Homeopatía: una breve descripción de esta especialidad médica / Homeopathy: a brief description of this medical specialty

La homeopatía es una forma de medicina con 200 años de historia. A lo largo de este tiempo, ha demostrado su capacidad para resolver problemas, a bajo costo, con un amplio alcance y con una aceptación social incuestionable. Según las estimaciones, aproximadamente 500 millones de personas utilizan la homeopatía en todo el mundo, lo que corresponde a alrededor del 7% de la población mundial. Sin embargo, aún existen obstáculos para su integración en la medicina convencional, los cuales deben ser puestos en perspectiva y eliminados. El propósito del presente artículo es contextualizar la homeopatía como una ciencia y un arte tanto en Brasil como en el resto del mundo. Analizamos algunos aspectos relevantes, como el perfil de sus usuarios, las razones para elegir la homeopatía, así como los contextos históricos y sociales para su inclusión en los sistemas educativos y de atención médica. Concluimos que la homeopatía es un sistema medico ético que ofrece un tratamiento sistémico y seguro a los pacientes, con una optima relación costo-beneficio. La homeopatía debe incluirse en las universidades, escuelas de medicina, así como en todos los niveles del sistema de atención médica, asegurando así su naturaleza histórica como especialidad médica.

Homeopathy is a medical approach with 200 years of history. Along this time it demonstrated its ability to solve problems, with low cost, broad scope and unquestionable social acceptance. According to estimates, approximately 500 million people use homeopathy worldwide, corresponding to about 7% of the world population. However, there are still hindrances to its integration into conventional medicine which need to be put into perspective and removed. The aim of the present article is to contextualize homeopathy as a science and an art in Brazil and worldwide. We analyzed some relevant aspects, such as the profile of users, their reasons to choose homeopathy, and historical and social contexts for the inclusion of homeopathy into health care and educational systems. We conclude that homeopathy is an ethical medical system that provides systemic and safe treatment to patients with optimal costbenefit ratio. Homeopathy should be included in universities, schools of medicine and at all levels of the healthcare system, thus ensuring its historical nature as a medical specialty.

Estudios científicos en Homeopatía / Scientific studies in Homeopathy

Desde hace unas décadas, una gran parte de la población mundial dirige la vista hacia la Naturaleza en busca de métodos que le permitan prevenir las enfermedades. Dicho de otra manera, millones de personas tratan de conservar un estado de salud y bienestar armónico, sin que deban padecer efectos secundarios indeseables. El mismo deseo se encuentra latente para quienes quieren superar una dolencia aguda o una enfermedad crónica, lo que ha hecho que se interesen por la llamada medicina integrativa y, dentro de ella, de manera primordial, por la Homeopatía. A lo largo de la historia, grupos de científicos convencionales han vilipendiado a la medicina homeopática, por lo que un documento como el que escribe el doctor Ton Nicolai merece su difusión, toda vez que aporta pruebas fehacientes de la eficacia del método clínico hahneamanniano. El Dr. Nicolai, quien fue presidente del European Committee for Homeopathy, ofreció una interesante conferencia en el año 2010, misma que conserva su lucidez y vigencia, y que destaca cómo estamos experimentando un cambio de paradigma histórico ante las anomalías que presenta el sistema médico que nos ha gobernado por cientos de años.

Since a few decades back, a significant part of the population looks towards Nature in search of methods for the prevention of disease. In other words, millions of people strive to maintain a status of heath and harmonic wellbeing, without having to suffer undesirable side effects. The same yearning is latent in those who seek to overcome an acute or chronic illness, which has led to their interest in integrative medicine, and within it, Homeopathy, in a primordial manner. Throughout history, groups of conventional scientists have disdained homeopathic medicine, which makes a document such as the one written by doctor Ton Nicolai, worthy of diffusion, for it provides reliable proof of the efficacy of the hahmenannian clinical method. Dr. Nicolai, who was president of the European Committee for Homeopathy, offered an interesting conference in 2010, which conserves both its lucidity and validity. The talk highlights the ways in which we are experiencing an historical shift of paradigm in the face of the anomalies that the medical system that has governed us for hundreds of years, presents.

