Susanne Pannek-Rademacher

Usefulness of classical homoeopathy for the prevention of urinary tract infections in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction: A case series

Context: In patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), is a frequently encountered clinical problem. Often, conventional preventive measures are not successful. Aims: To treat the patients of SCI suffering from recurrent UTI with classical homoeopathy as add-on to standard urologic care. Materials and Methods: After exclusion of morphological abnormalities and initiation of a standard regime for prophylaxis, all patients with a neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to SCI, with more than three symptomatic UTI/year, were offered additional homoeopathic care. Symptoms were fever, incontinence, increased spasticity, decreased bladder capacity or pain/decreased general health combined with significant bacteriuria. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Results: Eight patients were followed up for a median period of 15 months. Five patients remained free of UTI, whereas UTI frequency was reduced in three patients. Conclusion: Our initial experience with homoeopathic prevention of UTI as add on to standard urologic prophylactic measures is encouraging. For an evidence-based evaluation of this concept, prospective studies are required. Keys for the positive outcome of this case series are co-operation of well-qualified partners, mutual respect and the motivation to co-operate closely.

Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections in Individuals with Chronic Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: Are Antibiotics Mandatory?

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) are defined as complicated UTI requiring antibiotic treatment. As the emergence of multiresistant strains is a serious problem, we assessed the feasibility of nonantibiotic treatment of UTI in patients with NLUTD. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study evaluating the usefulness of UTI prophylaxis, participants could opt for either antibiotic or nonantibiotic treatment of breakthrough UTI. If either symptoms persisted for 48 h or a febrile UTI occurred, antibiotic treatment based on microbiological testing was mandatory. Treatment efficacy, complications, and emergency hospital visits were assessed. Results: Within the observation period (1 year), the 25 participants developed 206 UTI. Seven febrile UTI required immediate antibiotic treatment. Of the remaining 199 UTI, patients chose antibiotic treatment in 104 events, whereas in 95 events, patients chose either nonantibiotic interventions (n = 80) or no treatment at all (n = 15). Success rates were 78.8% for antibiotic treatment, 67.5% with nonantibiotic treatments, and 26% without therapy. Of the 7 patients with initially febrile UTI, 2 required hospitalization due to septicemia. Conclusions: Nonantibiotic treatment seems to be a feasible alternative to antibiotic therapy in patients with complicated UTI as well, provided there is no fever.

Usefulness of classical homeopathy for the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in individuals with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

Context/Objective: to investigate the usefulness of classical homeopathy for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: prospective study. Setting: rehabilitation center in Switzerland. Participants: patients with chronic SCI and ≥3 UTI/year. Interventions: Participants were treated either with a standardized prophylaxis alone or in combination with homeopathy. Outcome measures: The number of UTI, general and specific quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction with homeopathic treatment were assessed prospectively for one year. Results: Ten patients were in the control group; 25 patients received adjunctive homeopathic treatment. The median number of self-reported UTI in the homeopathy group decreased significantly, whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. The domain incontinence impact of the KHQ improved significantly (P = 0.035), whereas the general QoL did not change. The satisfaction with homeopathic care was high. Conclusions: Adjunctive homeopathic treatment lead to a significant decrease of UTI in SCI patients. Therefore, classical homeopathy could be considered in SCI patients with recurrent UTI. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. (NCT01477502).

