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Adverse effects in homeopathy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Explore (NY) 2020; 18:114-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ijaz N. Paradigm-Specific Risk Conceptions, Patient Safety, and the Regulation of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practitioners: The Case of Homeopathy in Ontario, Canada. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2020; 4:89. [PMID: 33869409 PMCID: PMC8022581 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2019.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While the principle of risk reduction increasingly underpins health professional regulatory models across the globe, concepts of risk are neither static nor epistemically neutral. Conventional biomedicine's risk conceptions are substantially rooted in principles of scientific materialism, while many traditional and complementary medicine systems have vitalistic epistemic underpinnings that give rise to distinctive safety considerations. The statutory regulation of traditional and complementary medicine providers has been identified by the World Health Organization as a strategy for enhancing public safety. However, complex risk-related questions arise at the intersection of medical epistemologies whose concepts are at best overlapping, and at worst incommensurable. Elaborating a theoretical concept of "paradigm-specific risk conceptions," this work employs Bacchi's poststructural mode of policy analysis ("What's the Problem Represented to Be?") to critically analyze risk discourse in government documents pertaining to the 2015 statutory regulation of homeopathic practitioners in Ontario, Canada. The Ontario government's pre-regulatory risk assessments of the homeopathic occupation discursively emphasized cultural safety principles alongside homeopathy-specific risk conceptions. These paradigm-specific concepts, rooted in homeopathy's epistemic vitalism, extend beyond materialist constructions of adverse events and clinical omission to address potential harms from homeopathic "proving symptoms", "aggravation," and "disruption," all considered implausible from a biomedical standpoint. Although the province's new homeopathy regulator subsequently articulated safety competencies addressing such vitalistic concepts, the tangible risk management strategies ultimately mandated for practitioners exclusively addressed risks consistent with the scientific materialist paradigm. This policy approach substantially echoes the implicit biomedical underpinnings evident in Ontario's broader legislative context, but leaves a significant policy gap regarding the primary safety considerations originally articulated as substantiation for homeopathy's statutory regulation. To optimally preserve patient safety and full informed consent, regulators of traditional and complementary medicine professionals should favor a pragmatic, epistemically-inclusive approach that actively negotiates paradigm-specific risk conceptions from both biomedicine and the occupation under governance.
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Rossi E, Baccetti S, Firenzuoli F, Belvedere K. Homeopathy and complementary medicine in Tuscany, Italy: integration in the public health system. HOMEOPATHY 2017; 97:70-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2008.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Revised: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 02/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The healthcare programmes of the Region of Tuscany, Italy have contained references to various types of non-conventional medicine since 1996, and the last three Regional Health Plans have includes a chapter on non-conventional medicine that arguably represent the greatest degree of integration of such therapies in the public health care system achieved thus far in Italy. The Plan aims to guarantee definitive integration in the Regional Health Service of types of non-conventional medicine which are supported by a sufficient level of scientific evidence to allow them to be defined as forms of complementary medicine (acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy and manual medicine). Moreover, in 2007 the Regional council of Tuscany, for the first time in Italy, approved a regional law disciplining the pratice of complementary medicines on the part of doctors, dentists, Veterinarians and pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio Rossi
- Homeopathic Clinic, Campo di Marte Hospital, Local Health District n. 2, Lucca, Italy
| | - Sonia Baccetti
- Acupuncture and MTC Clinic, Fior di Prugna, Local Health District n. 10, Firenze, Italy
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Phytotherapy Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, Local Health District n. 11, Empoli, Italy
| | - Katia Belvedere
- General Direction of Health Regional Department of Tuscany, Italy
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Rossi EG, Bellandi T, Picchi M, Baccetti S, Monechi MV, Vuono C, Sabatini F, Traversi A, Di Stefano M, Firenzuoli F, Albolino S, Tartaglia R. Patient Safety in Complementary Medicine through the Application of Clinical Risk Management in the Public Health System. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2017; 4:medicines4040093. [PMID: 29258191 PMCID: PMC5750617 DOI: 10.3390/medicines4040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Aim: To develop a systematic approach to detect and prevent clinical risks in complementary medicine (CM) and increase patient safety through the analysis of activities in homeopathy and acupuncture centres in the Tuscan region using a significant event audit (SEA) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). Methods: SEA is the selected tool for studying adverse events (AE) and detecting the best solutions to prevent future incidents in our Regional Healthcare Service (RHS). This requires the active participation of all the actors and external experts to validate the analysis. FMEA is a proactive risk assessment tool involving the selection of the clinical process, the input of a multidisciplinary group of experts, description of the process, identification of the failure modes (FMs) for each step, estimates of the frequency, severity, and detectability of FMs, calculation of the risk priority number (RPN), and prioritized improvement actions to prevent FMs. Results: In homeopathy, the greatest risk depends on the decision to switch from allopathic to homeopathic therapy. In acupuncture, major problems can arise, mainly from delayed treatment and from the modalities of needle insertion. Conclusions: The combination of SEA and FMEA can reveal potential risks for patients and suggest actions for safer and more reliable services in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio G Rossi
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Bellandi
- Regional Centre for Clinical Risk Management and Patient Safety, 50100 Florence, Italy; (T.B.).
