Randomized, double-blind trial on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated onchildren with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo. Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of astandard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment. Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year. RESULTS: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children who received placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statistically significant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared toplacebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatment was not associated with adverse events.