Efficacy of Homoeopathy in a Case of Hepatitis B
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2005 Mar / Apr VOL VIII NO 2.
Prof G R Mohan
Dr C Madhusudan Rao
'Chel / Lyc

More than 1.25 million Americans are chronically infected with the virus and as many as 5,000 die year of a hepatitis-B- related illness. Although no cure exists for hepatitis B, a vaccine can prevent the disease. Hepatitis B is one of the six currently identified strains of viral hepatitis- the others are A,C,D E and G. Each strain is unique, differing from the others in severity and in the way it spreads. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For some people the infection becomes chronic leading to liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis a condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver.

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through the blood and body fluids of someone who is infected. Especial at risk is intravenous (IV) drug user who share needles or other paraphernalia, having unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner or born in or travel to parts of the world where hepatitis B is widespread. In addition, women with HBV can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth.

Most people infected as adults recover fully from hepatitis B even if their signs and symptoms are severe. Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic infection.

Most infants and children with hepatitis B never develop signs and symptoms. The same is true for one third adults. Signs and symptoms usually appear after four to six weeks in infected persons. It can range from mild to severe infection with following symptoms. Flu-like presentation, with malaise, fatigue, muscle pain and abdominal pain, especially around right hypochondrium lasting 3 to 10 days. This is followed (for 1 to 3 weeks or longer) by yellow discoloration of mucus membranes, abdominal pain, especially around right hypochondrium.

Anorexia, nausea, fatigue, pale stools, dark urine and liver enlargement, but usually no fever.

Hepatitis B infection may be either acute, lasting less than six months or chronic, lasting six months or longer. If the disease is acute, immune system is able to clear the virus from the body, and recovery completes within few months. While immune system cannot fight off the virus, HBV infection may become lifelong, leading to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the outer surface of the virus. Positive for this antigen means it is infective to others. A negative test means not currently infected.

Management and Prognosis
The rate of progression of the disease is variable. In 20 per cent of cases, cirrhosis develops in 5 to 10 years but in the majority the prognosis is good. In some series there has been a tendency for the inflammatory process to subside over several years, and in others progression is very slow.

Case: Mr R, aged 20y, presented with following complaints fever with pain in abdomen, constipation, urine dark in colour, Appetite: N, weakness + + +,

T/H: Patient was admitted on 17/ 3/ 03 and took treatment at Govt institute of tropical Medicine, Hyderabad, with following investigations

17/3/ 03: Sr Bil: 17.70, HbsAg: + ve.
18/03/03: Sr Bil: 14, Sr Alk Phos: 416, SGOT: 530, Bil Salts: + VE, Bil Pig : +VE,
WT was 46 and on 20/03 /03 opted for discharge and Homeopathic treatment.

Totality of Symptoms
Pain, pressing, right hypochondrium
Pain > Pressure
> Warm drinks
Warm drinks, desire
Stool constipated, hard, knotty lumpy
Urine dark color
Repertorisation was done with complete Repertory by the Hompath-8 software.

The following were the results of Repertorisation
: Chelidonium 13/6, Lycopodium 12/5, Sulphur 8/5

20/03/03: On the basis of Repertorisation Chelidonium 200c, 3d and SL-7 Days was prescribed
27/03/03: Sr Bil was given, SL- 7 days was repeated,
03/04/03: General condition was better, pain in RHC reduced, Urine: yellow in morning, Stool: in colour, WT 46KGS, PL 3D, SL 7 days was given, 10/4/03 no weakness, slight pain in RHC, Weight : 47 KGS Chelidonium IM, 1D was given, SL - 7days.
16/04/03: Sr Bil was 2.24, general condition was good, PL 3D, and SL 7 Days was given.
24/04/03: General condition was good, PL 3D, SL 7 DAYS
07/05/03: Weight 47 KGS, Pain RHC+ appetite : less
Lycopodium 200C, 1D was given, SL 15 days,
22/05/03: Sr Bil: 1.06 AND Hbs Ag: - ve
29/05/03: Pain was occ, Appetite: less,
PL1d, was given, SL 15 days,
12/ 06/03: Sr Bil was 0.9. Weight was: 48 kgs

Discussion
HBsAg is the diagnostic criteria for Hepatitis B which is the serological and Virological marker. In acute condition there is also increase in serum Alkaline phosphatase simultaneously. After 2 to 3 months HbsAg Undergoes in to undetectable stage which can be as low as threshold levels and disappears from the blood. There it can develop antibody to HbsAg (anti HBS).

In the above case with our treatment the individual has developed immunity and general condition has been improved as well being of the patient. According to homoeopathic law the internal well being of the individual which is the prime criteria will be taken as well being and as a curative finding. Further investigation for HbsAg which is a first marker has been negative. Further study in the investigation to rule out viral replication such as HBeAg. HBV- DNA or DNA polymerase and Anti-HBe can be carried out to declare a patient free from the Hepatitis - B. The investigations are not affordable by the patient as they are very expensive and also because of low economic status of the patient hence further study cannot be conducted for this patient to rule out the case for positivity.

Conclusion
With homeopathic system we feel sure that the infectivity of the virus in this case has been controlled and enhanced the immunity levels in the individual leading to improve general condition of the patient. Further study can be conducted on the large scale to prove the efficacy of the system. In curing and preventing Hepatitis- B. Above case with laboratory reports before and after treatment are given below, is the example how Homoeopathy efficacy, however clinical trails in more number of cases are required for further confirmation and evaluation in Hepatitis B cases.

References

1. P Kumar & Michael Clark clinical medicine, 4th edition wb Saunbers.
2. Dr Jawahar Shah's Hompath 8
3. Cecil, Text book of Medicine, 21st Edition, Vo11, Harcourt Asia pet ltd.
4. Harrison, principles of Internal Medicine, 17 Edition, Vo11,
5. Vithoulkas G, Science of Homoeopathy
6. Park JE, text book of preventive Medicine- 16th Ed