Abstract
M.Tech.
Infantile colic typically occurs in 10-30% of infants between the ages of two weeks and sixteen
weeks (Savino, 2007) and may be defined according to “Wessel’s rule of threes” which states
that a diagnosis may be made when a healthy baby with no underlying disease cries for more
than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week for a period of 3 weeks (Zwart et al., 2007).
Infantile colic usually begins at two weeks of age and increases in intensity at about six weeks
until around sixteen weeks where it usually resolves spontaneously (Cox & Roos, 2008). Its
cause is not exactly known but a number of theories are suggestive of causes that may play a role
in its development (Pauli-Pott et al., 2000), namely gastrointestinal disorders and allergies,
neurological disorders, a stressful parent environment, low birth weight, maternal smoking and
diet. Research has shown that the stress from colicky infants can damage early interaction of a
family (Raiha et al., 2002). Studies have shown that conventional medication may prove
efficacious in the treatment of infantile colic, however, a high rate of side effects are evident
(Underwood, 2009).
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Magen®, a homeopathic complex on the
treatment of Infantile Colic by means of an Infant Colic Questionnaire for infant and caregiver as
well as a daily monitoring diary to record the amount and duration of infant crying on a daily
basis.
The study was approved and passed by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Health
Sciences Academic Ethics Committee (AEC45/02-2010) and the Higher Degrees Committee
(HDC45/02-2010) on the 26th of May 2010. There were thirty participants recruited to participate
in the study. The thirty participants consisted of both males and females between the ages of two
weeks and ten weeks. Of the thirty participants recruited, one was recruited from the Karien
Camphor Nursing Practice in Pretoria and the remaining twenty nine were recruited from the
Stork’s Nest at Netcare Femina Hospital in Pretoria. Infants had to comply with Wessel’s criteria
(infant that cries for more than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week for a period of 3
weeks). Infants already diagnosed with an underlying condition other than colic, such as
gastroeosophageal reflux disease, any infection or cardiac disease were excluded from the study.
The study was a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled study of six days in duration for
each participant.