Motivations of patients seeking supportive care for cancer from physicians prescribing homeopathic or conventional medicines: results of an observational cross-sectional study.

Background & Aims: The motivations of patients who consult a homeopathic (GP-Ho) or conventional (GP-CM) general practitioner for supportive care during cancer treatment have not been widely studied. We investigated the reasons why cancer patients consult a GP-Ho versus a GP-CM for supportive care and the GPs' motivations for their prescriptions.

Methods: This observational survey was carried out in France between October 2008 and October 2011.

Symptoms associated with teething and response to three treatments, including homeopathic medicine: a multicenter prospective observational study among 190 French pediatricians.

Background: Primary tooth eruption in infants is associated with a range of local and systemic symptoms although this remains a subject of much debate. In addition, data are limited on the role of physicians in managing infant teething, and on the benefit of homeopathic treatments.

Methods: We conducted an observational, multicenter, prospective survey evaluating teething symptoms, and symptom course following routine medical management by French pediatricians in 597 infants aged from 3 to 24 months.

Open-label observational study of the homeopathic medicine Passiflora Compose for anxiety and sleep disorders.

Background: Anxiety and sleep disorders (SDS) are frequently treated with psychotropic drugs. Health authorities in France have been advised to improve access to alternative treatments such as homeopathic medicines. Our aim was to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and clinical progression of patients prescribed homeopathic medicine Passiflora Compose (PC) for anxiety and/or SDS.

Management of the early symptoms of influenza-like illnesses and ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders by pharmacists.

Background: Pharmacists play a key role in primary healthcare, but the characteristics of patients who consult a pharmacist directly rather than going to their general practitioner (GP) are unknown. Our aim was to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who seek direct therapeutic advice from a pharmacist for influenza-like illness (ILI) or ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders, the types of medicines dispensed and patient satisfaction with the advice received.

Methods: This prospective, observational study was carried out on a random sample of French pharmacies between November 2010 and March 2011.

China rubra for side-effects of quinine: a prospective, randomised study in pregnant women with malaria in Cotonou, Benin.

Background: In endemic areas, gestational malaria is responsible for low birth weight and maternal anaemia. Quinine is the reference treatment for acute malaria in pregnant women, irrespective of term. However, quinine administration is associated with various side-effects.

Effectiveness of homeopathic medicine associated with allopathic medicine in the outpatient management of influenza-like illnesses or ear, nose, and throat disorders by pharmacists.

Background: Pharmacists play an increasing role in advising on treatment for minor illnesses such as influenza-like illness (ILI) or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders. However, the profile of patients consulting pharmacists with these illnesses, the types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines recommended by pharmacists, and the effectiveness of these treatments have not been studied.

Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients recommended allopathic and/or homeopathic medicines for ILI or ENT disorders by pharmacists in France and to investigate the effectiveness of these treatments.

Representations of influenza and influenza-like illness in the community--a qualitative study.

Background: There is little information regarding lay-people's representations of influenza and influenza-like illness in their day-to-day lives. An insight into these views may aid our understanding of community attitudes regarding official recommendations for its prevention.

Methods: This was a qualitative research.

Homeopathic treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a case series.

Objective: Observational, prospective study to describe the homeopathic management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by a group of French physicians.

Method: Women with PMS for >3 months were prescribed individualized homeopathic treatment. The intensity of 10 clinical symptoms of PMS was scored individually at inclusion and at a 3-6 month follow-up visit: absent = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2, severe = 3.

Homeopathic treatment of migraine in children: results of a prospective, multicenter, observational study.

Objectives: The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines for the prevention and treatment of migraine in children.

Design: This was an observational, prospective, open, nonrandomized, noncomparative, multicenter study.

Setting/location: The study was conducted in 12 countries worldwide.

Management of influenza-like illness by homeopathic and allopathic general practitioners in France during the 2009-2010 influenza season.

Objective: This study was done to determine characteristics and management of patients in France visiting allopathic general practitioners (AGPs) and homeopathic general practitioners (HGPs) for influenza-like illness (ILI).

Design: This was a prospective observational study.

Settings/location: It was conducted in metropolitan France during the 2009-2010 influenza season.

Method for appraising model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathic treatment: multi-rater concordance study.

Background: A method for assessing the model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy is needed. To date, only conventional standards for assessing intrinsic bias (internal validity) of trials have been invoked, with little recognition of the special characteristics of homeopathy. We aimed to identify relevant judgmental domains to use in assessing the model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT).