Praveen Oberai
Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, India.
Title: A prospective multi-centric open clinical trial of homeopathy in diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy
Biography
Biography: Praveen Oberai
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate homeopathic treatment in the management of diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy.
Methods: A prospective multi-centric clinical observational study was carried out from October 2005 to September 2009 by Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) (India) at its five institutes/units. Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) with symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) were screened, investigated and enrolled after fulfilling inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated by the Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy Symptom Score (DDSPSS) developed by the Council. A total of 15 homeopathic medicines were identified after repertorizing the nosological symptoms and signs of the disease. The appropriate constitutional medicine was selected and prescribed in 30, 200 and 1 M potency on an individualized basis. Patients were followed up regularly for 12 months.
Results: Out of 336 patients enrolled in the study, 247 patients were analyzed. All patients who attended at least three follow-up appointments and baseline curve conduction studies were included in the analysis. A statistically significant improvement in DDSPSS total score (p=0.0001) was found at 12 months from baseline. Lycopodium clavatum (n=132), Phosphorus (n=27) and Sulphur (n=26) were the medicines most frequently prescribed. Adverse event of hypoglycemia was observed in one patient only.
Conclusion: This study suggests homeopathic medicines may be effective in managing the symptoms of DPN patients. Further studies should be controlled and include the Quality of Life (QOL) assessment.