| | - Marco Picchi
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sonia Baccetti
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Maria Valeria Monechi
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Catia Vuono
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Federica Sabatini
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Antonella Traversi
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Mariella Di Stefano
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Tuscan Regional Centre for Integrative Medicine, Region of Tuscany, 50100 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sara Albolino
- Regional Centre for Clinical Risk Management and Patient Safety, 50100 Florence, Italy; (T.B.).
| | - Riccardo Tartaglia
- Regional Centre for Clinical Risk Management and Patient Safety, 50100 Florence, Italy; (T.B.).
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A Comparative Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effectiveness, Safety, and Tolerability of a Homeopathic Medicinal Product in Children with Sleep Disorders and Restlessness. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:9539030. [PMID: 27242915 PMCID: PMC4875989 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9539030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic product ZinCyp-3-02 in children with sleep disorders for ≥ one month compared to glycine. Children ≤ six years old received either ZinCyp-3-02 (N = 89) or comparator glycine (N = 90). After treatment for 28 days, total sleep-disorder-associated complaints severity scores decreased in both groups from median 7.0 (out of maximum 11.0) points to 2.0 (ZinCyp-3-02) and 4.0 (glycine) points, respectively, with overall higher odds of showing improvement for ZinCyp-3-02 (odds ratio: 4.45 (95% CI: 2.77-7.14), p < 0.0001, POM overall treatment related effect). Absence of individual complaints (time to sleep onset, difficulties maintaining sleep, sleep duration, troubled sleep (somniloquism), physical inactivity after awakening, restlessness for unknown reason, and sleep disorders frequency) at study end were significantly higher with ZinCyp-3-02 (all p values < 0.05). More children with ZinCyp-3-02 were totally free of complaints (p = 0.0258). Treatment effectiveness (p < 0.0001) and satisfaction assessments (p < 0.0001) were more favorable for ZinCyp-3-02. Few nonserious adverse drug reactions were reported (ZinCyp-3-02: N = 2, glycine: N = 1) and both treatments were well tolerated. Treatment with the homeopathic product ZinCyp-3-02 was found to be safe and superior to the comparator glycine in the treatment of sleep disorders in children.
