Homeopathic A. montana + B. albain in aortic valve surgery
Arnica montana and other homoeopathic extracts have been used to control inflammation, swelling, and blood loss, with controversial result, say researchers from Université de Lyon, in France.
They are the first to study A. montana + Bryonia albain (for irritability and aches) in cardiac surgery, which is often followed by blood loss and involves substantial systemic inflammation.
First, the details.
- One day before surgery, 92 adults were randomly assigned to a treatment group until 4 days after surgery.
- Homoeopathic granules
- Matching placebo
- The volume of blood/liquid in the drains at their removal was measured.
- Also, postoperative blood/liquid losses at 12 and 24 hours, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP, to measure inflammation), pain, temperature, and troponin Ic (a marker of heart injury).
And, the results.
- There was no difference between groups in blood loss at any time after surgery.
- There was no difference in patterns of CRP, troponin, body temperature changes, or pain perception.
- Transfusions were no different.
- 2 patients from each group died during the study.
- The number of serious side effects was not significantly different either.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “There was no evidence of effects of A. montana and B. alba combination on bleeding, inflammation, pain or myocardial ischemia.”
3/18/10 17:16 JR