The Effect of Hot and Cold Water Applications on Restless Legs Syndrome Complaints and Sleep Quality of Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome and intervention studies are needed to prevent this. This study evaluated the effect of hot and cold water applications on the severity of restless leg syndrome and sleep quality in pregnant women. Methods: It is a randomized controlled trial. The subjects comprised 80 (hot water group = 26, cold water group = 27, control group = 27) pregnant women. Pregnant women in intervention groups applied hot or cold water to their legs before going to bed for seven days. The control group did not do any application other than routine care. The data were collected with the Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnostic Form, Personal Information Form, Restless Leg Syndrome Severity Grading Scale, The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Application Satisfaction Form, and Post-Application Follow-up Chart. Results: While the Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Grading Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index pre-test scores of the groups were similar (P > .05), the post-test scores were lower in the intervention groups than in the control group (P < .001). The effect of the applications started on the second day and the level of satisfaction with the application was similarly high in both groups (P < .05). During the follow-up, the syndrome severity scores of both the intervention groups were similar (P > .05), while the sleep quality of the cold group was better (P < .05) and most of the pregnant women did not need reapplication and they were satisfied with the application (P < .05). Conclusion: These safe interventions reduced the severity of restless legs syndrome in pregnant women and improved the quality of their sleep. Nurses can use these applications in pregnancy care, which begin to show effect in as little as two days.

The Effects of Actively Warming the Patient on Maternal and Infant Well-Being in a Cesarean Section Operation.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative warming is recommended for surgical patients under anesthesia, but there are insufficient studies on this topic in cesarean delivery patients under spinal anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of active warming on the mother and newborn during elective cesarean section. DESIGN: This research was carried out in an experimental design with a pretest-posttest randomized intervention and control group. METHODS: The research was conducted with 34 women (17 intervention and 17 control), who gave birth by cesarean section. The study examined outcomes for both mother and newborn. Women in the intervention group were heated by both active (warmed with carbon fiber resistive underbody heaters during surgery) and passive heating (preoperative- socks, nonelectrified wool blankets, etc). Only passive heating methods were applied to the women in the control group (preoperative). Neonatal Activity - Pulse - Grimace - Appearence - Respiration (APGAR) score, body temperature, cortisol, and blood glucose levels in the intervention and control groups were evaluated, while body temperature and shivering conditions were evaluated in the mother. FINDINGS: Body temperature and first minute APGAR score of the infants in the intervention and control groups after cesarean section were 36.88 ± 0.27, 36.52 ± 0.32 (P = .002); 7.00 ± 0.36, 7.47 ± 0.64 (P = .009), respectively. Cortisol and blood glucose levels in the intervention and control groups were 3.55 ± 1.09, 4.51 ± 0.70 (P = .010), 77.94 ± 7.07, 72.47 ± 10.24 (P > .05), respectively. The body temperatures of the women in the intervention and control groups at 15, 30, and 45 minutes were significantly different (P < .05), while they were similar (P > .05) at 60 minutes. Oxygen saturation measured at 30 minutes during the operation was 97.10 ± 1.41 in the intervention group and 95.20 ± 1.78 in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Active warming before, during, and after cesarean section affected body temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation of women, and while it increased the body temperature and APGAR score of newborns, it decreased cortisol level.

Effect of Prophylactic Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy for High-Risk Wounds in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy (pNPWT) in patients at high risk of surgical wound complications (SWCs) who underwent colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. METHODS: In an open-label randomized controlled trial, 50 patients who underwent open CRC surgery between November 2018 and February 2020 were included. Participants were randomly assigned to the pNPWT group (n = 24) or control group (n = 26). For patients in the pNPWT group, the pNPWT device was placed on the wound for 7 days, whereas for patients in the control group, the wound was covered with a sterile gauze dressing. The primary outcome measured was 30-day SWCs: surgical site infection, hematoma, seroma, and wound dehiscence/evisceration. Secondary outcomes included postoperative wound infection assessment score and length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: The incidence of 30-day SWCs differed significantly between the pNPWT and control groups (16.7% vs 53.8% respectively, P = .006). Patients in the pNPWT group had a significantly lower incidence of seroma than did those in the control group (8.3% vs 34.6%, P = .025). Surgical site infection occurred in 10 of 50 patients (20%) in the study: two (8.3%) in the pNPWT group and eight (30.8%) in the control group (P = .048). No hematomas or wound dehiscence/evisceration were noted in the study. There was no difference in median length of stay between groups (P = .153). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that pNPWT effectively helps prevent SWCs in high-risk wounds after open CRC surgery.