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Jong MC, Buskin SL, Ilyenko L, Kholodova I, Burkart J, Weber S, Keller T, Klement P. Effectiveness, safety and tolerability of a complex homeopathic medicinal product in the prevention of recurrent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children: a multicenter, open, comparative, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Multidiscip Respir Med 2016; 11:19. [PMID: 27186371 PMCID: PMC4868034 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-016-0056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study was initiated to investigate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of complex homeopathic CalSuli-4-02 tablets on prevention of recurrent acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, in comparison to another complex homeopathic product. METHODS The study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open, clinical trial with two parallel treatment groups at four outpatient pediatric clinics in Russia. Children aged ≤ 6 years with susceptibility to acute URTIs (≥ three occasions during the last 6 months) were randomized to receive either CalSuli-4-02 or a comparator homeopathic product (control group) for 3 weeks. Primary outcome was the frequency of acute URTIs after 3 and 6 months post-treatment follow-up. Secondary endpoints were changes in complaints and symptoms (total and individual scores), treatment satisfaction, antibiotic use, safety and tolerability. RESULTS The intention-to-treat analysis involved 200 children (CalSuli-4-02: N = 99, CONTROL: N = 101). In both treatment groups, the median number of acute URTIs was one for 3 months and two, respectively, for the full 6 months post-treatment (Relative Risk: 0.86 (95 %-CI: 0.72-1.03), p = 0.1099). Seasons had no influence on the outcome. At the end of study, CalSuli-4-02 had overall higher odds of getting lower complaints severity total score (Odds ratio: 1.99 (95 %-CI: 1.31-3.02), p = 0.0012) and showing symptom improvement (Odds ratio: 1.93 (95 %-CI: 1.25-3.00), p = 0.0033). Specifically, the complaint "appetite disorder" and the symptom "child's activities" significantly improved more in the CalSuli-4-02 group (p = 0.0135 and p = 0.0063, respectively). Antibiotic use was decreased in both treatment groups at the study end. Overall assessment for satisfaction with and tolerability of treatment was higher with CalSuli-4-02. A low number of non-serious adverse drug reactions was reported (CalSuli-4-02: N = 4, CONTROL: N = 1). CONCLUSIONS Both complex homeopathic products led to a comparable reduction of URTIs. In the CalSuli-4-02 group, significantly less URTI-related complaints and symptoms and higher treatment satisfaction and tolerability were detected. The observation that the use of antibiotics was reduced upon treatment with the complex homeopathic medications, without the occurrence of complications, is interesting and warrants further investigations on the potential of CalSuli-4-02 as an antibiotic sparing option. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Roszdravnadzor: Study No 164-563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miek C Jong
- Department Nutrition & Health, Louis Bolk Institute, Hoofdstraat 24, 3972 LA Driebergen, The Netherlands ; Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden ; National Information and Knowledge Center on Integrative Medicine (NIKIM), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen L Buskin
- International Health Center of the Hague, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Julia Burkart
- Deutsche Homöopathie-Union, DHU-Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | | | - Petra Klement
- Deutsche Homöopathie-Union, DHU-Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Michalsen A, Uehleke B, Stange R. Safety and compliance of a complex homeopathic drug (Contramutan N Saft) in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections: A large observational (non-interventional) study in children and adults focussing on homeopathy specific adverse reactions versus adverse drug reactions. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 72:179-84. [PMID: 25882307 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This non-interventional study was performed to generate data on safety and treatment effects of a complex homeopathic drug (Contramutan N Saft). PATIENTS AND METHODS 1050 outpatients suffering from common cold were treated with the medication for 8days. The study was conducted in 64 outpatient practices of medical doctors trained in CAM. Tolerability, compliance and the treatment effects were assessed by the physicians and by patient diaries. Adverse events were collected and assessed with specific attention to homeopathic aggravation and proving symptoms. Each adverse effect was additionally evaluated by an advisory board of experts. RESULTS The physicians detected 60 adverse events from 46 patients (4.4%). Adverse drug reactions occurred in 14 patients (1.3%). Six patients showed proving symptoms (0.57%) and only one homeopathic aggravation (0.1%) appeared. The rate of compliance was 84% in average for all groups and the global assessment of the treatment effects attributed to "good" and "very good" in 84.9% of all patients. CONCLUSIONS The homeopathic complex drug was shown to be safe and effective for children and adults likewise. Adverse reactions specifically related to homeopathic principles are very rare. All observed events recovered quickly and were of mild to moderate intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernhard Uehleke
