An Open-Label Observational Trial to Evaluate the Possible Effects of Individualized Homoeopathic Medicines in Symptomatic Nasal Polyp
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Abstract
Introduction: Nasal polyps presenting with chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) is a commonly encountered condition characterized by nasal obstruction, loss of sense of smell (anosmia), postnasal drip, headache, and sleep disorders. Possibly 60-65% of the populations suffering from CRS has predisposition to nasal polyps. Homoeopathic literature claims to offer successful treatment of nasal polyps; but scarcely subjected to systematic research.
Materials and Methods: A prospective, open, non-randomized, single arm, observational trial of pre-post comparison design was conducted on 44 patients suffering from symptomatic nasal polyps. Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-20) and European Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires were taken as the primary and secondary outcome measures respectively; assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Individualized homoeopathic medicines were prescribed on ‘totality of symptoms’. Intention to treat sample was subjected to statistical analysis. Data distribution was examined. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test and post hoc parametric paired t test were used accordingly. P values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results: Forty four patients were enrolled; 4 dropped out. Skiagrams revealed complete regressions of polyps in 23 (58%) cases. Statistically significant improvements were observed in both the subjective patient-rated outcomes – mean reduction of SNOT-20 scores by 19.9 [sd 15.5; 95% CI 15.5 to 24.2; P < 0.001], EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score by 0.9 [sd 2.6; 95% CI 0.1 to 1.7; P = 0.029]; and EQ-5D-5L VAS by 14.4 [sd 4.7; 95% CI 12.9 to 15.9; P < 0.001].
Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines showed promising treatment effect in symptomatic nasal polyps. Randomized trials are warranted.
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