Systematic Review on the Use of Homeopathy in Dentistry: Critical Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to systematically map the literature on homeopathy and dentistry studies and to evaluate the effectiveness of using homeopathy in dental practice through the critical analysis of clinical studies. Design: The search for scientific articles in any language, year, and place of publication was made in the databases of Public Medline (PUBMED), Web of Science, Cochrane, and Virtual Health Library; the articles selected were later classified according to the type of study. Gray literature was accessed through Google Scholar. Clinical trials were analyzed for methodological quality. Two previously trained reviewers accomplished the entire process independently. Results: Of the 281 studies retrieved by means of the search, 44 met the eligibility criteria, with prevalence of literature reviews (56.8%), followed by clinical trials (34.1%), cross-sectional studies (6.8%), laboratory research (6.8%), and longitudinal observational studies (4.5%). The clinical trials identified were published from 1965 to 2019, using homeopathy in several dental specialties: in Endodontics, Periodontics, Orofacial Pain, Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, and Stomatology, as well as in cases of dental anxiety. Qualitative failures, in all criteria investigated, and positive influences of the individual prescriptions on the results of treatments reported were observed. Conclusions: There is still a scarcity of studies about homeopathy and dentistry. The clinical trials selected showed positive effects on oral health; however, when they were critically evaluated, it was possible to recognize qualitative failures, mainly relative to double-blinding. It is necessary to encourage research on the subject, using standardized methodological procedures, to obtain better evaluation of the clinical applicability.

Prevalence and associated factors with integrative and complementary practices use in Brazil.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of the use the integrative and complementary practices (ICP) and its associated factors in Brazil. Data was obtained from the cross-sectional National Health Survey 2013 (NHS), which had 145,580 adults aged 18 or over were interviewed. The outcome was the use of any ICP over the last 12 months and independent variables were macro-region, sex, age, educational attainment, skin color/race, and chronic disease. The results show that the prevalence of ICPs use in Brazil was 4.1%, while the most used types were medicinal plants and phytotherapy (2.5%), acupuncture (0.9%) and homeopathy (0.6%). The prevalence of ICPs use was higher in the North Region, among older people, women, participants with higher educational attainment, and with a higher number of chronic diseases. The findings from the current study provide valuable evidence that can inform future evidence-based public policies in Brazil.

Effects of Ultra-Low-Dose Aspirin in Thrombosis and Haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is the oldest and possibly the most widely used pharmacologically active substance still used in allopathic medicine. Its effect on fever and inflammation has paved the way to its anti-thrombotic effect. Dilutions of aspirin have been tested for many years in the University of Bordeaux, in humans as well as in animal models. METHODS: This article is a review of the totality of articles published by the Laboratory of Hematology of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Bordeaux, reporting different doses and dilutions of aspirin, different kinds of inhibitors, transgenic mice and animal models of disease such as portal hypertension and cirrhosis. RESULTS: Homeopathic dilutions of aspirin, notably 15 cH, have shown a pro-thrombotic effect in humans and in in-vivo animal studies. Longitudinal studies in rats have also shown an initial anti-thrombotic effect followed by a pro-thrombotic effect of aspirin several days after a single high-dose administration. This pro-thrombotic effect seems to act by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 pathway in studies performed with COX selective inhibitors and in knock-out mice without COX-1 or COX-2. This effect may explain the thrombo-embolic complications described after aspirin withdrawal for the purposes of surgery or after non-compliance with anti-platelet therapy, and it may be beneficial in normalising primary haemostasis and decreasing haemorrhage in animal models of portal hypertension and cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin 15 cH acts through the inhibition of the COX-2 pathway producing a clear pro-thrombotic effect. Further studies should clarify if the pro-thrombotic effect of aspirin withdrawal and the effect of aspirin 15 cH are related, as secondary effects of the same drug. Clarifying this last outcome may be of great significance to public health.

