Effects of Lavender on Anxiety, Depression, and Physiological Parameters: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose@#The recent evidence suggested substantial anxiolytic efficacy of lavender. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of lavender for anxiety, depression, and physiological parameters and to elucidate the differential effects of lavender on anxiety and depression by study characteristics. @*Methods@#A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases for randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of lavender on anxiety, depression, or physiological parameters in humans. We assessed the risk of bias within studies with the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. We used random effect model to estimate the average effect and computed bias-corrected standardized mean difference as effect size metric, Hedges’ ĝ for all outcomes. @*Results@#Lavender was superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing anxiety (Hedges' ĝ = −0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.90 to −0.55, p value <.001), depression (Hedges' ĝ = −0.43, 95% CI, −0.59 to −0.27, p value <.001), and systolic blood pressure (Hedges' ĝ = −0.23, 95% CI, −0.41to −0.05, p value = .01). The moderator analysis by meta-regression indicated that route of administration accounted 6.5% (p value = .187) for the heterogeneity in anxiolytic effects, sessions of treatment accounted 13.2% (p value = .055), and participants’ health state accounted 8.9% (p value = .131) for the variance in anxiolytic effects. @*Conclusion@#Lavender aromatherapy showed substantial effect in reducing anxiety and depression, and sessions of administration increased the anxiolytic effects. The effects on physiological parameters showed small with inconsistent significances and randomized controlled trials on the effect of lavender on depression were scarce. Future trials on depression and physiological parameters are recommended, and increasing the sessions of administration is recommended.

Development of Pediatric Patient Classification System / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#This study was performed to develop a valid and reliable Pediatric Patient Classification System (PPCS). @*Methods@#The study was conducted in a children’s hospital which included various ward settings.Content validity was analyzed by Delphi method and to verify intraclass correlation reliability, 7 nurse managers and 29 staff nurses classified 216 patients. To verify construct validity, the staff nurses classified 216 patients according to PPCS comparing differences by age, days of stay, type of stay and medical department. @*Results@#The developed PPCS has 12 categories, 55 nursing activities and 80 criterions. High agreement among nurses (r=.90) suggested substantial reliability. Construct validity was verified by comparing differences in age, days of stay, type of stay and medical department (p<.05). The entire patient group were classified to four groups using PPCS. @*Conclusion@#The findings suggest that PPCS would be a useful tool for estimating nursing demands related to medications and the complexity of pediatric patients.

Application of a Documentary about High-risk Newborns in Nursing Education: An Exploratory Study

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students' recognition and understanding of the clinical environment of high-risk neonatal nursing care after watching a documentary about the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where high-risk newborns are treated. @*Methods@#This study was a qualitative content analysis. In total, 151 nursing students’ personal essays describing their reactions to a documentary about the NICU were analyzed using the NVivo 12 program. @*Results@#Nursing students’ experiences of engaging with a documentary about the NICU were structured into four thematic categories: ‘actual observations of the imagined NICU’, ‘observation and recognition of nursing knowledge’, ‘empathy with people related to the baby’, and ‘establishing attitudes and values as a nurse’. @*Conclusion@#Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that documentaries can be applied in nursing education about high-risk newborns.

How Strong is the Evidence for the Anxiolytic Efficacy of Lavender?: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE: Although lavender is purported to possess anxiolytic and sedative properties and is often recommended for relieving anxiety, the efficacy of lavender has not been well established. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of lavender aromatherapy.METHODS: Ten data bases were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2018. Randomized controlled trials investigating the anxiolytic effects of lavender aromatherapy with any type of application for persons with or without clinical anxiety were included. The outcome variables included self-rated anxiety, vital signs, and salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) levels. In the meta-analysis, standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated as effect measures by applying the random effect model and inverse variance method.RESULTS: Twenty-two trials met our inclusion criteria. Lavender aromatherapy was found to have favorable effects in relieving anxiety (Hedges' ĝ = −0.65; 95% CI, −0.84 to −0.46) and decreasing systolic blood pressure (ĝ = −0.22; 95% CI, −0.43 to −0.02), heart rate (ĝ = −0.53; 95% CI, −0.74 to −0.32), and salivary cortisol (ĝ = −1.29; 95% CI, −2.23 to −0.35) and CgA (ĝ = −2.29; 95% CI, −3.24 to −1.34) levels. However, the meta-analysis did not reveal any significant effects of lavender on diastolic blood pressure (effect size: −0.17; 95% CI, −0.37e0.04).CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy using lavender oil might have favorable effects on anxiety and its physiological manifestations. Future studies are recommended with an emphasis on methodological quality. In nursing practice, it is suggested that lavender aromatherapy be included in programs intended to manage anxiety in patients across diverse healthcare settings.

