Effects of Spascupreel versus hyoscine butylbromide for gastrointestinal cramps in children.
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal spasms and cramps are common in children as well as in adults. Alternative medical practices such as chiropractice and homeopathy are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and the USA. The effectiveness and tolerability of the homeopathic preparation Spascupreel was compared with that of hyoscine butylbromide treatment in children <12 years of age.


METHODS
An observational cohort study in 204 children <12 years was conducted over a 1 week treatment period. The efficacy of the respective therapies were evaluated on the effect on severity of spasms and clinical symptoms (pain/cramps, sleep disturbances, distress, eating or drinking difficulties and frequent crying). Compliance was evaluated on a four-point scale from 'very good' to 'low'. Evaluation was done by the practitioner based on information given by the patient or minder.


RESULTS
The analysis showed comparative improvements with the homeopathic preparation and hyoscine butylbromide therapy on severity of spasms, pain/cramps, sleep disturbances, eating or drinking difficulties, and frequent crying, all as evaluated by the practitioner. Both treatments were very well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
For patients opting for a homeopathic therapy, Spascupreel seems to be an effective and well tolerated alternative to conventional therapies in children suffering from gastrointestinal spasms.
Müller-Krampe
Brigitte
B
Oberbaum
Menachen
M
Klein
Peter
P
Weiser
Michael
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D002086:Butylscopolammonium Bromide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003085:Colic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008903:Minerals; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002086:Butylscopolammonium Bromide