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Königstraße 63, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Stange
- Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Königstraße 63, 14109 Berlin, Germany
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Integration of homeopathy and complementary medicine in the public health system in Italy: national regulation and regional experiences. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12682-014-0187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bell IR, Sarter B, Koithan M, Banerji P, Banerji P, Jain S, Ives J. Integrative nanomedicine: treating cancer with nanoscale natural products. Glob Adv Health Med 2014; 3:36-53. [PMID: 24753994 PMCID: PMC3921611 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding safer and more effective treatments for specific cancers remains a significant challenge for integrative clinicians and researchers worldwide. One emerging strategy is the use of nanostructured forms of drugs, vaccines, traditional animal venoms, herbs, and nutraceutical agents in cancer treatment. The recent discovery of nanoparticles in traditional homeopathic medicines adds another point of convergence between modern nanomedicine and alternative interventional strategies. A way in which homeopathic remedies could initiate anticancer effects includes cell-to-cell signaling actions of both exogenous and endogenous (exosome) nanoparticles. The result can be a cascade of modulatory biological events with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. The Banerji Protocols reflect a multigenerational clinical system developed by homeopathic physicians in India who have treated thousands of patients with cancer. A number of homeopathic remedy sources from the Banerji Protocols (eg, Calcarea phosphorica; Carcinosin-tumor-derived breast cancer tissue prepared homeopathically) overlap those already under study in nonhomeopathic nanoparticle and nanovesicle tumor exosome cancer vaccine research. Past research on antineoplastic effects of nano forms of botanical extracts such as Phytolacca, Gelsemium, Hydrastis, Thuja, and Ruta as well as on homeopathic remedy potencies made from the same types of source materials suggests other important overlaps. The replicated finding of silica, silicon, and nano-silica release from agitation of liquids in glassware adds a proven nonspecific activator and amplifier of immunological effects. Taken together, the nanoparticulate research data and the Banerji Protocols for homeopathic remedies in cancer suggest a way forward for generating advances in cancer treatment with natural product-derived nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris R Bell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson (Dr Bell), United States
| | - Barbara Sarter
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of San Diego, California, and Bastyr University - California (Dr Sarter), United States
| | - Mary Koithan
- College of Nursing, The University of Arizona (Drs Koithan), United States
| | | | - Pratip Banerji
- PBH Research Foundation, Kolkata, India (Drs Banerji), India
| | - Shamini Jain
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia (Dr Jain), United States
| | - John Ives
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia (Dr Ives), United States
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Bellavite P, Marzotto M, Conforti A. Scientific criticism in homoeopathy: need to test more than disputes. Int J Clin Pract 2014; 68:403-4. [PMID: 24588949 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Bellavite
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Homoeopathy in the public health system: Outcome data from the Homoeopathic Clinic of the Campo di Marte Hospital, Lucca, Italy (1998–2010). Eur J Integr Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bell IR, Boyer NN. Homeopathic medications as clinical alternatives for symptomatic care of acute otitis media and upper respiratory infections in children. Glob Adv Health Med 2014; 2:32-43. [PMID: 24381823 PMCID: PMC3833578 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.2.1.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The public health and individual risks of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and conventional over-the-counter symptomatic drugs in pediatric treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) and upper respiratory infections (URIs) are significant. Clinical research suggests that over-the-counter homeopathic medicines offer pragmatic treatment alternatives to conventional drugs for symptom relief in children with uncomplicated AOM or URIs. Homeopathy is a controversial but demonstrably safe and effective 200-year-old whole system of complementary and alternative medicine used worldwide. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that homeopathy accelerates early symptom relief in acute illnesses at much lower risk than conventional drug approaches. Evidence-based advantages for homeopathy include lower antibiotic fill rates during watchful waiting in otitis media, fewer and less serious side effects, absence of drug-drug interactions, and reduced parental sick leave from work. Emerging evidence from basic and preclinical science research counter the skeptics' claims that homeopathic remedies are biologically inert placebos. Consumers already accept and use homeopathic medicines for self care, as evidenced by annual US consumer expenditures of $2.9 billion on homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy appears equivalent to and safer than conventional standard care in comparative effectiveness trials, but additional well-designed efficacy trials are indicated. Nonetheless, the existing research evidence on safety supports pragmatic use of homeopathy in order to “first do no harm” in the early symptom management of otherwise uncomplicated AOM and URIs in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris R Bell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine and College of Nursing, The University of Arizona, Tucson, United States
