Ways to Improve Treatment Options for Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Children
Study Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic drug, compared to symptomatic therapy in treating acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in children. Study Design: This was an open-label, randomized, comparative, observational study. Materials and Methods: Overall, 80 children, aged 1 to 14, who had ARVI, were followed up in the study. Fifty patients (main group) received Oscillococcinum, and thirty children (control group) received symptomatic therapy. Follow-up continued for 10 days. The treatment efficacy was assessed by clinical-examination findings, the intensity of ARVI symptoms (evaluated using a 0-to-2 scale), and any side effects. Another study parameter was the number of patients who had their ARVI symptoms resolved within 48 hours after therapy started. Study Results: After the first two days, ARVI symptoms completely had resolved in 16% of children who received Oscillococcinum, and in 6.7% of patients in the control group (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 0.5-13.5; p < 0.001). When Oscillococcinum was given within the first hours after ARVI's onset, the disease resolved earlier, was less severe, and patients needed antibiotics less frequently. Conclusion: Oscillococcinum can be considered one of the most recommended effective and safe options for treating ARVI in children.