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Published on: May 27, 2011
Autologous blood therapy for common cold--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
S Hensler1, P W Guendling, M Schmidt
1Institute of General Practice, University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany. stefan.hensler@gmx.net
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
|November 28, 2009
Summary
Autologous blood therapy (ABT) showed no significant effect in treating the common cold in this clinical trial. Further research is needed to explore ABT
Area of Science:
- Complementary Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Autologous blood therapy (ABT) is a common complementary medicine treatment in Germany for infectious diseases.
- Clinical evidence for ABT's efficacy in treating the common cold is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous blood therapy (ABT) for common cold symptom duration.
- To provide clinical data on ABT use for a widespread ailment.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 139 common cold patients.
- Participants received either ABT (intramuscular reinjection of venous blood) or a placebo (saline solution) three times weekly.
- Illness duration was tracked using a modified symptom diary.
Main Results:
- The study included 58 patients in the ABT group and 56 in the placebo group who completed the trial.
- Average illness duration was 7 days in both the ABT and placebo groups.
- Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in recovery time between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Autologous blood therapy (ABT) demonstrated no discernible effect on common cold duration in this study.
- Further randomized controlled trials with broader patient populations are warranted.
- Additional research should investigate varying ABT dosages or combination therapies with homeopathic or vitamin preparations.
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