Exploring the scope of homoeopathy in combating the unfortunate consequences of post-COVID-19 survivors based on non-COVID conditions: a narrative review

Author(s):  
Ashish Kumar Dixit ◽  
Nibha Giri ◽  
Shishir Singh

Abstract Objectives The long-term consequences of COVID-19 survivors care and post-coronavirus infection are not yet well understood. The review aims to see whether homoeopathy can help COVID-19 survivors recover from its consequences and improve their quality of life. Content A systematic search of published articles for post-COVID sequelae and the impact of Homoeopathy were conducted. For the literature search, the major electronic bio-medical database PubMed/MEDLINE was used. In addition, supplementary searches were conducted through the references of those published articles. Summary A total of 113 records were identified of which 61 studies included for this review. Homoeopathy is effective in the treatment of mental disorders including anxiety and depressive disorder (ADD), some research studies have found, although systematic reviews disagree. Likewise, some medical societies denounce homoeopathy for pain management; other literature shows that it can be used to treat pain effectively. Homoeopathy can aid in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as Crataegus, a homoeopathic medication, was found to be just as effective as a standard angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and diuretic treatment for minor cardiac insufficiency. The outcomes for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Influenza, and Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs) are also promising. Outlook Based on the results of homoeopathy in non-COVID conditions, it can be thought of in the management of post-COVID-19 outcomes. Consequently, we propose that while investigating post-COVID-19 patient rehabilitation, homoeopathic management may be included as part of the follow-up route and as much data as possible in the context of homoeopathy should be collected, so that in future, the role of homoeopathy in dealing with it can be better demonstrated.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041947
Author(s):  
Pamela G Mckay ◽  
Helen Walker ◽  
Colin R Martin ◽  
Mick Fleming

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothesis predicated that there would be no significant differences between the group’s symptom experience.DesignA quasiexperimental design. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and invariance testing.ParticipantsMales (M) and females (F) >16 with a confirmed diagnosis of CFS/ME or FM by a general practitioner or specialist. CFS/ME (n=101, F: n=86, M: n=15, mean (M) age M=45.5 years). FM (n=107, F: n=95, M: n=12, M=47.2 years).Outcome measuresDiagnostic criteria: the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for CFS/ME and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FM. Additional symptom questionnaires measuring: pain, sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety and depression, locus of control and self-esteem.ResultsInvariance was confirmed with the exception of the American CDC Symptom Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p<0.05) based on five questions. Consequently, it was erroneous to conclude differences. Therefore, the Syndrome Model was created. SEM could not have tested the ACR previously, as it comprised a single data point. Thus, it was combined with these three questionnaires, increasing the data points, to create this new measurable model. Results confirmed no significant differences between groups (p=0.07 (p<0.05)).ConclusionParticipants responded in a similar manner to the questionnaire, confirming the same symptom experience. It is important to consider this in context with differing criteria and management guidelines, as this may influence diagnosis and the trajectory of patient’s management. With the biomedical cause currently unclear, it is the symptom experience and the impact on quality of life that is important. These findings are meaningful for patients, clinicians and policy development and support the requirement for future research.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Barnett ◽  
Anita McGrogan ◽  
Matthew Young ◽  
Charlotte Cavill ◽  
Mandy Freeth ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Aims  Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic rheumatic condition, characterised by inflammatory back pain - often associated with impaired function and mobility, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Despite the vast advances in pharmacological treatments for axSpA over the last few decades, physical activity and rehabilitation remain vital for effective disease management. At the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath (RNHRD), the 2-week inpatient axSpA rehabilitation programme has been integral to axSpA care since the 1970’s. Prior research has demonstrated significant short-term improvements in spinal mobility (BASMI), function (BASFI) and disease activity (BASDAI) following course attendance. However, the long-term outcomes are yet to be evaluated in this unique cohort. Methods  Since the early 1990’s, clinical measures of spinal mobility, function and disease activity have been routinely collected at the RNHRD at all clinical appointments through administration of the BASMI, BASFI and BASDAI, respectively. Dates of attending the axSpA course and standard clinical and treatment follow-up data were also collected. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the impact of course attendance on final reported BASMI, BASDAI and BASFI scores (final score=most recent). Length of follow-up was defined as time between first and last recorded BASMI. Results  Of the 203 patients within the Bath SPARC200 cohort, 77.8% (158/203) had attended at least one rehabilitation course throughout follow-up. 70.0% (140/203) of patients were male. The mean duration of follow-up was 13.5 years (range 0-35 years); 28.1% (57/203) of individuals with 20+ years of follow-up. Course attendance (yes versus no) significantly reduced final BASMI score by 0.84 (p = 0.001, 95%CI -1.31 to -0.37) and final BASDAI score by 0.74 (p = 0.018, 95%CI -1.34 to -0.13). Although course attendance reduced final BASFI by 0.45 (95%CI -1.17 to 0.28), this relationship did not reach significance (p = 0.225). Whilst minimally clinically important difference (MCID) is, to our knowledge, yet to be defined for BASMI, MCIDs were achieved long-term for both BASDAI and BASFI - defined by van der Heijde and colleagues in 2016 as 0.7 and 0.4 for BASDAI and BASFI, respectively. Conclusion  These results provide novel evidence to support the integral role of education, physical activity and rehabilitation in the management of axSpA. Future work should investigate additional outcomes of critical importance to patients and clinicians, such as fatigue, quality of life and work productivity. Furthermore, a greater understanding of the factors that confound these outcomes may provide insights into those patients who may most benefit from attending a 2-week rehabilitation course. In addition to facilitating identification of those patients who may require additional clinical support. Disclosure  R. Barnett: None. A. McGrogan: None. M. Young: None. C. Cavill: None. M. Freeth: None. R. Sengupta: Honoraria; Biogen, Celgene, AbbVie, Novartis, MSD. Grants/research support; Novartis, UCB.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 548-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthonie Janse ◽  
Arno van Dam ◽  
Coby Pijpers ◽  
Jan F. Wiborg ◽  
Gijs Bleijenberg ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Stepped care for CFS, consisting of a minimal intervention followed by face-to-face CBT, was found efficacious when tested in a CFS specialist centre. Stepped care implemented in a community-based mental health centre (MHC) has not yet been evaluated.Aims:(1) To test the effectiveness of stepped care for CFS implemented in a MHC at post-treatment and at long-term follow-up; and (2) compare post-treatment outcomes of implemented stepped care with treatment outcomes of a CFS specialist centre.Method:An uncontrolled study was used to test effectiveness of stepped care implemented in a MHC (n = 123). The outcomes of implemented care were compared with the outcomes of specialist care reported in previous studies (n = 583). Data on outcomes from implemented stepped care were gathered at post-treatment and at long-term follow-up. Mixed models were used as method of analysis.Results:Fatigue decreased and physical functioning increased significantly following implemented stepped care (both p < .001). The follow-up was completed by 94 patients (78%) within 1–6 years after treatment. Treatment effects were sustained to follow-up. Patients in the MHC showed less improvement directly following stepped care compared with patients in a CFS specialist centre (p < .01).Conclusion:Implemented stepped care for CFS is effective with sustained treatment gains at long-term follow-up. There is room for improvement when compared with outcomes of a CFS specialist centre. Some suggestions are made on how to improve stepped care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vedran Premuzic ◽  
Drazen Perkov ◽  
Ranko Smiljanic ◽  
Bruna Brunetta Gavranic ◽  
Bojan Jelakovic

