A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel-arm trial to assess the effect of homoeopathic medicines on chronic rhinosinusitis

Authors

Praveen Oberai, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, IndiaFollow
Subhash Kaushik, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, IndiaFollow
Sunil Ramteke, Dr D P Rastogi Central Research Institute, Noida, IndiaFollow
M N. Sinha, Central Research Institute, Jaipur, IndiaFollow
Sarabjit Sarkar, Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Guwahati, IndiaFollow
Kalpana Gautam, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New DelhiFollow
Arvind Kumar, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New DelhiFollow
Harleen Kaur, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New DelhiFollow
Raj Kumar Manchanda, Directorate of AYUSH, Govt of Delhi, IndiaFollow
Roja Varanasi, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, IndiaFollow

Corresponding Author

Roja Varanasi

Keywords

Homoeopathy, chronic rhinosinusitis, radomized controlled trial, Sino Nasal Outcome Test -22, Total Symptoms Score.

Article Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a significant health problem impacting health related quality of life.

Objectives: This study assesses the efficacy of individualised homoeopathy (IH) in LM potency in CRS.

Methods: A randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial on patients with CRS was undertaken at four institutes, from July 2012 to December 2013. Eligible participants were randomised to IH in LM-potencies (n = 60) or a similar placebo (n = 60). Primary outcome was change in the total symptoms score (TSS) (area under the curve [AUC]) and in sinus nasal outcome test 22 over 3 months. Intention-to-treat approach was used for analyses.

Results: TSS AUC over 3 months was less in the homoeopathy group compared to the placebo group but was statistically insignificant (IH: 1303.1 ± 612.2; P = 1380.1 ± 811.8; 95% CI: −336.9, 182.9; P = 0.56). The absolute difference in TSS from baseline had a statistically significant difference at day 60 (mean difference = 4; 95% CI: 0.3–7.7, P = 0.03) and day 75 (mean difference =3.8; 95%: 0.1–7.5, P = 0.04) favouring homoeopathy. The global assessment by the investigator and patient showed satisfactory improvement at day 60 mean difference = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.27–0.86, P = 0.0001 and day 75 mean difference = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.27–0.84, P = 0.0001, respectively. A positive trend was observed in rhinoscopy score in homoeopathy group (mean difference: 0.9, 95% CI: −0.00–1.8, p=0.05). There was no difference in computed tomography scan scores of paranasal sinuses between the groups.

Conclusion: This study provides a positive trend to support the effect of individually selected homoeopathic remedies in patients with CRS and warrants further evaluation.

Digital Object Identifier

10.53945/2320-7094.1225

Publisher

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy

How to cite this article

Oberai P, Kaushik S, Ramteke S, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel-arm trial to assess the effect of homoeopathic medicines on chronic rhinosinusitis. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2023;17. doi: 10.53945/2320-7094.1225