The efficacy of homoeopathic similimum in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children between five and eighteen years who reside in children's homes

Abstract

This study was intended to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic similimum in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. It was part of a group research project, which explored the effectiveness of a homoeopathic complex (Cantharis vesicatoris 12ch, Equisetum hyemnale 12ch, Sarsaparilla 12ch, Staphisagria 12ch, Uva ursi 12ch) as well as Ilex paraguayensis 6x in the treatment of the above-mentioned disorder. The sample group consisted of children between the ages of five and eighteen living in various children's homes in Durban. Nocturnal enuresis is categorised into primary and secondary types. Primary nocturnal enuresis is the failure to achieve consistent dryness, whereas secondary nocturnal enuresis is the return of nocturnal incontinence after an extended period. For the purpose of this study this distinction was largely ignored, as homoeopathic treatment is not reliant on a detailed diagnosis for its efficacy. The children were however screened for chronic urinary tract infections as well as neurological and systemic causes of nocturnal enuresis. Each child received a full physical examination as well as an extensive homoeopathic interview. The aim of this was to exclude any clear aetiology as well as to glean I the information necessary to establish the homoeopathic similimum. The sample size for this trial was 32 children; sixteen received similimum and formed the treatment group, and a further sixteen received placebo and formed.