Efficacy of homeopathic intervention in subclinical hypothyroidism with or without autoimmune thyroiditis in children: An exploratory randomized control study
The study was undertaken at Dr. BR Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre (SHMC), Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Moti Bagh, New Delhi. The research study was a collaborative work of SHMC with Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), under Ministry of Defense, DRDO, Timarpur, New Delhi and Dilli Homoeopathic Anusandhan Parishad.
The study was undertaken between 2008 – 2014 wherein more than 5000+ children were screened for various thyroid disorders and 194 subjects were enrolled, treated and followed up for 18 months on homoeopathy. The results were encouraging and may be summarised as follows:
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.
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Dr. Saurav Arora is an internationally acclaimed medical homeopath, consultant, and independent researcher having 17+ years of experience as a clinician, researcher, and a teacher.
