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Effectiveness of an herbal preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in preventing respiratory tract infections in children: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study

Cohen HA, Varsano I, Kahan E, Sarrell EM, Uziel Y. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2004;158:217-21

This randomized trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C (Chizukit) in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children aged 1 to 5 years during a 12-week winter period. Children were randomized to the herbal extract (n=215) or placebo (n=215). Those receiving Chizukit had a 55% decrease in the number of illness episodes, and fewer children had at least a single infection (53% vs. 89%, absolute risk reduction =36%; number need to treat=3). Although adverse drug reactions were rare in those who completed the study, there was a ∼25% dropout of patients during the study (many due to unpleasant taste), leading the authors to report this as an efficacy trial rather than an intention-to-treat analysis.

Dexamethasone for the treatment of sore throat in children with suspected infectious mononucleosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

Roy M, Bailey B, Amre DK, Girodias JB, Bussieres JF, Gaudreault P. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2004;158:250-4

This small (n=40) but valid study was designed to look at the efficacy of a single oral dose of dexamethasone for pain relief in acute pharyngitis associated with clinically suspected infectious mononucleosis. Patients were randomized to receive either an oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg (maximum, 15 mg) of dexamethasone or placebo. An improvement of 20 mm from baseline on a 100-mm visual analog scale was the primary end point. Compared with the placebo group, a significantly greater proportion of patients given dexamethasone achieved pain relief within the first 12 hours (12/20 vs 5/19; P=.03; number needed to treat=3), but this difference was not sustained. Although a single dose of dexamethasone is of benefit, additional doses may be necessary for ensuring lasting relief.