Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of non-individualised homeopathic treatment.

BACKGROUND: The comprehensive systematic review of randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in homeopathy requires examination of a study's model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT) as well as its risk of bias (extent of reliable evidence). OBJECTIVE: To appraise MVHT in those RCTs of non-individualised homeopathy that an associated investigation had judged as 'not at high risk of bias'. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: An assessment of MVHT was ascribed to each of 26 eligible RCTs. Another 49 RCTs were ineligible due to their high risk of bias. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: MVHT and the prior risk of bias rating per trial were merged to obtain a single overall quality designation ('high', 'moderate', 'low'), based on the GRADE principle of downgrading. RESULTS: The trials were rated as 'acceptable MVHT' (N = 9), 'uncertain MVHT' (N = 10) and 'inadequate MVHT' (N = 7); and, previously, as 'reliable evidence' (N = 3) and 'non-reliable evidence' (N = 23). The 26 trials were designated overall as: 'high quality' (N = 1); 'moderate quality' (N = 18); 'low quality' (N = 7). CONCLUSION: Of the 26 RCTs of non-individualised homeopathy that were judged 'not at high risk of bias', nine have been rated 'acceptable MVHT'. One of those nine studies was designated 'high quality' overall ('acceptable MVHT' and 'reliable evidence'), and is thus currently the only reported RCT that represents best therapeutic practice as well as unbiased evidence in non-individualised homeopathy. As well as minimising risk of bias, new RCTs in this area must aim to maximise MVHT and clarity of reporting.

Bronquitis asmatica: estudio de la evolucion de 26 casos / Asthma: evolutionary study of 26 cases

El objeto de este estudio es revisar una serie de casos de pacientes asmaticos para valorar la eficacia del tratamiento homeopatico y los factores a tener en cuenta. Se presentan y analizan 26 casos de pacientes con bronquitis asmatica, con un seguimiento entre ano y medio y 11 anos. Se valora la evolucion que han experimentado, con la indicacion global de los remedios homeopaticos empleados, asi como las circunstancias que parecen favorecer o dificultar su curacion segun los criterios homeopaticos. Se consideran curados aquellos que llevan un minimo de un ano sin presentar crisis y ademas cumplen los criterios homeopaticos de curacion (Leyes de Hering). Se confirma la eficacia del tratamiento homeopatico (57//curados) y se apunta la relacion de la BA con las vacunas y los tratamientos supresivos de exoneraciones

Evolution of 26 cases of bronchial asthma with homoeopathic treatment

This is a review of a series of asthmatic patients to evaluate the efficacy of their homoeopathic treatment and the prognostic features to take into account. Data of 26 patients suffering from bronchial asthma (BA) are analyzed, with a follow-up from 18 months to 11 years. Their evolution and special circumstances and conditions that seem to facilitate or to impede the cure under homoeopathic criteria have been considered. The effectiveness of the homoeopathic treatment (57percent currents confirmed and a relationship between BA and vaccinations and suppressive treatments of exanthemata was detected

Colera y medicina homeopatica: la experiencia del Peru / Cholera and homeopathic medicine: the Peru experience

La organizacion HOMEOPATHES SANS FRONTIERES inicio en marzo de 1991 un programa de ayuda a los afectados por la epidemia de colera de Peru, que ha durado, en diversos periodos, hasta la primavera de 1992. El tratamiento homeopatico se realizo en combinacion con la rehidratacion. En el transcurso de la mision se realizo un protocolo de estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la importancia del uso de los medicamentos homeopaticos en asociacion con la rehidratacion en el tratamiento del colera, cuyos resultados estan actualmente en curso de analisis en la Universidad de Montpellier