimicrobial resistance impairs the adequate choice of empirical therapy, making the surveillance of utmost importance for antimicrobial stewardship programs. Objective: we aimed to describe the microbiological and antimicrobial resistance profile of urinary isolates obtained from adult patients of the emergency services of seven tertiary institutions in the city of Manizales, during the year 2018. Results: from a total of 1991 urinary tract isolates, 62% corresponded to Escherichia coli, the most common bacteria cultured from the emergency room. Susceptibility analysis revealed high resistance levels to cefazolin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. Resistance to nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and carbapenems was low for Escherichia coli isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed antimicrobial resistance levels above national averages. Conclusions: empirical antibiotic therapy must be tailored on a patient by patient basis, taking into account the severity of the disease, risk factors for multi-drug resistance bacteria, the institutional and local epidemiology depicted in this work. By using these results, the adjustment of empirical antimicrobial regimens for urinary tract infections could improve clinical outcomes and reduce health care costs.

New alternatives for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection, presentation of 2 clinical cases / Nuevas alternativas para el tratamiento de infección urinaria no complicada, presentación de 2 casos clínicos

Abstract The current perspective on the management of infectious diseases is a challenge for clinicians, because while new antibiotics are developed, bacteria improves its resistance system. That is why this study presents CANTHARIS 9 CH as an alternative treatment for urinary tract infection. This drug has an homeopathic use and it has been tested on humans as an urinary prophylactic. In this text, we present two cases of patients who voluntarily accept to receive this new protocol. Both cases show laboratory confirmation of infection, with quinolone resis tance, among others, and negativization post-treatment with CANTHARIS 9 CH. No side effects were reported in this sample.

Resumen La actual perspectiva en el manejo de enfermedades infecciosas es un reto para el clínico, en la medida en que se desarrollan nuevos antibióticos, las bacterias mejoran su sistema de resistencia. Por esto, este estudio presenta una alternativa al tratamiento de infección urinaria con CANTHARIS 9 CH, medicamento de uso homeopático que tiene estudios en humanos como profiláctico urinario. Se presentan dos casos de pacientes que aceptan voluntariamente recibir este nuevo protocolo. En ambos casos se muestra una confirmación microbiológica de la infección, con resistencia a quinolonas, entre otros, y negativización post tratamiento con el medicamento CANTHARIS 9 CH. No se reportaron efectos secundarios en esta muestra.

[Homeopathic prophylaxis of urinary tract infections in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction]. / Homöopathische Prophylaxe von Harnweginfekten bei Patienten mit neurogener Blasenfunktionsstörung.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) in patients with spinal cord injury are a frequent clinical problem. Often, preventive measures are not successful. We present the case reports of five patients with recurrent UTI who received additional homeopathic treatment. Of these patients, three remained free of UTI, whereas UTI frequency was reduced in two patients. Our initial experience with homeopathic prevention of UTI is encouraging. For an evidence-based evaluation of this concept, prospective studies are required.

Caso agudo (ITU): conduta terapêutica hahnemanniana / Hahnemann therapeutic guidelines in acute cases: urinary infection case-report

Relato do caso: Sra. M., 57 anos, há 3 dias apresentando dores agudas na uretra, em queimação, ao urinar, e coceira após; dores no baixo ventre, em topografia de bexiga, antes e durante a micção; desejo muito aumentado de urinar, mas a cada ida ao banheiro, apenas um pouco de urina era expelida; indisposição geral; bastante irritada,nervosa, ralhando severamente com os familiares, especialmente logo após a micção; hipersensível mesmo a pequenos estímulos, como luz, ruídos, conversa das pessoas; normalmente calorenta, mas agora abrigando-se do frio até de modo excessivo – masnão apresentava febre. Apetite diminuído, mas com sede. Sem outras queixas. Ao exame físico, dor à palpação abdominal em região suprapúbica. Abdome inocente.

Caso agudo (ITU): conduta terapêutica hahnemanniana / Hahnemann therapeutic guidelines in acute cases: urinary infection case-report

Relato do caso: Sra. M., 57 anos, há 3 dias apresentando dores agudas na uretra, em queimação, ao urinar, e coceira após; dores no baixo ventre, em topografia de bexiga, antes e durante a micção; desejo muito aumentado de urinar, mas a cada ida ao banheiro, apenas um pouco de urina era expelida; indisposição geral; bastante irritada,nervosa, ralhando severamente com os familiares, especialmente logo após a micção; hipersensível mesmo a pequenos estímulos, como luz, ruídos, conversa das pessoas; normalmente calorenta, mas agora abrigando-se do frio até de modo excessivo – masnão apresentava febre. Apetite diminuído, mas com sede. Sem outras queixas. Ao exame físico, dor à palpação abdominal em região suprapúbica. Abdome inocente.