Factors Related to the Development of Premature Infants at 12 and 24 Months Age: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to examine the development of premature infants at 12 and 24 months and to explore the factors related to their development. METHODS: Of the 80 premature infants who were recruited, 52 participants at 12 months and 31 participants at 24months were included in this study. The development of the infants was examined using the Korean Bayley scale of infant development-II. Postnatal depression, husband's support, social support, mother-infant attachment, and the home environment were assessed using self-report questionnaires completed by the mothers and through the researcher's observations. RESULTS: There was significant difference between normal and delay group at psychomotor development at 12 months depending on social support at 6 months (t=2.03, p=.049). Mother-infant attachment at 6 months (r=.71,p < .001), 12 months (r=.37, p=.043), and 24 months (r=.40, p=.026), as well as social support (r=.38,p=.034) and the home environment (r=.41, p=.022) at 24 months, were correlated to mental development at 24 months. There was a significant positive correlation between mother-infant attachment at 6 months and psychomotor development at 24months (r=.40, p=.046). CONCLUSION: To reduce the risk of developmental delay and to promote healthy development in premature infants, early nursing interventions targeting mother-infant attachment, the home environment, and the mother’s social support structure are needed.

Experiences of Mothers of Premature Infants Receiving Rehabilitation Therapy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of mothers of premature children receiving rehabilitation therapy. METHODS: The participants were 12 mothers with premature children who had received rehabilitation therapy for over 1 year. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted from July to August 2017. The data were analyzed through the phenomenological research method. RESULTS: The participants' experience was structured into five thematic clusters: ‘Regret and guilt that premature birth led to rehabilitation therapy’, ‘Burden of life in an endless tunnel’, ‘Changes in personal relationships surrounding me and my child’, ‘Meaning of new life through my child’, and ‘Desire to expand the rehabilitation of premature infants’. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will be helpful for developing family-centered care programs for premature infants at high risk of developmental disorders.

Development and Evaluation of a Self-Reflection Program for Intensive Care Unit Nurses Who Have Experienced the Death of Pediatric Patients

PURPOSE: This study aims to develop a self-reflection program for nurses who have experienced the death of pediatric patients in the intensive care unit and to evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: The self-reflection program was developed by means of the following four steps: establishment of the goal through investigation of an initial request, drawing up the program, preliminary research, and implementation and improvement of the program. The study employed a methodological triangulation to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Participants were 38 nurses who had experienced the death of pediatric patients (experimental group=15, control group=23); they were recruited using convenience sampling. The self-reflection program was provided over 6 weeks (6 sessions). Data were collected from April to August, 2014 and analyzed using t-tests and content analysis. RESULTS: The quantitative results showed that changes in personal growth (t=-6.33, p<.001) and burnout scores (z=-2.76, p=.005) were better in the experimental group compared to the control group. The qualitative results exhibited two themes, namely “personal growth” and “professional growth”, and ten sub-themes. CONCLUSION: The self-reflection program developed by this study was effective in helping nurses who had experienced the death of pediatric patients to achieve personal growth through self-reflection, and it was confirmed that the program can be applied in a realistic clinical nursing setting. Furthermore, it can be recommended as an intervention program for clinical nurses.

Prospective Study on the Factors Related to Premature Infant's Development at Six-Months

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to monitor the development of Korean premature infant at six-month age and to explore factors related to developmental status of the premature infants. METHODS: Participants were 58 premature infants whose corrected age was six-months old and their mothers. The developmental states of infants were followed-up with the Korean Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (KPDQ-II). Clinical characteristics of the infants were identified from the medical records. Other characteristics including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, husband's support, social support, and mother-infant attachment were assessed using self-report questionnaires from the mothers. RESULTS: Forty three percent of the infants were in the group of questionable status of development on the KPDQ-II. There were significant differences between the premature infants with normal developmental status and those with questionable developmental status depending on gender (χ2=5.03, p=.034), gestational age (t=2.59, p=.012), hospital stay (t=-2.08, p=.042), revised Neurobiologic Risk Score (t=-3.05, p=.004) and mother-infant attachment score (t=2.12, p=.040). CONCLUSION: Mother-infant attachment, as well as physiological state of premature infants, is an important variable in early development. Therefore, early monitoring for the development has to be done for physiologically vulnerable premature groups. Also, providing proper nursing support to improve maternal attachment needs to be considered.

