Complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric patients

Abstract

The objectives are to ascertain the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in patients attending the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) of a tertiary hospital, to describe the characteristics of children who use CAM and to know the efficacy reported by families. Method: A survey is provided to patients attending to de PED from June to September 2011. Results: A total of 1,765 patients are included, 305 (17.3%) have used MAC. Have a chronic illness 13.4%. The most widely used MAC is homeopathy. Upper respiratory infections and asthma are diseases for which MAC is most commonly used. Conclusions: Given the high frequency of CAM use, pediatricians should have knowledge of these therapies and question their patients about their use to avoid abandonment of treatment and drug interactions.