Clinical evaluation of homoeopathic medicines in sinusitis
Objectives: The objectives of
this study were to evolve a group of most effective homoeopathic medicines in
the management of sinusitis, to identify their reliable indications, most
useful potencies, frequency of administration, and their relationship with
other medicines.
Methods: Central Council for
Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) conducted this study at its Regional Research
Institute (H), Shimla (1985 - 1999) and at Clinical Research Unit (H), Chennai
(1988 - 2003). A total of 950 patients (424 males, 526 females), of both acute
and chronic type, were registered on the basis of subjective and/or objective
symptoms of sinusitis. Cases presenting with the complications of sinusitis or
requiring hospitalization were excluded from the study. Homoeopathic medicines
in different potencies (Q or 6, 30, 200, 1M) were administered according to
their indications. Acute cases were followed up for one month and chronic cases
for one year excepting a few cases which were followed for 5 years. Besides
homoeopathic intervention, patients were advised to take general measures like
steam inhalation and to avoid cold exposure. Cases which were not followed up
were deemed to be dropped out.
Results: Different clinical patterns were
observed, viz. acute/chronic, frontal, fronto-maxillary (mixed), sphenoidal and
multiple sinusitis. Four hundred sixty seven cases were followed up, out of
which 138 cases were cured with no relapse after a follow up period of one
year; varying degrees of improvement were seen, viz. marked improvement in 80
cases, moderate improvement in 91cases, mild improvement in 66 cases. While 04
cases showed aggravation of their condition, 15 cases did not improve and 73
cases could not be assessed due to enrollment in last phase of study. In 140
cases of fronto-maxillary sinusitis, objective symptoms were relieved. Belladonna
(n=16), Kali bichromicum (n=21), Lachesis (n=10), Natrum sulphuricum (n=11),
Pulsatilla (n=47), Rhus toxicodendron (n=15), and Silicea (n=21) were most
effective medicines.
Conclusion: The objectives of the
study to identify a group of effective medicines and their reliable indications
were achieved but not the other objectives. Encouraging results obtained from
this study, prompted CCRH to carry out evidence based multi-centric clinical
trial with an objective to evaluate the role of predefined homoeopathic
medicines in the treatment of chronic sinusitis since October 2005.
Key words: observational
study; homoeopathy; sinusitis; CCRH; india
G.C.Sahagal, S.R.Sharma, Bindu Sharma,
Clinical Research Unit (H) Shimla,
K.Bhanu Murty, K.S.V.Bharatalaxmi, K.Raju, S.Ravi Kumar,
Clinical Research Unit (H), Chennai