Retrospective benefit following individualized naturopathic
therapy in HIV-patients at different stages.
Author: Wolfstadter HD; Sacher J; Hopfenmuller W; Stange R
Address: Universitatsklinikum Steglitz, Freien Universitat Berlin.
Source: Int Conf AIDS, 1992 Jul 19-24, 8:3, 147 (abstract no. PuB
7588)
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy and benefit of a
complementary treatment regimen, we investigated on laboratory
findings and clinical outcome in a cohort of 175 out-patients (CDC
II-IV E) successively treated since 1986. METHODS AND PATIENTS:
The therapeutic regimen comprised autologous ozone transfusions,
homeopathy, phytotherapy, therapy with enzymes, mineral-, vitamin-
and trace element substitution, nutritional management, correction
of intestinal dysbacteria and psychophysical means, set up on an
individualized basis. No conventional antiviral therapy was given.
Patients (all male homosexuals) were divided into 5 groups (Gr. I-
V) according to their CD4 lymphocyte counts at entry into therapy
(Gr.I n = 22, CD4 0-50; Gr. II n = 12, CD4 51-100; Gr. III n = 17,
CD4 101-200; Gr. IV n = 81, CD4 201-500; Gr. V n = 53, CD4 greater
than 500 [/microliters]) and 15 hematological and biochemical
parameters were evaluated with individual regression analysis
according to the length of observation of patients (min. obs.time
in Gr. I-III 3 months, min. obs.time in Gr. IV and V 6 months).
Moreover we studied the incidence and severity of opportunistic
infections and overall QOL during the observed period. RESULTS:
Patients in Gr. I presented a median loss of CD4 lymphocytes per
month of 0.54 cells/microliters(range -42.0 to 4.50, median
obs.time 8 months), Gr. II median loss 3.65 cells/microliters
(range -5.9 to 8.8, median obs.time 10.5 mo.), Gr. III median loss
4.98 cells/microliters (range -13.5 to 11.0, median obs.time 16.8
mo.). In Gr. V, apparently due to the earlier stage of disease, no
clear statistical trend of helper-cell deterioration could be
observed. Patients in Gr. IV, with an approved indication for
antiviral therapy, presented a median loss of CD4-cells of
4.47/microliters (range -17.2 to 37.5, median obs.time was 25.4
mo.). Compared to CD4 lymphocyte deterioration given in the
literature for patients under antiviral therapy, 52% of our
patients in Gr. IV exceeded these values, while 24.6% remained
below. No substantial adverse events or side effects accompanied
the therapies, thus we found QOL generally increased. CONCLUSIONS:
Our results suggest that patient performance under a combined and
individualized naturopathic regimen might be to some extend
improved with respect to data collected from cohorts in the
literature. Further investigation including controlled clinical
trials on different aspects of the single therapies is necessary.
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