An experimental double-blind clinical trial method in homoeopathy

1986 ◽  
Vol 75 (03) ◽  
pp. 142-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Non Parametric

AbstractA small number of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of homœopathic treatment in rheumatological conditions have been carried out. These have used differing methodologies, leading to varying results. This paper describes a novel approach in the treatment of fibrositis, a syndrome which lacks a pathological definition, but is defined solely in terms of its symptomatology.24 patients were prescribed for 3 months, according to indication, one of three homœopathic remedies (Arnica, Bryonia, Rhus tox.), each patient remaining on the same remedy throughout. They were followed monthly on the following parameters: pain, number of tender spots and sleep. An ‘indication score’ was allotted to each prescription. The results were analyzed by non-parametric statistical methods, showing that homœopathy produced a statistically significant improvement, but only when the prescribed remedy was well indicated.

Efficacy of homeopathic treatment of skin reactions during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial

2000 ◽  
Vol 89 (01) ◽  
pp. 8-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Balzarini ◽  
E Felisi ◽  
A Martini ◽  
F De Conno
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Skin Reactions ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Homeopathic Treatment ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Number Of Patients

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of Belladonna 7cH and X-ray 15cH associated in the treatment of acute radiodermatitis. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 66 patients who had been operated on for breast cancer and were undergoing radiotherapy was conducted. The following parameters were assessed over ten weeks: breast skin colour, warmth, swelling and pigmentation.The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by the comparison of these parameters taken individually and by calculating an Index of Total Severity (sum of the scores of the four parameters) during radiotherapy, and during recovery, 15 and 30 d after the end of the radiotherapy.The differences of the scores of the Index of Total Severity during Radiotherapy were not statistically significant, but showed a trend towards a better activity of the homoeopathic medicine compared to placebo. Analysis of the data on Total Severity during recovery, showed a statistically significant benefit of the active medicines over placebo. The homeopathic medicines had particular effectiveness on the heat of the skin.The limited number of patients observed and the posology employed could have interfered with the significance of the results. Chemotherapy and hormonotherapy do not seem to affect the results.

Double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of homoeopathic medicines in HIV infection

1998 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-88
Author(s):  
D P Rastogi ◽  
V P Singh ◽  
Vikram Singh ◽  
S K Dey ◽  
K Rao
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

The Effect of Desmopressin on Reducing Blood Loss in Cardiac Surgery – A Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (04) ◽  
pp. 1064-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Cattaneo ◽  
Alan S Harris ◽  
Ulf Strömberg ◽  
Pier Mannuccio Mannucci
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Blood Loss ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Blood Loss ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Transfusion Requirements ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Excessive Blood Loss

SummaryThe effect of desmopressin (DDAVP) on reducing postoperative blood loss after cardiac surgery has been studied in several randomized clinical trials, with conflicting outcomes. Since most trials had insufficient statistical power to detect true differences in blood loss, we performed a meta-analysis of data from relevant studies. Seventeen randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were analyzed, which included 1171 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for various indications; 579 of them were treated with desmopressin and 592 with placebo. Efficacy parameters were blood loss volumes and transfusion requirements. Desmopressin significantly reduced postoperative blood loss by 9%, but had no statistically significant effect on transfusion requirements. A subanalysis revealed that desmopressin had no protective effects in trials in which the mean blood loss in placebo-treated patients fell in the lower and middle thirds of distribution of blood losses (687-1108 ml/24 h). In contrast, in trials in which the mean blood loss in placebo-treated patients fell in the upper third of distribution (>1109 ml/24 h), desmopressin significantly decreased postoperative blood loss by 34%. Insufficient data were available to perform a sub-analysis on transfusion requirements. Therefore, desmopressin significantly reduces blood loss only in cardiac operations which induce excessive blood loss. Further studies are called to validate the results of this meta-analysis and to identify predictors of excessive blood loss after cardiac surgery.

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