In Vitro Effects of Homeopathic Drugs on Cultured Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common morbidities in persons with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Repetitive antibiotic treatment increases the risk of selecting multi-resistant bacteria. Homeopathic treatment has been reported to be effective in these patients. The mechanism of action, however, has not been clarified. Recently, a direct bactericidal effect of homeopathic remedies was shown. Such an effect is not in accordance with the general principles of homeopathy. To test this paradigm, we assessed the in vitro effects of homeopathic drugs on Escherichia coli derived from patients with NLUTD. METHODS E. coli bacteria were harvested from 28 consecutive urine cultures. Standard antibiotic resistance testing and simultaneous resistance testing to homeopathic drugs (Apis mellifica, Cantharis, Causticum hahnemanni, Staphysagria, Nux vomica, Berberis vulgaris, and Lycopodiumclavatum) in high (C30) potency were performed. RESULTS No significant inhibitory effect of any of the tested homeopathic drugs on any E. coli population could be found, irrespective of their sensitivity to antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION Based on our results, effects of homeopathic treatment of UTI are not based on direct bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects. These findings are in concordance with the hypothesis that homeopathy is based on host effects: for example, activation of the immune system, rather than effects on pathogens.

Aktuelle Situation der homöopathischen Versorgung von Querschnittgelähmten in der Schweiz

Hintergrund: Bis heute ist eine Querschnittlähmung (QSL) nicht kurativ behandelbar. Obwohl eine additive homöopathische Therapie der Sekundärfolgen einer QSL dokumentiert erfolgreich ist und eine hohe Nachfrage seitens der Betroffenen besteht, existiert in der Schweiz keine systematische homöopathische Versorgung für diese Patientengruppe. Mögliche Ursachen hierfür sind eine mangelnde Barrierefreiheit der Einrichtungen oder fehlende Ausbildung der Therapeuten. Methoden: Mittels eines standardisierten Fragebogens wurden alle in Fachverbänden registrierten homöopathischen Therapeuten in der Schweiz bezüglich Barrierefreiheit, Anzahl von Patienten mit QSL, medizinischer Versorgung und Fortbildungsbedarf befragt. Ergebnisse: 108 Fragebögen waren auswertbar. Obwohl 68 Therapeuten eine barrierefreie Praxis besassen, haben lediglich 31 Therapeuten im Jahr 2015 QSL-Patienten behandelt. In drei Einrichtungen wurden pro Jahr mehr als 5 Patienten mit QSL behandelt. 74 Personen (69%) hatten einen Fortbildungsbedarf (65% homöopathische Therapie, 31% konventionelle Medizin). Offensichtlich wird lediglich ein geringer Teil der Personen mit QSL in der Schweiz homöopathisch betreut. Dabei konzentriert sich die Betreuung auf wenige Einrichtungen. Bauliche Hindernisse scheinen die Versorgung dieser Patientengruppe weniger einzuschränken als fehlende Fachkenntnisse. Aufgrund der komplexen Versorgung dieser Patientengruppe besteht ein erheblicher Fortbildungsbedarf. Schlussfolgerungen: Um die homöopathische Versorgung von Patienten mit QSL in der Schweiz zu optimieren, sind ein Netzwerk qualifizierter Homöopathen, Referenzzentren für komplexe Probleme, eine intensive Kooperation mit den konventionell medizinischen Therapeuten und eine gute Information der Betroffenen über die Grenzen und Möglichkeiten der Homöopathie vonnöten.

Kleines Mittel mit großer Kraft

Das Prostatakarzinom ist eines der haufigsten Malignome beim Mann. Bei fortgeschrittenem Karzinom konnen Komplikationen entstehen, welche die Lebensqualitat der Patienten massiv einschranken, wie zum Beispiel rezidivierende Blasentamponaden bei lokalem Tumorzerfall. Wir berichten uber den erfolgreichen Einsatz des homoopathischen Heilmittels Thlaspi bursa pastoris bei 2 Patienten, in denen konventionelle Behandlungsmethoden nicht ausreichend erfolgreich waren. Die Fallbeispiele demonstrieren, dass eine homoopathische Therapie eine effektive additive Behandlungsoption bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem Prostatakarzinom sein kann.

Paralytischer Ileus nach Ileumaugmentation beim querschnittgelähmten Patienten@@@Paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty in a patient with spinal cord injury: Kann Homöopathie helfen?@@@Is homeopathy helpful?

A paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.ZusammenfassungEin paralytischer Ileus ist eine typische Komplikation einer Ileumaugmentation der Harnblase. Bei Patienten mit einer Querschnittlähmung ist dieses Risiko wegen einer präexistenten neurogenen Darmfunktionsstörung erhöht. Wir präsentieren den Fall eines paraplegischen Mannes, der nach Ileumaugmentation und Revision einen massiven paralytischen Ileus entwickelte. Konventionelle darmanregende Maßnahmen hatten keine richtungsweisende Veränderung erbracht; erst durch eine additive homöopathische Behandlung konnte der Ileus durchbrochen und die Darmfunktion normalisiert werden. Eine additive homöopathische Therapie kann bei komplexen postoperativen Darmfunktionsstörungen, die auf konventionelle Behandlung nicht ausreichend ansprechen, eine Erfolg versprechende Therapieoption sein.AbstractA paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.

Paralytischer Ileus nach Ileumaugmentation beim querschnittgelähmten PatientenParalytic ileus after ileocystoplasty in a patient with spinal cord injury

A paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.ZusammenfassungEin paralytischer Ileus ist eine typische Komplikation einer Ileumaugmentation der Harnblase. Bei Patienten mit einer Querschnittlähmung ist dieses Risiko wegen einer präexistenten neurogenen Darmfunktionsstörung erhöht. Wir präsentieren den Fall eines paraplegischen Mannes, der nach Ileumaugmentation und Revision einen massiven paralytischen Ileus entwickelte. Konventionelle darmanregende Maßnahmen hatten keine richtungsweisende Veränderung erbracht; erst durch eine additive homöopathische Behandlung konnte der Ileus durchbrochen und die Darmfunktion normalisiert werden. Eine additive homöopathische Therapie kann bei komplexen postoperativen Darmfunktionsstörungen, die auf konventionelle Behandlung nicht ausreichend ansprechen, eine Erfolg versprechende Therapieoption sein.AbstractA paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.

Paralytischer Ileus nach Ileumaugmentation beim querschnittgelähmten Patienten

A paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.ZusammenfassungEin paralytischer Ileus ist eine typische Komplikation einer Ileumaugmentation der Harnblase. Bei Patienten mit einer Querschnittlähmung ist dieses Risiko wegen einer präexistenten neurogenen Darmfunktionsstörung erhöht. Wir präsentieren den Fall eines paraplegischen Mannes, der nach Ileumaugmentation und Revision einen massiven paralytischen Ileus entwickelte. Konventionelle darmanregende Maßnahmen hatten keine richtungsweisende Veränderung erbracht; erst durch eine additive homöopathische Behandlung konnte der Ileus durchbrochen und die Darmfunktion normalisiert werden. Eine additive homöopathische Therapie kann bei komplexen postoperativen Darmfunktionsstörungen, die auf konventionelle Behandlung nicht ausreichend ansprechen, eine Erfolg versprechende Therapieoption sein.AbstractA paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.

[Paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty in a patient with spinal cord injury: is homeopathy helpful?].

A paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.ZusammenfassungEin paralytischer Ileus ist eine typische Komplikation einer Ileumaugmentation der Harnblase. Bei Patienten mit einer Querschnittlähmung ist dieses Risiko wegen einer präexistenten neurogenen Darmfunktionsstörung erhöht. Wir präsentieren den Fall eines paraplegischen Mannes, der nach Ileumaugmentation und Revision einen massiven paralytischen Ileus entwickelte. Konventionelle darmanregende Maßnahmen hatten keine richtungsweisende Veränderung erbracht; erst durch eine additive homöopathische Behandlung konnte der Ileus durchbrochen und die Darmfunktion normalisiert werden. Eine additive homöopathische Therapie kann bei komplexen postoperativen Darmfunktionsstörungen, die auf konventionelle Behandlung nicht ausreichend ansprechen, eine Erfolg versprechende Therapieoption sein.AbstractA paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision. Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved. Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond to conventional treatment.