Allgemeine Homöopathische Zeitung 2017; 262(02): 2-76
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1601156
Vorträge
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy

Systematische Überprüfung der randomisierten kontrollierten Studien zur Homöopathie

RT Mathie
1   Homeopathy Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 March 2017 (online)

 

The clinical research evidence in homeopathy is reviewed, focusing on randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between RCT findings in individualised compared with non-individualised (standardised) homeopathy, treatment versus prophylaxis, and placebo-controlled versus non-placebo-controlled study design.

'Vote counting' of positive results in evidence overviews has limited value, and meta-analyses (for homeopathy in general or by medical condition) have produced equivocal findings. Present initiatives in a systematic review and meta-analysis are identifying the study quality and magnitude of treatment effects, reported in RCTs within the different categories of peer-reviewed RCTs, with the overarching objective of reforming optimal clinical research in homeopathy. Our meta-analysis of data from published RCTs has found evidence for a small treatment effect of remedies prescribed in individualised homeopathy. The evidence from RCTs of non-individualised homeopathy is less compelling. The implication of these findings for future research development in homeopathy is a matter of importance.