No abstract

These results do not support concern that deficient MVHT has frequently undermined the published findings of RCTs of individualised homeopathy. However, the 13 trials with 'uncertain' or 'inadequate' MVHT will be a focus of attention in supplementary meta-analysis. New RCTs of individualised homeopathy must aim to maximise MVHT and to enable its assessment through clear reporting.

Purpose : A new programme of systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathy distinguishes several key attributes of study design and quality: placebo controlled cf. other-than-placebo controlled; individualised cf. non-individualised homeopathy; treatment cf. prophylaxis; internal validity cf. model validity. The present phase of the review programme focuses on assessing the model validity (MV) of peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled, RCTs of individualised homeopathic treatment. Methods : A systematic literature search and subsequent reappraisal of retrieved records identified 31 RCTs that satisfied the inclusion criteria for the present study. MV of the eligible RCTs was appraised using a novel criterion-based method. Assessment domains address: (i) the rationale for the choice of the particular homeopathic intervention; (ii) the homeopathic principles reflected in the intervention; (iii) the extent of homeopathic practitioner input; (iv) the relevance of the main outcome measure; (v) the capability of the main outcome measure to detect change; (vi) the length of follow-up to the endpoint of the study. These six MV domains per RCT were categorised by each of three independent assessors as ?acceptable?, ?unclear? or ?unacceptable?, disparities of opinion being resolved by consensus discussion. Results : Domain-specific and overall ratings of MV per RCT await the outcome of ongoing consensus discussions. A full set of findings will be presented at conference. Conclusions : MV data contribute importantly to the appraisal of RCT quality in systematic reviews of homeopathy.

This preliminary study shows the interest of China rubra 7CH in limiting the side-effects of quinine used for the treatment of acute malaria in pregnant women.

Homeopathic treatment was well tolerated and seemed to have a positive impact on PMS symptoms. Folliculinum was the most frequent homeopathic medicine prescribed. There appears to be scope for a properly designed, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of individual homeopathic medicines in PMS.