Z Rheumatol. 2000 Oct; 59(5): 321-9.

[In Process Citation]

Schirmer KP, Fritz M, Jackel WH.

Argental-Klinik 88316 Isny-Neutrauchburg.

While complementary medicine and homeopathy is becoming||| an increasingly prominent part of the health care practices, there is a lack of||| controlled studies concerning their effectiveness. In our study, we wanted to||| answer the question whether a combination of Formica rufa D6 and reinjection of||| the patient's own blood is superior to injection of placebo. 104 patients with||| ankylosing spondylitis entered a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.||| During four weeks they received twice weekly either 1 ml of Formica rufa D6 in||| combination with 0.5 ml of blood or 1.5 ml NaCl intramuscular. Before and after||| therapy, mobility, thoracic excursion and doctor's overall assessment were||| measured in addition to patient's health status, using a German version of the||| Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales, before and after therapy as well as four,||| twelve, and twenty-four weeks later. We were not able to detect any statistical||| difference between treatment and placebo group in any of the parameters||| measured. Therefore, the therapy under study may not be regarded||| effective.