Homeopathy and health related Quality of Life: a patient satisfaction survey in six European countries and Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Many patients throughout the world consult homeopathic medical doctors. Using a similar methodology as in a first survey published in 2002 a second survey was done including 919 adults receiving homeopathic treatment in six European countries and Brazil aimed to look at who are they, their reasons for consultations and expectations and satisfaction with homeopathy prescribed by a homeopathic doctor after a follow-up time of six months. METHOD: An initial questionnaire included demographic information and questions for assessing health-related Quality of Life (QoL). A follow-up questionnaire collected data on changes in QoL. RESULTS: 77% patients had initially used conventional treatments and 23% other non-conventional treatments. Satisfaction of patients with the medical homeopathic consultation is high. The difference between the final QoL scores after six months and the baseline are positive. Reported differences between baseline and final index range from 3.87 to 10.41 depending on diagnosis. Taking 7% as a reference value for 'minimal clinically significant difference', this is reached for 3 of 8 conditions. Changes in complaint limitations visual scales are positive. Conclusions on clinical impact must be cautious. 6% of the patients experienced side-effects which they attributed to homeopathic treatment. 7.8% of the patients reported significant aggravation at the beginning of the homeopathic treatment and 26.2% slight aggravation of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The satisfaction of patients using a medical homeopathic approach is linked to the perceived competence of the doctor homeopath, the perceived improvement of the main complaints limitations and the time dedicated to them by the doctor.

Pediatric homeopathy: a prospective observational survey based on parent proxy-reports of their children's health-related Quality of Life in six European countries and Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Many European citizens regularly consult homeopathic doctors. Especially for children there is very little data available about the reasons they visit a homeopathic doctor. What are the expectations of the parents consulting a Homeopath MD with their child, who are they and last but not least are they satisfied with their initiative? This study including 773 children from six European countries and Brazil is aimed to look at parent-proxy satisfaction with homeopathic treatment prescribed for their children by a homeopathic doctor after a follow-up of two months. The questionnaire was developed from the methodology used in a survey of adults published in 2002. METHOD: An initial questionnaire included demographic information and questions for assessing health-related Quality of Life (QoL). A follow-up questionnaire collected data on changes in QoL. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of respondents showed more male children (53.1%) but more female parent-proxies (93.4%). 73.7% of respondents had previously tried conventional treatments; 26.3% non-conventional approaches. Satisfaction with the medical homeopathic consultation was high. Reported differences between baseline and final QoL ondexes are positive for all four studied conditions. It range from 3.206 to 10.188. Considering 7% as a reference value for "minimal clinical difference", this is reached for 2 on 4 conditions (8.473 and 10.188). Changes in complaint limitations visual scales are positive, even if uncertain for skin complaints and influenced parents satisfaction. Conclusions on clinical impact must be cautious. 4.2% of patients experienced side-effects which they attribute to homeopathic treatment. 10.1% of patients reported significant aggravation at the beginning of homeopathic treatment, 19% slight aggravation of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The satisfaction of parents using a medical homeopathic approach for their children is linked to the perceived competence of the doctor homeopath, the perceived improvement of the main complaint limitations and the completeness of the received information.

Geographical and temporal distribution of basic research experiments in homeopathy.

The database HomBRex (Homeopathy Basic Research experiments) was established in 2002 to provide an overview of the basic research already done on homeopathy (http://www.carstens-stiftung.de/hombrex). By this means, it facilitates the exploration of the Similia Principle and the working mechanism of homeopathy. Since 2002, the total number of experiments listed has almost doubled. The current review reports the history of basic research in homeopathy as evidenced by publication dates and origin of publications. In July 2013, the database held 1868 entries. Most publications were reported from France (n = 267), followed by Germany (n = 246) and India (n = 237). In the last ten years, the number of publications from Brazil dramatically increased from n = 13 (before 2004) to n = 164 (compared to n = 251 published in France before 2004, and n = 16 between 2004 and 2013). The oldest database entry was from Germany (1832).