Effects of Simulation-Based Learning in the Nursing Care of Children with Asthma / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of simulation-based learning on the knowledge about and performance confidence in the nursing care of children with asthma. METHODS: A one-group pre- and post- study design was used. A total of 70 nursing students participated in the study. In groups of five, the participants experienced simulation-based learning during their child health nursing practicum. The given scenario was about nursing care for children with asthma. The simulation learning was provided for 3 hours, and included a group discussion before the simulation and a debriefing. RESULTS: After the simulation, knowledge about and performance confidence in the nursing care of children with asthma significantly increased. The nursing students reported a high level of satisfaction with the simulation-based learning. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and performance confidence. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based learning was effective for nursing students in the nursing care of children with asthma. Our results suggest utilizing this new way of learning to strengthen the clinical experience of child health nursing in nursing students.

Translation and Validation of a Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument for 18-60-Month-Old Children in Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate the Korean version of the TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire for children aged 18-60 months. METHODS: The participants were 223 mothers of healthy children from nurseries and kindergartens, and 54 mothers of hospitalized children from a university children's hospital in Korea. Data were collected in 2011. Principal component factor analysis and known-groups method were used to confirm construct validity, and internal consistency was used to determine reliability. RESULTS: According to the factor analysis, 11 factors with an eigenvalue over 1 were extracted, and these factors explained 73.5% of the variance. All dimensions except two had Cronbach's alpha coefficients greater than .7. The mean TAPQOL scores of the hospitalized group were significantly lower than those of the healthy group (p=.001) for all four functions (physical, emotional, social, and cognitive). CONCLUSIONS: The TAPQOL showed acceptable validity and reliability, and can be used to measure children's health-related quality of life in Korea, and can be considered for use in other Asian countries.

Relations of Postpartum Depression with Socio-Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Preterm Infants and Mothers

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to explore relationships of postpartum depression with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of preterm infants and mothers. METHODS: Participants were the mothers of 80 premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Postpartum depression was measured using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Clinical characteristics were examined through the medical records. The physiological state for the infants was evaluated using the revised Neurobiologic Risk Score (NBRS). Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Average for EPDS was 9.75+/-5.06, and 30% of the participants were at high risk for postpartum depression. There were significant differences in postpartum depression according to mother's education level (F=3.493, p=.035), economic state (F=5.828, p=.004), multiple pregnancy (t=2.141, p=.037), chorioamnionitis (t=2.349, p=.021), oligohydramnios (t=-2.226, p=.029), broncho-pulmonary dysplasia (t=2.085, p=.040), germinal matrix hemorrhage (t=2.259, p=.027), and revised NBRS (t=-2.772, p=.007). There was a significant positive correlation between postpartum depression and number of health problem of infants (r=.252, p=.024) and revised NBRS (r=.316, p=.004). CONCLUSION: As 30% of the mothers with preterm infants were at high risk for postpartum depression, they require attention. When providing interventions, socioeconomic status as well as the physiological state of premature infants should be considered.

Outcomes of Second-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in One Institution / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the negative prognostic factors in patients who received second-line chemotherapy for advanced inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 137 patients with inoperable stage III-IV NSCLC who received second-line chemotherapy. The effects of clinical parameters on survival were analyzed and the hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were identified by a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Sex, age older than 65 years, smoking history, cell type, T-stage, best response to first-line chemotherapy and first-line chemotherapy regimen were significant negative predictors in univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that patients older than 65 years (HR, 1.530; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.020-2.297), advanced T stage (T4 vs. T1; HR, 2.273; 95% CI, 1.010-5.114) and non-responders who showed progression with first-line chemotherapy (HR, 1.530; 95% CI, 1.063-2.203) had higher HR for death. CONCLUSION: The age factor, T stage and responsiveness to first-line chemotherapy were important factors in predicting the outcome of patients with advanced NSCLC who received second-line chemotherapy. The results may help to predict outcomes for these patients in the future.

