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EPs 7630-solution--an effective therapeutic option in acute and exacerbating bronchitis

Matthys H, Heger M

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 2007

205 participants

Abstract

Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diagnoses in ambulatory care medicine. Although the benefit of antibiotics for acute bronchitis, which is mostly virally induced, is disputed, they are often prescribed. A therapeutic option for respiratory tract infections that do not fall within the strict indication range for antibiotic administration is the liquid herbal drug preparation from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides, EPs 7630 (Umckaloabo), which has been tested against placebo in double-blind clinical trials. EPs 7630 has both antibacterial and immuno-modulating properties. The efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 was investigated in a prospective, open, multicentric outcomes study with 205 patients suffering from acute bronchitis or acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. The main outcome measure was the change in the total score of five symptoms typical for bronchitis (cough, expectoration, wheezing/whistling on expiration, chest pain during coughing, and dyspnoea), which were each rated using a 5-point scale (from 0=not present to 4=extremely pronounced). Further symptoms (hoarseness, headache, aching limbs and fatigue) were assessed using a four-point scale (from 0=not present to 3=very pronounced). The total score of the typical bronchitis symptoms amounted to 6.1+/-2.8 points on average at the start of treatment and decreased by 3.3+/-3.8 points to 2.8+/-2.6 points by the final examination on day 7. About 60.5% of the patients assessed their health condition…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 205 participants or records.

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