[Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis: a double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy].
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy for the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis was investigated.


METHODS
A total of 144 patients with acute rhinosinusitis were treated in a randomized, double-blind study either with a homeopathic remedy (n=72) or placebo (n=72). At the control examinations after 7, 14 and 21 days, five sinusitis-typical symptoms were measured with scores from 0 (absent) to 4 (very strong). The change of sum score of the sinusitis-typical symptoms (max. 20 points) during the treatment served as the primary efficacy criterion.


RESULTS
In the homeopathic treatment group, the average sum score dropped from initially 12.1+/-1.6 to 5.9+/-2.0 points after 7 days. In the placebo group it decreased from 11.7+/-1.6 to 11.0+/-2.9 points (p<0.0001). The homeopathic treatment resulted in freedom from complaints in 90.3% of the patients and improvement in a further 8.3%, whereas in the placebo group, the complaints remained unchanged or became worse in 88.9% of the patients. Only one adverse event occurred in one patient from the placebo group.


CONCLUSIONS
The homeopathic product allows an effective and tolerable treatment of acute rhinosinusitis.
Friese
K-H
KH
Dr.Friese@t-online.de
Zabalotnyi
D I
DI
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015990:Placebo Effect; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D008419:Materia Medica