Role of homoeopathic medicines in treating uterine fibroid: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Background & objective: Uterine fibroids (UF) or leiomyomas are found in 25% to 35% women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common indications for hysterectomy further leading to complications. The present observational study on UF was undertaken to arrive at a group of useful homoeopathic medicines for the treatment of the same. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Princess Durru Shehvar Children’s and General Hospital, Hyderabad in coordination with its Extension Unit of Drug Standardization Unit (Hyderabad) of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy during September 2006 - August 2009. One hundred and thirty eight patients with UF were screened as per the pre-set criteria and 103 patients were enrolled. Homoeopathic Medicines were prescribed to the enrolled patients on the basis of repertorization of the symptom totality. The improvement of the patients was assessed subjectively through the clinical symptoms and objectively through USG pelvis. Results: Out of 103 patients enrolled, follow up of 71 patients was completed as per protocol and their data was analyzed. In 12 patients, fibroids resolved completely. There was statistically significant reduction in some of the symptoms/signs as well as in size of fibroid(s) (p= <0.05). Calcarea carbonica (n=16), Pulsatilla (n=14), Phosphorus (n=7), Lycopodium (n=5), Sulphur (n=3) and Kali carbonica (n=2) were found to be most useful among the prescribed homoeopathic medicines. Limitations: This was an observational study with no control arm, with the duration of follow up being only 8 months. Conclusion: This study has shown positive results in terms of reduction and resolution of UFs with homoeopathic treatment. Further RCTs with long follow ups need be conducted for definite conclusions.