Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Controlled trials with either randomised or quasi-randomised allocation to conditions or a clear statement that the trial was double blind.
Specific interventions included in the review
Individualised homeopathic similimum. Included studies used a variety of potencies. One study specified Rhus tox C6, another specified sulphur C30 and also a serial application of C20, C200 and C1000. Controls included placebo, salicylate, chloroquine, salazopyrine plus ASA and dicyclomide hydroxide and faecal bulking agents.
Participants included in the review
Participants with a variety of conditions: migraine (3 studies); chronic headache (1 study); childhood diarrhoea (3 studies); rheumatoid arthritis (3 studies), recurrent upper respiratory tract infection (1 study); fibrositis (1 study); cholera (1 study); amebiasis and giardiasis (1 study); maleria (1 study); premenstrual syndrome (2 studies); postviral fatigue syndrome (1 study); heroin detoxification (1 study); insomnia (1 study); mild traumatic brain injury (1 study); proctocolitis (1 study); common warts (1 study); various (including mental health and rheumatological: 1 study); attention deficit (1 study); allergic asthma (1 study); irritable bowel syndrome (1 study); pain after oral surgery (1 study); Broca's asphasia in stroke patients (1 study); acne vulgaris (1 study); patients with dermatoses and the remedy picture of sulphur (1 study).
Outcomes assessed in the review
In order of preference: the study's predefined main outcome measure; patient's global assessment of efficacy; physician's global assessment of efficacy.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
One reviewer assessed the relevance of the trials.