In vitro growth of uropathogenic Escherichia coliisolated from a snow leopard treated withhomeopathic and isopathic remedies: a pilot study / Estudo do crescimento (in vitro) de Escherichia coli uropatogênica isolada a partir de um leopardo das neves e tratada com medicamentos homeopáticos e isopáticos: estudo piloto

This paper reports the results of incubation of a strain of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolated from a snow leopard - which had died of septicemia secondary to necro-hemorrhagic cystitis - with homeopathic and isopathic remedies. Methods: UPEC was isolated from heart blood and previously typified for virulence factors; it was incubated with homeopathic remedies Cantharis vesicatoria (urinary tract infection affinity), Mercurius solubilis (from symptoms analysis) and nosode prepared from the actual strain, all in dilution 12cH. Results: 2 patterns of bacterial growth were observed, associated to the quality of nutrients in the culture medium; inrich-nutrient medium, nosode of E. coli 12cH had a significant inhibitory effect; in poor-nutrient medium, Merc 12cH exerted significant inhibitory effect. Conclusion: results suggest that the previous conditions of prokaryote systems may influence the in vitro response to homeopathic and isopathic remedies.

Este artigo relata os resultados da incubação de uma linhagem de Escherichia coli uropatogênica (UPEC) isolada a partir de um leopardo das neves, que morreu de septicemia secundária a cistite necrótica-hemorrágica. A UPEC foi tratada com preparados homeopáticos e isopáticos. Métodos: UPEC foi isolada de sangue cardíaco e previamente tipificada para fatores de virulência; foi incubada com o medicamento homeopático Cantharis vesicatoria (afinidade com infecção do trato urinário), Mercurius solubilis (a partir da análise de sintomas) e nosódio preparado a partir da mesma linhagem de bactérias, todas em 12 cH. Resultados: 2 padrões de crescimento bacteriano foram observados, associados à qualidade dos nutrientes do meio de cultura; em meios ricos em nutrientes, nosódio de E. coli 12 cH teve um significativo efeito inibitório; em meio pobre de nutrientes, Merc 12 cH exerceu efeito inibitório significativo. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que as condições prévias do sistema procarioto estudado podem influenciar as respostas proliferativas in vitro para preparados homeopáticos e isopáticos.

In vitro growth of uropathogenic Escherichia coliisolated from a snow leopard treated withhomeopathic and isopathic remedies: a pilot study / Estudo do crescimento (in vitro) de Escherichia coli uropatogênica isolada a partir de um leopardo das neves e tratada com medicamentos homeopáticos e isopáticos: estudo piloto

This paper reports the results of incubation of a strain of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)isolated from a snow leopard - which had died of septicemia secondary to necro-hemorrhagiccystitis - with homeopathic and isopathic remedies. Methods: UPEC was isolated from heartblood and previously typified for virulence factors; it was incubated with homeopathic remediesCantharis vesicatoria (urinary tract infection affinity), Mercurius solubilis (from symptomsanalysis) and nosode prepared from the actual strain, all in dilution 12cH. Results: 2 patterns ofbacterial growth were observed, associated to the quality of nutrients in the culture medium; inrich-nutrient medium, nosode of E. coli 12cH had a significant inhibitory effect; in poor-nutrientmedium, Merc 12cH exerted significant inhibitory effect. Conclusion: results suggest that theprevious conditions of prokaryote systems may influence the in vitro response to homeopathic andisopathic remedies.(AU)

Este artigo relata os resultados da incubação de uma linhagem de Escherichia coli uropatogênica (UPEC) isolada a partir de um leopardo das neves, que morreu de septicemia secundária a cistite necrótica-hemorrágica. A UPEC foi tratada com preparados homeopáticos e isopáticos. Métodos: UPEC foi isolada de sangue cardíaco e previamente tipificada para fatores de virulência; foi incubada com o medicamento homeopático Cantharis vesicatoria (afinidade com infecção do trato urinário), Mercurius solubilis (a partir da análise de sintomas) e nosódio preparado a partir da mesma linhagem de bactérias, todas em 12 cH. Resultados: 2 padrões de crescimento bacteriano foram observados, associados à qualidade dos nutrientes do meio de cultura; em meios ricos em nutrientes, nosódio de E. coli 12 cH teve um significativo efeito inibitório; em meio pobre de nutrientes, Merc 12 cH exerceu efeito inibitório significativo. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que as condições prévias do sistema procarioto estudado podem influenciar as respostas proliferativas in vitro para preparados homeopáticos e isopáticos. (AU)

Relato de caso clínico: tratamento homeopático em paciente com infecções urinárias de repetição

O estudo foi feito a partir da escolha de caso clínico, em que foram usados os medicamentos: Cicuta virosa e Natrum muriaticum,. Estes medicamentos foram usados neste caso de síndrome medular (Paraparesia Espástica Tropical – PET) que interessa particularmente à Neurologia. A paciente apresentava cistites de repetição há 10 anos, conseqüente a um quadro de mielite infecciosa viral que compromete a função vesical e a homeostase das vias urinárias de forma geral. Como há resíduo, a paciente é cateterizada duas vezes ao dia, e esta interferência, juntamente com a disfunção da bexiga, tem causado cistites freqüentes.Descrevemos o caso da paciente, sua evolução, escolha do medicamento e as medidas tomadas em cada consulta, evidenciando a melhoria da qualidade de vida no tratamento homeopático.(AU)

A commor problem for women

Urinary tract infections are very commom in adult women and may become recurrent. The most commom is cystitis, an infection of the bladder, but infection may occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys. Infection is caused by the growth of the gut bacteria within the urinary system, but in many cases bacteria are not found on urine culture, despite obvious symptoms of bladder discomfort. The close proximity of the anus and urethra(opening from the bladder) in women allows for the bacterial movement, especially if there is irritation of the delicate perineal tissues.