S Nafees Bano
HSZH ,Govt. Unani Medical College, INDIA
Title: Treatment of uterine leiomyoma with sal ammoniac: A single-blind randomized placebo controlled study
Biography
Biography: S Nafees Bano
Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Uterine leiomyoma is the commonest tumour found in women. It constitutes a major public health cost to the community in terms of outpatient attendances and hospital costs for surgery of the disease. Objective: Women are seeking alternatives to conventional medications and surgery for the treatment of leiomyoma. Therefore, it is important to test whether Sal Ammoniac is efficacious and safe in the management of leiomyoma. Design: Randomized single-blind placebo controlled trial is designed. Setting: Outpatient Department, National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bangalore. Population: 40 patients with diagnosed uterine leiomyoma. Methods: Randomization to either 2 gm sal ammoniac with 5 ml glycerin twice (N=25) daily or placebo (N=15) twice daily for 12 weeks from inclusion. This was a USG based study. Assessment of menorrhagia was done by the patient and assessment of dysmenorrhoea was done by pain rating scale. The impact of leiomyoma related symptoms on quality of life (QOL) was assessed by using a validated questionnaire. Results: There was significant improvement in menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea. Mean leiomyoma size decreased by 18% at 45 days and 35.19% at 90 days of Sal Ammoniac therapy. Patients treated with placebo had an increase in mean leiomyoma size of 33% at 90 days follow up. No side effects or adverse were reported with the drug. A significant improvement in the symptom score and QOL score was observed at 90 days follow up. Conclusion: In this study, Sal Ammoniac successfully reduced the size and symptoms of leiomyoma in short-term follow up. Additional studies are needed before its efficacy and safety can be confirmed.