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Use of a homeopathic preparation for "infantile colic" and an apparent life-threatening event

Shraga Aviner1, Matitiahu Berkovitch, Hedva Dalkian

  • 1Barzilai Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, 2 Hahistadrut St, Ashkelon 78278, Israel. aviners@barzi.health.gov.il

Pediatrics
|January 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Homeopathic Gali-col Baby ingestion was linked to apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) in infants. Further research and regulation are needed to ensure the safety of homeopathic products for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Toxicology
  • Homeopathy Research

Background:

  • Apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) in infants are rare when caused by drug or toxin ingestion.
  • Homeopathic medications have not been previously implicated in infant ALTE.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a potential association between Gali-col Baby, a homeopathic agent for infantile colic, and ALTE in infants.
  • To identify the safety profile of Gali-col Baby in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted at Barzilai Medical Center from January 2005 to August 2008.
  • Infants under 1 year admitted with ALTE were compared to age-matched controls admitted for other reasons.
  • Medication history prior to admission was reviewed for all participants.

Main Results:

  • Eleven out of 115 infants admitted for ALTE had ingested Gali-col Baby, compared to none in the control group (P < .005).
  • Three infants experienced significant Gali-col Baby overdose.
  • No other causes for ALTE were identified in the affected infants.

Conclusions:

  • Gali-col Baby is associated with ALTE in some infants.
  • Controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of Gali-col Baby are lacking.
  • Improved regulation and oversight of homeopathic medications like Gali-col Baby are necessary to prevent adverse events.
Abstract

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