As vantagens do atendimento homeopático em uma operadora de planos de saúde do sistema UNIMED do Estado de São Paulo

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo propor, através desta pesquisa empírica, os dados frente à realidade dos custos do atendimento homeopático em empresa cooperativa do sistema de saúde suplementar, baseado em levantamento referente ao período de 3 anos, 2009,2010 e 2011. Para viabilização do projeto, foi feito levantamento dos dados em empresa do sistema Unimed, com base em informações fornecidas pelo setor da ´´ Matriz Gerencial``, para comparar os custos referentes à utilização do tratamento homeopático com os custos da clínica médica e da operadora como um todo. Por outro lado, foi possível observar através de outros indicadores, aspectos que tem impacto econômico, como por exemplo, taxa retorno das consultas realizadas, taxa de procura por outros especialistas ou por outros médicos da mesma especialidade. A partir daí, e com fundamentação teórica adquirida do estudo bibliogrãfico, se fez a formalização da proposta.

The frequency of dietary references in homeopathic consultations.

A retrospective quantitative study on dietary references found in medical records of 2753 patients attending consultations from 10/1/1994 to 5/31/2007 was conducted. The symptoms found in the rubrics relating to food and drink aggravation and amelioration, aversion and craving of homeopathic repertories reflect diets at different places and times and do not correspond fully, to contemporary gastronomy. Desires for sweet and spicy foods were statistically more frequent, revealing the prevailing taste for such food among the studied population. Food cravings should be carefully analyzed before considering them as indications for choosing homeopathic therapy, they are less significant than aversions, aggravations and ameliorations.

Publicações em homeopatia veterinária no Brasil: a partir de 2006 / Publications in veterinary homeopathy in Brazil: from 2006

Neste artigo, as autoras dão continuidade ao trabalho publicado pela Nader (2007) sobre as publicações indexadas em Homeopatia Veterinária no Brasil a partir de 2006. Foi feito um estudo quantitativo e qualitativo das publicações encontradas através do buscador Google Acadêmico.

Prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Prevalência do uso da homeopatia pela população da cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Homeopathy is a therapeutic system that uses small doses of substances to stimulate autoregulatory and self-healing processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Brazil, and the socioeconomic profile of users. DESIGN AND SETTING: Probabilistic cross-sectional study with cluster sampling, in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. METHODS: This study was conducted by applying semi-structured questionnaires. The sample was composed of 3,080 people. For the statistical analysis, Student's t test and the chi-square test were used. The statistical significance level used was P < 0.05. RESULTS: We interviewed 3,090 people. The prevalence of the use of homeopathy was 2.4 percent. The factors associated with its use were female gender, schooling and income. The main reason that led to seeking homeopathy was "Conventional treatment did not have any effect". For 70.2 percent of the users, the cost of the treatment was considered reasonable or cheap. About 73 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment received through homeopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the use of homeopathy found here was less than that reported in other countries. People with higher income and schooling levels used homeopathy more frequently. There was higher prevalence among women. Most users declared themselves satisfied with the treatment received.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A homeopatia é um sistema terapêutico que utiliza pequenas doses de substâncias para estimular processos de autocura e autorregulação. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de utilização da homeopatia pela população de Montes Claros e o perfil socioeconômico do usuário. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, probabilístico, por conglomerados, na cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado por meio da aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados. A amostra foi composta por 3.080 pessoas. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste t de Student e o teste do Qui-quadrado. A significância estatística considerada foi P < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistadas 3.090 pessoas. A prevalência de utilização da homeopatia foi de 2,4 por cento. Os fatores associados à utilização foram: gênero feminino, escolaridade e renda. O principal motivo que levou a procura da homeopatia foi "o tratamento convencional não surtiu efeito". Para 70,2 por cento dos usuários o custo do tratamento foi considerado suportável ou barato. Cerca de 73 por cento ficaram satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos com o tratamento recebido na homeopatia. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de uso de homeopatia encontrada ficou aquém da relatada em outros países. Pessoas com melhores níveis de renda e escolaridade utilizam homeopatia com maior frequência, assim como as mulheres. A maioria dos usuários declarou-se satisfeito com o tratamento recebido.

