Homeopathic Arnica in postoperative haematomas: a double-blind study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether homeopathic Arnica can reduce postoperative haematomas in venous surgery.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective, multicentric, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
130 consecutive patients undergoing saphenous stripping (204 legs), hospitalized in a clinic.


METHODS
A homeopathic medicine (Arnica CH5) and an indistinguishable placebo, administered sublingually by a nurse the night before and immediately after the operation.


METHODS
Clinical evaluation of haematomas 6 days postoperatively.


RESULTS
Groups were well matched (sex, age, history of bleeding or thrombosis, drug intake, previous intake of homeopathic drugs, type of operation and anaesthesia, operator). One drop-out has been replaced. No statistically significant difference in postoperative haematomas was found between the Arnica and placebo groups (p = 0.342). Subanalysis of all other items did not reveal any statistical difference either.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, with this dosage, we did not observe any preventive effect of homeopathic Arnica CH5 on poststripping haematomas.
Ramelet
A A
AA
Lausanne, Geneva and La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland.
Buchheim
G
G
Lorenz
P
P
Imfeld
M
M
D018650:Arnica / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery