A Meta-Analysis of the Homeopathic Treatment of Hay Fever
with Galphimia Glauca
by Dr. Markus Wiesenauer, Weinstadt
01/85 - 12/89
The first aim was to assess the efficacy of homeopathic prepared Galphimia glauca compared with placebo in the treatment of pollinosis. The second aim was to estimate the corresponding overall success rate of Galphimia glauca.
Methods
Seven randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials and 4 non-placebo-controlled trials (1 randomized and controlled, 1 prospective and uncontrolled) performed by our study group between 1980 and 1989 were included in this metaanalysis. An additional MEDLINE search revealed no further trials on this topic. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were identical in all trials.
In total 1.038 ambulatory patients who suffered from acute pollinosis (752 in placebo-controlled trials) were included. The main outcome measures were the relative frequency and relative change for indicating noticeable and soothing relief in ocular symptoms as assessed individually by the patient.
Results
The overall rate of improved eye symptoms is about 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09 - 1.43] times higher in the verum group than in the placebo group. Verum success rate is estimated to be 79.3 % (CI: 74.1 - 85,0 %). Among the single studies the results were quite similar with the exception of one study.
Conclusions
Significant superiority of Galphimia glauca over placebo is demonstrated. Estimates of verum success rates are comparable with those of conventional antihistaminics. The major advantages of Galphimia glauca are the absence of side effects and the simple peroral application. The results are valid, based on the fact that all studies ever conducted with Galphimia glauca have been included.
The results may be slightly biased as not all of the single studies were analyzed by intention-to-treat analysis. Due to an increase in the number of allergies there seems to be a high demand for new antiallergic substances. It must be noted, that until now there have been no independent replications of these studies.
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In der Geiß 8
D-71384 Weinstadt
Germany