Experiencia de la consulta homeopática de un programa docente en Costa Rica, 2003-2007. Un enfoque de atención holística / Experience of a Homeopathy Consultation at a Teaching Program in Costa Rica, from 2003 to 2007

Objetivos: Describir la experiencia de la consulta homeopática, su metodología y caracterizar a los pacientes. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de 83 expedientes; se analizaron variables cualitativas (sexo, estado conyugal, ocupación, escolaridad, residencia, credo, modo de acceso a la consulta, motivo de consulta, motivos de consulta físicos y psíquicos, dolor, síntomas psíquicos y físicos, diagnóstico o problemas) y cuantitativas (edad, duración de la primera consulta, número de motivos de consulta, número de diagnósticos /problemas principales, comparación del número de motivos de consulta con los diagnósticos /problemas, número total de consultas, número y costo de los medicamentos y resultado de la aplicación de la Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital Outcome Scale. La información se recolectó del expediente clínico. Los datos se almacenaron y analizaron en el programa SPPS versión 12.0; se obtuvieron medidas de tendencia central, frecuencias y proporciones. Resultados: Se atendieron 83 personas, con un intervalo de edad entre 5 meses y 83 años, promedio 38 años. 79% adultos, predominó el sexo femenino. 57% accedió por demanda libre; 28% por referencia de médicos y enfermeros. 81% consultó por problemas físicos de salud; una vez realizado el diagnóstico, la proporción de estos disminuyó casi a la mitad y los físico-psíquicos se incrementaron ocho veces. El promedio de duración de la primera consulta fue de 66 minutos, del número de consultas fue de dos y el de medicamentos, de tres. El costo promedio de las prescripciones fue de ¢1.946ºº por paciente. Conclusiones: En el distrito de Pavas existe demanda por la consulta homeopática, que debe investigarse. Este enfoque terapéutico holístico identificó trastornos de salud no reportados por los pacientes como motivos de consulta iniciales. Los resultados obtenidos coinciden, en algunos aspectos, con otras investigaciones internacionales en el campo de la práctica clínica homeopática.

Objectives: To describe the experience, clinical methods and patients characteristics seen during homeopathic consultation. Methods: The present is a descriptive study of 83 total clinical records. The following qualitative variables were analyzed (sex, marriage status, occupation, education, residence, religion, referral manner, physical an psychic consultation reasons, diagnosis or problems). Quantitative variables were: age, duration of first consultation, number of complaints at consultation, comparison between number of complaints for consultation with diagnosis / problems, total number of consultations, number and cost of homeopathic medications and results of the application of the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital Outcome Scale. Data was obtained from the clinical records, and then analyzed with the SPPS software 12.0 version. Central tendency measures, frequencies and proportions were obtained. Results: 83 patients were seen, during the study period, ranging from 5 months to 83 years of age, average 38 years. There was female sex majority, and 79% were adult. Fifty seven percent attended on their own will, 28% were referred by physicians or nurses. Eighty one percent consulted because of physical problems, however after establishing a medical diagnosis, those diminished around 50% but psycho-physical health problems increased 8 times. The average of the first consultation was 66 minutes; the number of consultations was 2 and 3 the medications per person. The average cost of the prescriptions was ¢ 1 946.00 (aprox. 3 US dollars) per patient. Conclusions: There is a demand for homeopathic consultation in Pavas district that should be investigated. The holistic therapeutic approach identified health problems in patients, that they did not report at the initial consultation. The results obtained coincidence in some aspects, with other international investigations in the field of clinical homeopathic practice.

Prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Homeopathy is a therapeutic system that uses small doses of substances to stimulate autoregulatory and self-healing processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the use of homeopathy by the population of Montes Claros, Brazil, and the socioeconomic profile of users. DESIGN AND SETTING: Probabilistic cross-sectional study with cluster sampling, in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. METHODS: This study was conducted by applying semi-structured questionnaires. The sample was composed of 3,080 people. For the statistical analysis, Student's t test and the chi-square test were used. The statistical significance level used was P < 0.05. RESULTS: We interviewed 3,090 people. The prevalence of the use of homeopathy was 2.4%. The factors associated with its use were female gender, schooling and income. The main reason that led to seeking homeopathy was "Conventional treatment did not have any effect". For 70.2% of the users, the cost of the treatment was considered reasonable or cheap. About 73% were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment received through homeopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the use of homeopathy found here was less than that reported in other countries. People with higher income and schooling levels used homeopathy more frequently. There was higher prevalence among women. Most users declared themselves satisfied with the treatment received.

