International Journal of STD & AIDS > Volume 16, Number 6 > Pp. 395-403

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Review

Complementary therapies for the treatment of HIV: in search of the evidence

Edward Mills, Ping Wu and Edzard Ernst

Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, HSC-2C12, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; Department of Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada; Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, UK

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread. Yet, little is known about the evidence supporting its use in HIV/AIDS. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of complementary therapies for HIV and HIV-related symptoms. Comprehensive literature searches were performed of seven electronic databases. Data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. Thirty trials met our predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria: 18 trials were of stress management; five of Natural Health Products; four of massage/therapeutic touch; one of acupuncture; two of homeopathy. The trials were published between 1989 and 2003. Most trials were small and of limited methodological rigour. The results suggest that stress management may prove to be an effective way to increase the quality of life. For all other treatments, data are insufficient for demonstrating effectiveness. Despite the widespread use of CAM by people living with HIV/AIDS, the effectiveness of these therapies has not been established. Vis à vis CAM's popularity, the paucity of clinical trials and their low methodological quality are concerning.

Key Words: COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES • ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE • HIV • SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

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