Effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in reducing the size of non-specific chronic leg ulcers - A single-arm, prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: A chronic leg ulcer (CLU) is a chronic wound of the leg that does not tend to heal easily. Venous, arterial insu ciency, diabetes mellitus, or a combination of these factors may cause pain, restricted mobility, impaired social activities, and increased personal expenses, all of which can adversely affect the quality of life. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in reducing the size of non-specific chronic leg ulcers using the Leg Ulcer Measurement Tool (LUMT) and changes in the quality of life by the Euro QoL (EQ-5D-3L) score. Materials and methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted at the National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam, India, from February 2021 to August 2022, and was registered in CTRI/2021/02/030951. Out of 35 cases, 34 completed the treatment for six months and were analyzed by evaluating the size of the ulcer, LUMT score, and Euro QoL score at baseline, as well as at the 3rd and 6th months. Results: Of 52 screened patients, 35 were enrolled and prescribed individualized homoeopathic medicine. Statistically significant reduction was observed in the size of the ulcer, from 5.6 cm2 to 0 and in the LUMT score from 31 to 7 (p<0.001). Furthermore, Euro QoL was also measured at baseline, and the results at 3rd and 6th months were compared and analyzed using Friedman’s test, with a significant reduction from 13 to 5 (p < 0.001). Lycopodium clavatum, Sulphur, Lachesis mutus, Phosphorus, Arsenicum album, Mercurius solubilis, Natrum muriaticum, and Pulsatilla nigricans were frequently indicated, and no serious adverse events were recorded during the study. Conclusion: The study determined that individualised Homoeopathy effectively reduces the size of non-specific chronic leg ulcers and improves patients’ QoL. Well-designed pragmatic trials are warranted.