XXIX Congresso Brasileiro de Homeopatia / Relatorio de imprensa

Divulgação do XXIX Congresso Brasileiro de Homeopatia, clipagem que coletou mais de 400 reportagens e notas em jornais, revistas e sites de todo o país de eventos relacionados a homeopatia.

[Homeopathy in the Unified National Health System in Brazil: users' representations of homeopathic treatment]. / Homeopatia no Sistema Unico de Saúde: representações dos usuários sobre o tratamento homeopático.

Homeopathy was officially introduced in Brazil in 1840 but was only recognized by the Federal Board of Medicine as a medical specialty in 1980. It still has a limited presence in the Unified National Health System (SUS), with only a few homeopathy services in a handful of Brazilian counties. The current study aimed to analyze National Health System users' representations of homeopathy. A case study was conducted in a health unit in Salvador, Bahia State, using a qualitative methodology. Data collection used 112 questionnaires and 19 in-depth interviews with users of homeopathy services. The study results showed that the main motivation for seeking homeopathic treatment was the failure of previous allopathic treatment. The holistic perspective, use of natural medications, longer consultations, and attentive listening to patients appeared as positive characteristics of homeopathy as compared to allopathy. The results point to the potential contribution of alternative therapeutic practices like homeopathy to the Brazilian National Health System.

Publicações sobre Homeopatia Veterinária no Brasil / Publications about Veterinary Medicin Homeopathy in Brazil

De acordo com as exigências atuais, os trabalhos científicos possuem credibilidade à medida que são publicados dentro dos padrões estabelecidos, sendo uma importante ferramenta de divulgação e validação de novas propostas. A partir daí, surge a necessidade de pesquisar sobre as publicações em homeopatia veterinária que foram realizadas no Brasil, com o objetivo de quantificar os trabalhos publicados (não indexados e indexados), bem como qualificar suas abordagens, desde a primeira publicação até os dias atuais. A metodologia para a pesquisa de trabalhos não indexados foi desenvolvida através da consulta de arquivos internos da biblioteca do Instituto Homeopático François Lamasson em Ribeirão Preto - SP e da biblioteca da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" em Jaboticabal - SP. A pesquisa das publicações indexadas foi realizada pelo acesso eletrônico ao Indexador Bireme. Foi encontrado na pesquisa um número total de 75 trabalhos, sendo que 48 originados de fontes não indexadas e a grande maioria em fontes não especializadas no assunto, fato que dificulta a divulgação e a acessibilidade da homeopatia veterinária. A área de clínica médica com experimentação de medicamentos predomina dentre outros conteúdos. A década de 90 se destaca pelo número de publicações e o envolvimento de novos profissionais com a terapêutica, o que permanece até os dias atuais.

Estudo retrospectivo de casos clínicos homeopáticos atendidos no serviço ambulatorial veterinário do IHFL, Ribeirão Preto, no período entre setembro de 1986 a dezembro de 2003 / Retrospective study of clinical homeopathic cases cared by the IHFL (escrito Veterinarian Ambulatory from September 1986 to December 2003

Este trabalho avaliou o desenvolvimento do serviço ambulatorial veterinário do Instituto Homeopático François Lamasson (IHFL) no período entre setembro de 1986 a dezembro de 2003. Quatrocentas fichas de animais atendidos no ambulatório foram analisadas quanto ao perfil do paciente (espécie, raça, sexo, idade e procedência) e quanto aos dados clínicos (incidência das doenças, exames complementares e medicamentos receitados). Foi concluído que o ambulatório teve um grande crescimento no período entre 1993 a 1996 e, nos últimos dois anos, ocorreu um restabelecimento e aumento do número de casos atendidos, fatos que refletem as oscilações em relação ao atendimento homeopático e demonstram que muito ainda precisa ser feito para consolidá-la como especialidade terapêutica frente à população