Background: Anaemia in children has significant adverse health consequences and is a major public health problem. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify efficacy of Ferrum phosphoricum 3X (FP) and Ferrum metallicum 3X (FM) in changing haemoglobin (Hb) levels in school-going children, 12–14 years of age with Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). Materials and Methods: School children were screened for Hb levels using a portable haemoglobinometer at Noida, Kottayam, Guwahati and Imphal. Children with Hb levels ≤11.9 g% and ≥8 g% were investigated for IDA by measuring serum ferritin level and other parameters. Children enrolled were divided into two categories, i.e., mild (Hb 11–11.9 g%) and moderate anaemia (Hb between 8 and 10.9 g%). Children in both the groups were randomised into FP and FM groups and prescribed accordingly for 3 months. Hb levels were repeated after 3 months. Results: 2,878 children were screened and 792 (27.5%) were identified to have Hb between ≤11.9 g% and ≥8 g%. 102 (mild anaemia: FP-30; FM-29, moderate anaemia: FP-21, FM-22) were enrolled after investigations and consent. Significant increase in Hb was seen in children with moderate anaemia in FP group (9.95 ± 0.749–10.97 ± 1.51). Increase in Hb in other groups was not significant. Conclusion: Percentage of children with low iron reserves and having true IDA was <4%. FP has a potential to improve Hb levels in children with no side effects.

Background: Prospective assessment of homoeopathic symptoms is different from eliciting symptoms in daily practice. In prognostic factor research, we apply symptom questionnaires with Likert scales to assess symptoms in different intensities. In former research, we tested a 5-point Likert scale, which rendered a rather high prevalence for some symptoms even the strongest intensity, not useful in daily practice. A longer, 7-point Likert scale might render more useful outcome. Objective: To study if a longer Likert scale perform better in homoeopathic prognostic factor research. Methods: A 7-point Likert scale questionnaire with 30 polar symptoms was tested on 300 patients. Responses to various domains of temperature, climate, diurnal, influence of sleep, eating and desires/aversions were elicited. The outcome was compared with the former 5-point Likert scale. Results: The mean prevalence of all symptoms in the highest intensity with the 7-point Likert scale is (much) lower than in the 5-point scale, and for some symptoms, more useful. For a few symptoms, the prevalence remained high, even in the highest intensity. Conclusion: A longer Likert scale performs better in homoeopathic prognostic factor research, but not for all symptoms. The filling out of this questionnaire by patients should be guided by homoeopathic practitioners who are properly trained in prospective assessment of homoeopathic symptoms.

Background: Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used in breast cancer, but they cause an array of adverse effects including dermatological changes and vomiting. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine whether Usual Care (UC) plus pre-defined homoeopathic remedies can produce different effect beyond UC plus placebo in dermatological adverse effects of radiotherapy and vomiting of chemotherapy in breast carcinoma. Methods: In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial, 88 females suffering from dermatological adverse effects due to radiotherapy (n = 41) or vomiting due to chemotherapy (n = 47) were randomised to receive either UC + Homoeopathy (verum; n = 44) or UC + Placebo (control; n = 44). The outcome measures were the number of responders showing any reduction of grades of Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria (ARMSC) of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) for vomiting, measured at baseline and after 7 and 14 days. Relative Risk (RR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) was assessed; Chi-square tests were run to report P values. Results: A protocol-compliant sample (n = 80; 8 dropped out, verum: 4, control: 4) was analysed. The number of responders as per the ARMSC score after 7 days (11/18 vs. 1/19, RR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.7–6.3, P = 0.001) and 14 days (16/18 vs. 1/19, RR = 9.4, 95% CI = 2.5–35.2, P < 0.001) was statistically significant, favouring verum over control. Similar results were obtained according to the CTC scoring after 7 days (15/22 vs. 2/21, RR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.7–6.3, P < 0.001) and 14 days (21/22 vs. 4/21, RR = 15.1, 95% CI = 2.2–102.4, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-identified homoeopathic medicines appeared superior to placebo, warranting further evaluation.

Background: Polar symptoms represent the most challenging rubrics in the homoeopathic repertories, despite their frequent use. Objective: The study objective was to assess the relationship between 27 polar cough symptoms, 3 non-polar cough symptoms and 30 general polar symptoms and successful response to specific homoeopathic medicines. Materials and Methods: A multi-centre, explorative, prospective, observational study was conducted at ten centres under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Two hundred and sixteen patients were enrolled with chronic cough, lasting >8 weeks. The patients were enrolled as per four underlying diagnoses of chronic upper airway cough syndrome (CUACS), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma and related syndromes, and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB). 30 general polar symptoms, 27 polar cough symptoms and 3 non-polar cough symptoms were assessed at the baseline. During enrollment and follow-up consultations, two validated questionnaires (Leicester Cough Questionnaire chronic and EuroQuol (EQ)-5D-5L) were filled for assessing the effect of treatment. If the Physician Assessment Score was >2, the causal relationship between improvement and prescribed medicine was further assessed using Modified Naranjo Algorithm. Results: At the fourth follow-up, three medicines with >10 cases having good result were identified: Phosphorus (n = 20), Pulsatilla (n = 19) and Sulphur (n = 13). For this introductory article, we compare some results with the existing data, reflect on discrepancies between the existing data and research outcome and reflect on future use, especially in respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Conclusion: In improving the homoeopathic method and its practical use, priority should be given to polar symptoms, especially related to RTIs.

Introduction: Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords. This narrowing can cause serious breathing difficulties. Subglottic stenosis can be congenital or acquired. Frequent or long-term intubation is the most common cause of acquired subglottic stenosis. Case Summary: In this case report, adjuvant homoeopathic treatment helped prevent tracheal stent implantation surgery, otherwise deemed necessary in such a state and improved the overall general state. This case report gives ground to further investigate the extent to which individualised Homoeopathy may be applied in postintubation subglottic stenosis.

Introduction: Nodular episcleritis (NE) is a variety of episcleritis characterised by inflammation of subconjunctival connective tissue leading to development of a localised raised congested nodule with mild pain and tenderness. It can last for weeks with a tendency to recur and is often considered as an allergic reaction to endogenous toxins. Conventional treatment includes the use of topical steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which give a temporary relief. Case Summary: The case of a 62-year-old male patient suffering from NE in the right eye for 15 days not responding to conventional treatment is reported here. Homoeopathic Mercurius solubilis 30C prescribed on the basis of totality of symptoms resolved NE within a week with no recurrence for 1 year and 4 months. This case report with photographic evidence shows the effectiveness of Mercurius solubilis 30C in non-rheumatoid nodular episcleritis.