Clinical evaluation of homoeopathic medicines in iron deficiency anemia
Objectives: To assess the
efficacy of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of Iron deficiency anaemia,
to identify their reliable indications, most useful potencies, frequency of
administration and relationship with other medicines.
Methods: Two hundred and
twenty three cases were registered from the out patient department of Regional
Research Institute, New Delhi, constituting all age groups and both the sexes
during the period 1995-2000. Cases with 5-11 Hbgm%, microcytosis, hypochromia
and elongated hypochromic red cells were included in the study. Cases requiring
hospitalization and having Hb. below 5gm% were excluded. Homoeopathic medicines
were selected in different potencies, from different angles, viz. causation,
constitutional symptoms, keynotes and seasonal predilections. Specific
parameters were used to assess the outcome. Cases which were not followed up
regularly were deemed to be dropped out.
Results: One hundred and
seventy two cases were followed up regularly and varying degrees of improvement
were observed, viz. marked improvement in 60 cases, moderate improvement in 42
cases, mild improvement in 31 cases and 39 cases did not improve. Homoeopathic
medicines not only improved the general conditions of the patients but also
raised the hemoglobin level in 101 cases upto 4gm % within 2-3 months of treatment. Calcarea
carbonica (n=12), Cinchona officinalis (n=21), Phosphorus (n=54), Pulsatilla
(n=16), Natrum muriaticum (n=27), Rhus tox. (n=13), and Sulphur (n=35) in
different potencies were found to be efficacious.
Conclusion: Results showed that
homoeopathic medicines could restore the general health of the patients and
increase the Hb%. Medicines like Natrum muriaticum and Phosphorus
helped much in increasing the haemoglobulin level up to more than 4gm. %. The
objectives to identify a group of effective medicines and their reliable
indications were achieved, but other objectives could not be accomplished. A
further study based on all the required laboratory parameters basing on the
causation of Iron deficiency anemia is suggested for scientific validation.
Key
words: observational study; homoeopathy; iron deficiency anaemia; CCRH;
india
Anil Kumar VIchitra
Regional Research Institute, New Delhi