Anthroposophic medicine in the treatment of pediatric pseudocroup: A systematic review.

Melanie Schwermer, Alfred Längler, Katharina Fetz, Thomas Ostermann, Tycho Jan Zuzak

Journal: Complementary therapies in medicine 2019;40():185-190

PMID: 30219446

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

In Europe only few integrative pediatric wards exists and there are two German hospitals focusing on anthroposophic medicine as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Whilst the most common pediatric diseases are treated here, pseudocroup patients make up a large group in these hospitals, receiving conventional as well as anthroposophic therapies. However, effectiveness of these therapy concepts mostly based on physicians' experiences but clinical studies are hitherto missing.

METHODS

A systematic literature search identifying therapy approaches for pseudocroup in children was conducted in general electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, OVID) and in CAM-specific databases (CAMbase, CAM-QUEST, Anthromedics). Search results were screened for anthroposophic therapy options. In addition, anthroposophic guidebooks were handsearched for relevant information.

RESULTS

Among 157 articles fulfilling search criteria one retrospective study, and five experience reports describing anthroposophic treatments were identified. Several medications for the treatment of pseudocroup were mentioned such as Aconitum, Apis, Bryonia, Hepar sulfuris, Lavender, Pyrit, Sambucus and Spongia. During appropriate use no adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Anthroposophic medicine harbors a broad spectrum of remedies for the treatment of pseudocroup in children. In particular, Aconitum, Bryonia and Spongia are frequently recommended; however, clinical trials investigating the effectiveness are sparse. Therefore, development and validation of therapy strategies are required.

Address: Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany.; Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany; Professorship for Integrative Pediatrics, Institute for Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58448 Witten, Germany.; Department of Psychology, Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58448 Witten, Germany.; Department of Pediatrics, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.09.001

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MeSH Terms: Aconitum, Anthroposophy, Bryonia, Child, Croup, Humans, Laryngitis, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts