Homeopathic aggravations: a systematic review of randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials

Homeopathy ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 92 (02) ◽  
pp. 92-98
Author(s):  
S Grabia ◽  
E Ernst

AbstractHomeopathic aggravations have often been described anecdotally. However, few attempts have been made to scientifically verify their existence. This systematic review aimed at comparing the frequency of homeopathic aggravations in the placebo and verum groups of double-blind, randomised clinical trials. Eight independent literature searches were carried out to identify all such trials mentioning either adverse effects or aggravations. All studies thus found were validated and data were extracted by both authors. Twenty-four trials could be included. The average number of aggravations was low. In total, 50 aggravations were attributed to patients treated with placebo and 63 to patients treated with homoeopathically diluted remedies. We conclude that this systematic review does not provide clear evidence that the phenomenon of homeopathic aggravations exists.

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 128-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Machado ◽  
Daniel Bonotto ◽  
Paulo Afonso Cunali

INTRODUCTION: In some cases, conservative treatment of internal derangements of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is considered little responsive. Thus, it is necessary to accomplish treatments that aim at reducing pain and improve patients' functions who present arthrogenic temporomandibular disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study, by means of a systematic review of the literature, aimed to analyze the effectiveness of intra-articular injections with corticosteroids and sodium hyaluronate for treating internal derangements of the TMJ. METHODS: Carry out a research in the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, Pubmed, Lilacs, and BBO, considering publications issued between 1966 and October of 2010, focusing on randomized or quasi-randomized controlled clinical trials, single or double-blind. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion criteria we collected 9 articles, 7 of which were randomized controlled double-blind clinical trials and 2 randomized controlled single-blind clinical trials. CONCLUSION: After analyzing the literature, it was found that intra-articular injection with corticosteroids and sodium hyaluronate seems to be an effective method for treating internal derangements of the TMJ. However, further randomized controlled clinical trials, with representative samples and longer follow-up time must be carried out in order to assess the real effectiveness of this technique.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-303
Author(s):  
Luciana Vieira Castilho Weinert ◽  
Eduardo Borba Neves

Introduction: The intensive physical therapy program using dynamic clothing and elastic cords is an innovative approach in pediatric neurology physiotherapy area. Objective: To analyze the benefits of using dynamic clothes in intensive physical therapy protocols in patients with cerebral palsy. Methods: Electronic databases were used retrospectively without date restriction, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The search focused on studies to document the use of intensive physical therapy protocols with the clothes on PC. Results: 14 studies were reviewed 6 narrative reviews, 1 systematic review, 6 clinical trials and one case study. It was not possible to group the results due to the diversity of protocols, the characteristics of the participants and the instruments used. Conclusion: All analysed studies reported improvement in gross motor control of patients, however, it is suggested the realization of double blind randomized and controlled clinical trials to prove the benefits of intensive physiotherapy programs with dynamic clothes.


1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1164-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D Privitera

OBJECTIVE: To review proposed mechanisms of action, clinical pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the antiepileptic drug (AED) topiramate. METHODS: All available data from the clinical development program — Published and unpublished data (provided by investigators or the RW Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute) — Were analyzed, with emphasis on the results of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Data from open-label studies provided information about long-term efficacy and tolerability. FINDINGS: Topiramate is highly effective in the control of previously therapy-resistant partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization. In the refractory adult patient population enrolled in controlled clinical trials, seizures were reduced by 50% or more in 27–47% of patients compared with 0–18% in placebo-treated patients and by 75% or more in 9–36% of the patients compared with 0–9% of those receiving placebo. The most common adverse effects involve the central nervous system and are mild to moderate in nature. Adverse effects include somnolence, fatigue, psychomotor slowing, and concentration problems. The currently recommended dosing is lower and titration slower than schedules used in the clinical trials; this may improve the tolerability of topiramate. Topiramate has few interactions with currently available AEDs, but phenytoin concentrations increased in some patients. Topiramate can be used initially as adjunctive therapy. Plasma topiramate concentrations are reduced substantially when used with enzyme-inducing AEDs. Open-label data and a single double-blind trial suggest that topiramate monotherapy may be effective. Open-label data also indicate that topiramate may be effective in generalized seizures of nonfocal origin, including those associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The robust clinical effects of topiramate expand the therapeutic options for patients with epilepsy. Controlled clinical trials are needed to verify initial observations that topiramate may be effective against a broad spectrum of seizure types and to directly compare efficacy and tolerability with other new and standard AEDs.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e025640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie M Ashton ◽  
Michael Berk ◽  
Chee H Ng ◽  
Malcolm Hopwood ◽  
Bianca Kavanagh ◽  
...  

IntroductionFirst line pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder (BD) can leave shortfalls in recovery leading to patients seeking alternative and adjunctive treatments such as nutraceuticals. This protocol for a systematic review and proposed meta-analysis aims to answer the research question: in patients with BD, how does use of nutraceutical treatments compare with placebo in reducing depressive and mania symptoms?Methods and analysisClinical trials will be identified through database searches using PubMed via PubMed, EMBASE via embase.com, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) via cochranelibrary.com and CINAHL Complete via EBSCO. Search terms for BD and specific nutraceuticals (75 total search terms) will be used. Double-blind, randomised, controlled, clinical trials of adults with BD will be included in the review. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials.Ethics and disseminationThis review will only look at published data (already reviewed for ethical compliance); therefore, ethical approval is not required. We aim to publish the systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal and present at conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019100745.


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