Outcomes of Second-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in One Institution / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the negative prognostic factors in patients who received second-line chemotherapy for advanced inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 137 patients with inoperable stage III-IV NSCLC who received second-line chemotherapy. The effects of clinical parameters on survival were analyzed and the hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were identified by a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Sex, age older than 65 years, smoking history, cell type, T-stage, best response to first-line chemotherapy and first-line chemotherapy regimen were significant negative predictors in univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that patients older than 65 years (HR, 1.530; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.020-2.297), advanced T stage (T4 vs. T1; HR, 2.273; 95% CI, 1.010-5.114) and non-responders who showed progression with first-line chemotherapy (HR, 1.530; 95% CI, 1.063-2.203) had higher HR for death. CONCLUSION: The age factor, T stage and responsiveness to first-line chemotherapy were important factors in predicting the outcome of patients with advanced NSCLC who received second-line chemotherapy. The results may help to predict outcomes for these patients in the future.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses' Experience in Caring for Infants Who Are Dying

PURPOSE: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses' experience in caring for infants who are approaching death and to identity the meaning and structure of their experiences. METHODS: The participants were eight nurses who had experience in caring for these infants. In-depth interviews were performed from December, 2012 to February, 2013 until data were fully saturated. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. RESULTS: Four theme clusters were extracted from fifteen themes. The four theme clusters of the NICU nurses' experience in caring for infants who are dying were: 1) Crossroads between life and comfort of infants approaching death, 2) emotional suffering at the death of the infant, 3) adapting and coping with the death of the infant, 4) new expectations for caring for infants who are dying. CONCLUSION: The results of the study provide useful information in understanding NICU nurses' experience in caring for infants who are dying and establishing effective strategies to support these nurses.

Clinical Investigation of Bacteremia in Children with Hemato-Oncologic Diseases

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of locally prevalent pathogens and their susceptibility patterns responsible for bacteremia in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients for empiric antimicrobial therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A one-year retrospective study of pediatric hematooncologic patients with bacteremia in Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, the Catholic University of Korea, from April 2009 to March 2010 was conducted using previous medical records. The findings were compared with our previous data obtained from 2004 to 2006. RESULTS: Sixty-five episodes of bacteremia were recorded in 41 patients. Of them, 55 (84.6%) occurred in neutropenic and 10 (15.4%) in non-neutropenic patients. Gram-positive organisms were more commonly isolated than Gram-negative organisms (56.9% vs. 41.5%) in the following order: viridans streptococci (23.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.6%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (12.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.7%), Enterococcus faecium (7.7%). Susceptibility rates of viridans streptococci to penicillin, cefotaxime and vancomycin were 33.3%, 60% and 100%, and those of Enterobacteriaceae to amikacin, ceftazidime, piperacillin/ tazobactam and meropenem were 94.7%, 73.7%, 78.9%, and 100%, respectively. Compared to our previous data, infection still contributed towards a major fraction of mortality and morbidity in the management of patients with cancer. No differences in mortality rate were observed between isolated organisms from bacteremia. CONCLUSIONS: Gram-positive organisms were more prevalent than Gram-negative organisms in our population. The monitoring of causative agents and antimicrobial resistance should be considered in therapeutic strategies of pediatric hemato-oncologic infection.

The Relationships between Physical Activity and Immanent Fall Risk Factors in the Elderly / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between physical activity and immanent fall risk factors in the elderly. The subjects were 138 (male: n=51; female: n=87) elderly who have no restriction in daily physical activity. Physical activity was measured over consecutive seven days by accelerometer. Immanent fall risk factors (Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Activities-specific Balance Confidence [ABC], and gait-related fitness) were measured. There are significant correlations between physical activity and BBS (male r=0.46, female r=0.36), gait-related fitness (male r=0.44, female r=0.43). And there are significant correlations between physical activity and ABC in female (r=0.38). Through this study, it is assumed that physical activity has correlation with immanent fall risk factors. Also, physical activity has correlation with gate-related fitness in the elderly.

