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Homeopathy 2014; 103(04): 224-231
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2014.08.004
Original Paper
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2014

Efficacy of homeopathic intervention in subclinical hypothyroidism with or without autoimmune thyroiditis in children: an exploratory randomized control study

Vijay K. Chauhan
1   Dr. B. R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, New Delhi, India
,
Raj K. Manchanda
2   Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, India
,
Archana Narang
1   Dr. B. R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, New Delhi, India
,
Raman K. Marwaha
3   Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India
,
Saurav Arora
2   Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, India
,
Latika Nagpal
1   Dr. B. R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, New Delhi, India
,
Surender K. Verma
4   Directorate of Indian System of Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi, India
,
V. Sreenivas
5   All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
› Author Affiliations
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Received12 February 2014
revised14 August 2014

accepted26 August 2014

Publication Date:
02 January 2018 (online)

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Introduction: The decision to treat subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with or without autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in children, presents a clinical dilemma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of individualized homeopathy in these cases.

Methods: The study is an exploratory, randomized, placebo controlled, single blind trial. Out of 5059 school children (06–18 years) screened for thyroid disorders, 537 children had SCH/AIT and 194 consented to participate. Based on primary outcome measures (TSH and/or antiTPOab) three major groups were formed: Group A – SCH + AIT (n = 38; high TSH with antiTPOab+), Group B – AIT (n = 47; normal TSH with antiTPOab+) and Group C – SCH (n = 109; only high TSH) and were further randomized to two subgroups-verum and control. Individualized homeopathy or identical placebo was given to respective subgroup. 162 patients completed 18 months of study.

Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in all the subgroups. The post treatment serum TSH (Group A and C) returned to normal limits in 85.94% of verum and 64.29% of controls (p < 0.006), while serum AntiTPOab titers (Group A and B) returned within normal limits in 70.27%of verum and 27.02%controls (p < 0.05). Eight children (10.5%) progressed to overt hypothyroidism (OH) from control group.

Conclusion: A statistically significant decline in serum TSH values and antiTPOab titers indicates that the homeopathic intervention has not only the potential to treat SCH with or without antiTPOab but may also prevent progression to OH.

Keywords

Autoimmune thyroiditis - Subclinical hypothyroidism - Overt hypothyroidism - Anti TPO antibody - Individualized homeopathy
 

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