Research highlights

The purpose of this study was to assess the viability of performing a 1:1 randomised controlled trial on knee osteoarthritis (OA) in 40 individuals.During the trial, all of these individuals were permitted to use concurrent medications.The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was considered as the main outcome measure.From KOOS, scores for the Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were also obtained.The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire comprise the secondary result.Every measurement was recorded at baseline and following a 2-month course of therapy.The percentages of trial retention and enrolment/screening were 85% and 43%, respectively.Group differences were statistically significant, with individualised homoeopathic medicines (IHMs) preferring over placebos on all KOOS subscales: Activities of daily life (P < 0.001), pain (P = 0.002), symptoms (P < 0.001), sports or leisure (P = 0.016) and quality of life (P = 0.002).IHMs were preferred above placebos based on the derived WOMAC values from KOOS: Stiffness (P < 0.001) and pain (P < 0.001).Significant results were also obtained with EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score (p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS ratings (p < 0.001) favouring IHMs over placebos.The effect sizes were all in the range of moderate to big.The most often recommended homoeopathic drug was Sulphur.Comments: When treating knee OA, it was discovered that IHMs had a better outcome than placebos.In the future, a larger population study will be needed to confirm that IHMs are effective in treating degenerative diseases like OA in the knee. homoeopaThic medicines prevenT acuTe respiraTory TracT infecTion in children