| | - Nancy N Boyer
- Private Practice, Rochester, New York, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Hansson
- Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Rossi E, Bartoli P, Bianchi A, Endrizzi C, Da Frè M. Homeopathic aggravation with Quinquagintamillesimal potencies. HOMEOPATHY 2012; 101:112-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rossi E, Bartoli P, Panozzo M, Bianchi A, Da Frè M. Outcome of homeopathic treatment in paediatric patients: An observational study from 1998 to 2008. Eur J Integr Med 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Halberstein RA, Sirkin A, Ojeda-Vaz MM. When Less Is Better: A Comparison of Bach® Flower Remedies and Homeopathy. Ann Epidemiol 2010; 20:298-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2009.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rossi E, Endrizzi C, Panozzo MA, Bianchi A, Da Frè M. Homeopathy in the public health system: a seven-year observational study at Lucca Hospital (Italy). HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:142-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2007] [Revised: 04/26/2009] [Accepted: 04/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Jose J, Rao PG, Kamath M, Jimmy B. Drug Safety Reports on Complementary and Alternative Medicines (Ayurvedic and Homeopathic Medicines) by a Spontaneous Reporting Program in a Tertiary Care Hospital. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15:793-7. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Jose
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, KL, Malaysia
| | - Padma G.M. Rao
- School of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Science University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - M.S. Kamath
- Department of Ayurveda, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Beena Jimmy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, KL, Malaysia
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Waisse-Priven S, Jurj G, Lima Thomaz LC, Tierno SA, Filho WL, Sos A, Alves de Souza MF. Individualized homeopathic treatment of dermatological complaints in a public outpatient clinic. HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:149-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Rossi E, Crudeli L, Endrizzi C, Garibaldi D. Cost-benefit evaluation of homeopathic versus conventional therapy in respiratory diseases. HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:2-10. [PMID: 19135953 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Revised: 09/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted on 105 out of 233 patients suffering from chronic respiratory disease attending the Homeopathic Clinic of the Campo di Marte Hospital in Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) between October 1998 and May 2003. We assessed the cost of conventional medicinal products using Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification, specific for the pathology in question, and the general costs in the year preceding the first appointment at the Homeopathic Clinic vs. the first and second year subsequent to homeopathic treatment. The costs of conventional drugs for a group of patients affected by asthma (8 patients) and recurrent respiratory infections (16 patients) with long term use of conventional medicine treated by homeopathy were compared with the expenses of conventional drugs of a matched group of 16 and 32 patients, respectively. RESULTS Costs of pharmacological therapy specific for respiratory diseases were reduced by 46.3% (n=105) in the first year (P<0.01); and by 47.5% (n=72) in the second year (P<0.01) of homeopathic treatment. Reduction in general drug costs during homeopathic therapy was 42.4% in the first year (P<0.01); and -49.8 in the second year (N.S.). Costs for patients affected by chronic asthma showed a reduction in expenses of 71.1% for specific medicines relative to the group in homeopathic treatment vs. an increase of 12.3% in the group treated only with conventional drugs after the first year of follow-up and, respectively, a reduction of -54.4% for homeopathic treatment vs. +45.2% after the second year. For patients with recurrent respiratory infections we found a reduction of 35.8% in the homeopathic group in the first year, compared to an increase 8.6% of costs for specific drugs in the control group; in the second year the respective figures were -43.6% versus +7.8% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Homeopathic treatment for respiratory diseases (asthma, allergic complaints, Acute Recurrent Respiratory Infections) was associated with a significant reduction in the use and costs of conventional drugs. Costs for homeopathic therapy are significantly lower than those for conventional pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio Rossi
- Homeopathic Clinic, Campo di Marte Hospital, Lucca, Homeopathic Reference Centre Region of Tuscany, Italy.
