Homoeopathic Treatment of Gout in Patients Aged 25–50 Years: A Clinical Study

Author

Dr. Aayush Shrimali, Dr. Daivashala Choure, Dr Suresh Tathe


Abstract

 Background: Gout is a painful joint disease caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints. It is now being seen in younger adults, whose work and daily life are disturbed by repeated attacks. Conventional medicines help but can cause side effects, and there is little clinical research on homoeopathic treatment of gout.

Aim: To study the effect of individualised homoeopathic medicines in clinically diagnosed gout in patients aged 25–50 years.

Materials and methods: This single-arm, before-and-after study enrolled 30 patients from the outpatient and inpatient departments and medical camps of the institute. Gout was confirmed with the 2015 ACR/EULAR criteria. A detailed homoeopathic case was taken for each patient, and an individualised medicine was chosen with the help of repertory. Severity was scored from 0 to 24 on a six-item Gout Symptom Severity Score (GSSS) before treatment and at the end of follow-up. Patients were classed as recovered (score 0, no recurrence), improved (score 1–6) or not improved (score unchanged). Scores were compared with the paired t-test.

Results: Most patients were aged 46–50 years (33.3%) and male (56.7%). The first metatarsophalangeal (big toe) joint was the commonest site (33.3%), and Lycopodium clavatum was the commonest medicine (13.3%). At the end of follow-up, 16 patients (53.3%) had recovered, 10 (33.3%) had improved and 4 (13.3%) had not improved. The mean score fell from 15.13 ± 3.99 to 4.57 ± 7.06 (mean fall 10.57, 95% CI 8.80–12.33; t = 12.25, df = 29, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Most patients in this small study improved clearly, and their scores fell significantly after individualised homoeopathic treatment. Because there was no comparison group, this shows an association, not proof that the medicines worked. Larger controlled trials are needed.


Keywords

Gout, Hyperuricaemia, Monosodium urate crystals, Individualised homoeopathy, Gout Symptom Severity Score, ACR/EULAR criteria



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