A double blind placebo controlled study: homoeopathy in HIV infection

Abstract

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the immuno-modulator role of homoeopathic remedies in HIV infection. Methodology: A randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the effect of homoeopathic remedies with placebo, on CD4"° T- lymphocytes in HIV infected individuals, conforming to CDC stage II & III. 100 HIV’" individuals between 18 and 50 years (71% males) were included in the study. 50 cases conformed to CDC stage II - Asymp- tomatic HIV infection, and other 50 cases to CDC stage Ill - PGL. Cases were stratified according to their clini- cal status and CD4 Lymphocyte counts. The ran- domization charts were prepared much before the start of the trial by randomly assigning placebo and verum codes to different registration numbers from 1 to 50. A single individualized homoeopathic remedy was pre- scribed in each case and was followed up at a periodic interval of 15 days to one month. A six months study was performed for each registered case. Assessment of progress was made by evaluation of CD4”• Lym- phocyte counts, which was decided as the main out come measure of the study; the results were compared with the base line immune status.RESULTS: In the strata of PGL, a statistically significant difference was observed in CD4”” T-Lymphocyte counts between pre and posttrial levels in verum group (p< 0.01).In the placebo group a similar comparison yielded non-significant results. (p= 0.91). Analysis of change in the pre & post trial counts of CD4 cells was also significant for the verum group (p=0.04). In Asymptomatic I HV infection, differences in abso- lute CD4+ve Lymphocyte counts between pre and post trial levels were not significant. Analysis of changes in pre & posttrial CD4 levels of placebo and verum groups for combined strata of Asymptomatic and PGL groups was also not significant. Conclusion The study suggests a promising role of homoeopathic treatment in HIV infection in symptom- atic phase, as evidenced by a statistically significant el- evation of base line immune status in persistent gener- alized lymphadenopathy.