Etat des lieux de l'homéopathie en Belgique - KCE

KCE Reports 154 Homeopathy 17
2.3.2.3 Low back pain
A review of Quinn et al 23 found limited evidence (one high quality RCT) that
homeopathic gel (Spiroflor SRL) and Cremor Capsici Compositus (CCC) are equally
effective in the treatment of low back pain and that SRL has a lower risk of adverse
effects than CCC. However, as stated in the original study there is no proof that CCC
is effective in itself.
2.3.2.4 Third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour
Smith et al 51 , based on 2 small trials involving 133 women, found no differences.
In any of the primary outcome measures described in this review. The quality of the
trials was difficult to assess because of insufficient detail in the research papers, and the
small sample sizes provides inadequate power.
2.3.2.5 Chronic fatigue
Bagnal et al 52 found that one RCT of good quality showed some evidence on one of 5
measures of fatigue and one in 5 measures of functional limitations. However, this
should be viewed with caution because statistical significance was borderline with a
considerable multiple testing problem as statistical significance was tested twice on 5
interdependent measures increasing the possibility of spuriously significant results .
2.3.2.6 Dementia
McCarney et al 31 found no evidence (0 eligible studies) that homeopathic products have
an effect on dementia and Robinson et al 39 found no evidence (0 eligible studies) of
effect on wandering in dementia.
2.3.2.7 Asthma
McCarney et al 30 found 5 trials of variable quality that did not demonstrate an effect and
concluded that there is insufficient evidence to reliably assess the possible role of
homeopathy in asthma.
2.3.2.8 Enuresis
Glazener et al 32 found no evidence (0 studies) that homeopathy is effective for this
condition.
2.3.2.9 Depression
2.3.2.10 Anxiety
Pilkington et al 34 found no evidence (no RCT’s) for an effect in depression.
Pilkington et al 38 found 7 RCT’s but they report contradictory results, are
underpowered or provide insufficient details on methodology.
2.3.2.11 Cancer related symptoms
Kassab et al 46 retrieved 8 studies, found that 2 studies of high quality showed statistically
significant results: calendula oinment for the prevention of acute dermatitis during
radiotherapy (Aria under the Curve Peto Odds ratio 0.42 [0.25, 0.68]) and Traumeel S
mouthwash (a proprietary complex homeopathic medicine) in the treatment of
chemotherapy-induced stomatitis (small study of 36 subjects stomatitis symptoms
(WHO five point grading scale for mucositis Area under the curve): -14.24 [ -23.46, -
5.02 ].These interventions require further evaluation. There is no convincing evidence
for the efficacy of other homeopathic medicines for adverse symptoms and skin
reactions related to radiotherapy, nor for women with breast cancer. An older review
Millazzo et al 36 found 6 studies of variable quality and reached similar conclusions.
2.3.2.12 Hot flushes in women with a history of breast cancer
Rada et al 48 identified two RCT’s of high quality that found no effect.