Pelvic Ultrasonography Findings in Girls with Precocious Puberty / 대한소아내분비학회지

PURPOSE: We analyzed pelvic ultrasonography (USG) findings in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) and assessed the role of uterine and ovarian measurements in discriminating between CPP and other pubertal conditions. METHODS: Seventy-four girls (chronological age 7.8 +/- 0.5 years, bone age 9.9 +/- 0.8 years) with precocious pubertal signs were enrolled. Measurements of uterine and ovarian parameters by pelvic USG included antero-posterior diameters of the uterine fundus and cervix, diameter of each ovary, number of follicles, and maximal diameter of the largest follicle. The pelvic USG parameters were compared between girls with CPP (n = 49) and girls with atypical premature thelarche (PT) (n = 25). RESULTS: Antero-posterior diameter of uterine fundus (1.05 +/- 0.34 vs. 0.74 +/- 0.78 cm, P = 0.001), maximal ovarian diameter (2.13 +/- 0.48 vs. 1.84 +/- 0.74 cm, P = 0.048) and mean ovarian area (2.31 +/- 0.79 vs. 1.69 +/- 0.71 cm, P = 0.002) were significantly greater in girls with CPP than in girls with atypical PT. For the diagnosis of CPP, the sensitivity and specificity of A-P diameter of uterine fundus (> 0.9 cm) was 65.3% and 84.0%, the sensitivity and specificity of maximal ovarian diameter (> 2.0 cm) was 55.1% and 76%, and the sensitivity and specificity of mean ovarian area (> 2.0 cm2) was 62.9% and 80.0%. CONCLUSION: Girls with CPP had significantly higher dimensions of the uterus and ovary measurements compared to girls with atypical PT, but sensitivity and specificity were not high enough to differentiate CPP from atypical PT. Pelvic USG may help the diagnosis of CPP in girls.

Analysis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test results in girls with precocious puberty / 소아과

PURPOSE: The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test results of girls with precocious puberty were analyzed to determine whether this test can efficiently and clearly differentiate between central precocious puberty (CPP) and other disorders. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data of 54 girls with precocious pubertal signs were reviewed. Intravenous GnRH test was performed with blood samples obtained at 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. A peak luteinizing hormone (LH) level of > or =5.0 IU/L was indicative of CPP. RESULTS: Of the 40 girls with CPP, 36 (90.0%), 3 (7.5%), and 1 (2.5%) showed peak LH levels at 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively. A percentage of girls whose peak LH > or =5.0 IU/L up to 30, 60, and 90 minutes was 92.5%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The peak LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio of girls with CPP was 0.89+/-0.49 and was 1.0 showed higher chronological age (CA) (8.3+/-0.6 vs. 7.7+/-1.0 years, P=0.033), bone age (BA) (10.9+/-0.8 vs. 9.7+/-1.1 years, P=0.001), and BA-CA difference (2.6+/-0.7 vs. 2.0+/-0.7 years, P=0.009) than those of girls with peak LH/FSH ratio of 1.0 showed advanced breast development (> or =Tanner III) (93.7% vs. 41.7%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: LH levels after 30 and 60 minutes of intravenous GnRH administration are the most useful for diagnosing CPP in girls.

Progressive Suppression of Selenium Binding Protein 1 in Gastric Adenoma and Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Human selenium binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) is a protein that binds selenium as a cofactor. The decreased expression of SELENBP1 in several types of carcinomas and its association with a poor prognosis have previously been reported on. In this study, we evaluated the expression of SELENBP1 in low-grade and high-grade epithelial dysplasia/ adenomas and adenocarcinomas. METHODS: We analyzed 45 cases of low-grade epithelial dysplasia/adenomas, 42 cases of high-grade epithelial dysplasia/adenomas and 64 cases of adenocarcinomas and all of them were obtained from endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection. We analyzed all of them for their SELENBP1 expression by immunohistochemistry. Eight triple-paired cases of gastric mucosa, adenoma and adenocarcinoma from the same patient were selected for RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS: There was a progressive decrease in the expression of SELENBP1 from the low-grade dysplasia/adenomas (42/45, 93%) to the high-grade dysplasia/adenomas (29/42, 69%) and finally to the adenocarcinomas (24/64, 37%), (p<0.001). The progressive decrease in the SELENBP1 expression was also evident in the eight paired cases that were analyzed by RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that the SELENBP1 expression is suppressed in gastric epithelial dysplasia/adenomas and adenocarcinomas. The suppression of SELENBP1 was significantly more frequent and severer in the adenocarcinomas than that in the low-grade dysplasia/ adenomas, and this implies that the suppression of SELENBP1 is a late event in gastric carcinogenesis.