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Fønnebø V, Grimsgaard S, Walach H, Ritenbaugh C, Norheim AJ, MacPherson H, Lewith G, Launsø L, Koithan M, Falkenberg T, Boon H, Aickin M. Researching complementary and alternative treatments--the gatekeepers are not at home. BMC Med Res Methodol 2007; 7:7. [PMID: 17291355 PMCID: PMC1800863 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-7-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Accepted: 02/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To explore the strengths and weaknesses of conventional biomedical research strategies and methods as applied to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and to suggest a new research framework for assessing these treatment modalities. Discussion There appears to be a gap between published studies showing little or no efficacy of CAM, and reports of substantial clinical benefit from patients and CAM practitioners. This "gap" might be partially due to the current focus on placebo-controlled randomized trials, which are appropriately designed to answer questions about the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical agents. In an attempt to fit this assessment strategy, complex CAM treatment approaches have been dissected into standardized and often simplified treatment methods, and outcomes have been limited. Unlike conventional medicine, CAM has no regulatory or financial gatekeeper controlling their therapeutic "agents" before they are marketed. Treatments may thus be in widespread use before researchers know of their existence. In addition, the treatments are often provided as an integrated 'whole system' of care, without careful consideration of the safety issue. We propose a five-phase strategy for assessing CAM built on the acknowledgement of the inherent, unique aspects of CAM treatments and their regulatory status in most Western countries. These phases comprise: 1. Context, paradigms, philosophical understanding and utilization 2. Safety status 3. Comparative effectiveness. 4. Component efficacy 5. Biological mechanisms. Summary Using the proposed strategy will generate evidence relevant to clinical practice, while acknowledging the absence of regulatory and financial gatekeepers for CAM. It will also emphasize the important but subtle differences between CAM and conventional medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinjar Fønnebø
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 TROMSØ, Norway
| | - Sameline Grimsgaard
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospital of North Norway, N-9038 TROMSØ, Norway
| | - Harald Walach
- School of Social Sciences & Samueli Institute, University of Northampton, Boughton Green Rd, Northampton NN2 7AL, UK
| | - Cheryl Ritenbaugh
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Arizona, 1450 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Arne Johan Norheim
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 TROMSØ, Norway
| | - Hugh MacPherson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - George Lewith
- Complementary Medicine Research Unit, Primary Medical Care, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Laila Launsø
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 TROMSØ, Norway
| | - Mary Koithan
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Arizona, 1450 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
- Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, PO Box 245153, Tucson, AZ 85724-5153, USA
| | - Torkel Falkenberg
- Center for Studies of Complementary Medicine, Department of Nursing and the division of International Health (IHCAR), Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, S-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Heather Boon
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S2, Canada
| | - Mikel Aickin
- Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, PO Box 245153, Tucson, AZ 85724-5153, USA
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Bellavite P, Ortolani R, Pontarollo F, Piasere V, Benato G, Conforti A. Immunology and homeopathy. 4. Clinical studies-part 2. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2006; 3:397-409. [PMID: 17173103 PMCID: PMC1697745 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nel046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2006] [Accepted: 06/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The clinical studies on the effectiveness of homeopathy in respiratory allergy (18 randomized trials and 9 observational studies) are described. The literature of common immunologic disorders including also upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and otorhinolaryngology (reported in part 1), is evaluated and discussed. Most of initial evidence-based research was addressed to the question of whether homeopathic high dilutions are placebos or possess specific effects, but this question has been often equivocal and is still a matter of debate. The evidence demonstrates that in some conditions homeopathy shows significant promise, e.g. Galphimia glauca (low dilutions/potencies) in allergic oculorhinitis, classical individualized homeopathy in otitis and possibly in asthma and allergic complaints, and a few low-potency homeopathic complexes in sinusitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. A general weakness of evidence derives from lack of independent confirmation of reported trials and from presence of conflicting results, as in case of homeopathic immunotherapy and of classical homeopathy for URTI. The suitable methods to evaluate homeopathy effectiveness, without altering the setting of cure, are also analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Scienze Morfologico-BiomedichePiazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ortolani
- Association for Integrative Medicine ‘Giovanni Scolaro’Piazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Pontarollo
- Department of Scienze Morfologico-BiomedichePiazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Piasere
- Department of Scienze Morfologico-BiomedichePiazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benato
- Association for Integrative Medicine ‘Giovanni Scolaro’Piazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Anita Conforti
- Department of Medicina e Sanità Pubblica, University of VeronaPiazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
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