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of different catheter tip positions on the life of the catheter, dysfunction, infection, and quality of hemodialysis and possible differences between the access site laterality in jugular-tunneled hemodialysis catheters. Methods: Catheters were evaluated for the following parameters: place of insertion, time of insertion, duration of use, and reason for removal. In all patients, the catheter tip position was checked using an X-ray. Results: The mean duration of implanted catheters with the tip placed in the cavo-atrial junction and right atrium was significantly longer. There were no differences in catheter functionality at follow-up or complications based on catheter laterality for each catheter tip position. Conclusion: According to our results, the localization of the catheter tip in superior vena cava still remains the least preferable method. Our results showed that the main factor responsible for better catheter functionality was not laterality but the depth to which the catheter tip is inserted into the body.


2017 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthonie Janse ◽  
Stephanie Nikolaus ◽  
Jan F. Wiborg ◽  
Marianne Heins ◽  
Jos W.M. van der Meer ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10042-10042
Author(s):  
Juliette Thariat ◽  
Laurence Moureau-Zabotto ◽  
Nicolas Penel ◽  
Antoine Italiano ◽  
Jacques-Olivier Bay ◽  
...  

10042 Background: 40-50% of sarcomas become metastatic. Median survival of metastatic patients has improved over time. The probably multifactorial reasons for such improvement are not fully clear. Noteworthy, for patients with a controlled primary and a limited number of lung metastases, complete resection of their metastases yields survival rates of up to 40% at three years. Advances in surgery, radiotherapy and radiofrequency have fostered the use of local treatments for various metastatic sites (lung, liver, spine...). Methods: A multicentric retrospective study of the Groupe Sarcome Francais (GSF-GETO); approved by the nationally-review board and ethical committee, was conducted to assess the impact of local ablative treatment on overall survival. Patients who had had oligometastases (any site, 1-5 synchronous metastases) at diagnostic or during the course of disease between 2000 and 2010 were included. Results: Median age of the 243 oligometastatic sarcoma patients was 53 years-old (11-86). Patients had grade I, II and III in 7.5%, 29.6% and 63.3% of cases, respectively with various histologies. 69% of patients underwent local ablative treatment of metastases. Median follow-up was 59 months (4-212) for living patients. Median overall survival was 51 months (1-348). On univariate analysis, grade, histology, absence of chemotherapy, local ablative treatment (surgery, irradiation, radiofrequency or chemoembolisation) correlated with survival but not age or site of oligometastasis. On multivariate analyses, grade (hazard ratio HR 0.12 [CI95 0.3-0.6]) and local ablative treatment (HR 3.8 [CI95 2.1-7.1]) remained significant. Conclusions: Local ablative treatment of metastases is associated with better survival in sarcoma patients with oligometastatic disease. The role of the locoregional treatment of metastases and its impact on quality of life should be assessed prospectively.


ISRN Surgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Buiret ◽  
Clémentine Daveau ◽  
Guillaume Landry ◽  
Carole Colin ◽  
Jean-Christian Pignat ◽  
...  

Objective. To analyze the functional impact of the various possible treatments of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas to find the main prognostic factors of dysphagia induced by these treatments. Patients. Clinical data from 254 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx between 1998 and 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. A multivariate model enabled us to evaluate the role of each potentially harmful factor on swallowing. Main Outcome Measures. The significant factors influencing the consumption of liquid, pasty, and normal food were the same: the initial T stage and the type of treatment. Conclusion. Whatever the possible and selected treatment was, the impact on the functional capacities, and thus, the quality of life of the patients was considerable. Even though we could not significantly demonstrate exclusive radiotherapy caused more long-term undesirable effects than surgery followed by radiotherapy, our daily practice has shown that we should favour the latter.


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