The Effect of Lullaby Intervention on Anxiety and Prenatal Attachment in Women with High-Risk Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Women with high-risk pregnancy experience anxiety and low mother-fetal attachment when faced with signs of danger and health problems. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lullaby intervention on anxiety and prenatal attachment in women with high-risk pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the perinatology clinic of a state maternity hospital in Turkey. Seventy-six women with high-risk pregnancy were included. The intervention group listened to lullabies for 20 min once a day, and accompanied by lullabies touched their abdomen and thought about their babies, but the control group did not. Data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. RESULTS: Baseline anxiety did not differ in the intervention versus control group (47.83 ± 10.74 vs. 44.10 ± 8.08, mean difference 3.73 [95% Cl -1.18 to 8.64], p = 0.13), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention anxiety was lower in the intervention group versus control group (33.66 ± 9.32 vs. 43.06 ± 8.10, mean difference -9.40 [95% Cl -13.91 to -4.88], p < 0.01). Baseline prenatal attachment did not differ in the intervention versus control group (56.03 ± 10.71 vs. 53.86 ± 9.98, mean difference 2.16 [95% Cl -3.18 to 7.51], p = 0.42), but after the 2nd day lullaby intervention prenatal attachment was higher in the intervention group versus control group (66.70 ± 7.60 vs. 54.36 ± 9.52, mean difference 12.33 [95% Cl 7.87 to 16.78], p < 0.01). In the within-group analysis the intervention group had lower anxiety and better prenatal attachment (p < 0.01), but not in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lullaby intervention can play an effective role in reducing anxiety and improving prenatal attachment. The use of this integrative, noninvasive, non-pharmacologic, time-efficient, and natural intervention is suggested in the care of pregnant women.

Effect of preoperative oral liquid carbohydrate intake on blood glucose, fasting-thirst, and fatigue levels: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the effects of preoperative oral intake of liquid carbohydrate on postoperative blood glucose, fasting-thirst, and fatigue levels in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 82 patients, who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery, and divided them into two groups: (1) those who consumed a carbohydrate-rich drink, and (2) those not consuming anything after midnight. Pre- and postoperative fasting-thirst (visual analog scale) and blood glucose levels were measured. Likewise, the Brief Fatigue Inventory was applied to patients 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: The mean blood glucose levels in the first postoperative hour were 90.90 ± 13.56 mg.dL-1 and 107.00 ± 15.84 mg.dL-1 in the intervention group and control group, respectively (p < 0.001). The postoperative mean thirst scores were 4.70 ± 1.59 and 6.36 ± 2.07 in the intervention group and control group, respectively (p < 0.001). Their corresponding postoperative mean fasting scores were 5.54 ± 1.76 and 5.86 ± 1.79 (p > 0.05) and the mean fatigue levels in the 24th postoperative hour were 4.80 ± 2.13 and 5.48 ± 1.46, respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral intake of liquid carbohydrate before spinal anesthesia was found to have positive effects on patients' postoperative blood glucose and thirst levels.

The Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep and Quality of Life in Menopausal Women with Sleeping Problems: A Non-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is the termination of menstruation and fertility. Women commonly experience sleeping problems during the menopausal period. Aromatherapy is among the complementary therapies used to remedy sleeping problems. METHODS: This study aims to investigate the effects of lavender oil on sleep and quality of life of menopausal women through steam inhalation. This study was quasi-experimental with pre-test/post-test placebo control groups. It was conducted with 57 women, 27 of whom were subject to aromatherapy and 30 to a placebo. Data were collected using the Questionnaire Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). RESULTS: For the intervention group, the PSQI median scores after the administration of aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than those before the administration (p < 0.001) and those of the placebo group (p < 0.001). Similarly, for the intervention group, the total median MENQOL scores after the administration of the aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than the scores prior to the administration (p < 0.001) as well as the scores of the placebo group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was found that aromatherapy involving lavender-scented steam inhalation increased sleep quality and quality of life in women with sleep deprivation problems during menopause.

Is Prolotherapy Effective in the Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head?

INTRODUCTION: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) is one of the most common diseases, accompanied by varying degrees of functional limitation and reduced quality of life, especially in younger individuals. Various conservative and operative options are available for the treatment of this disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report a case with ANFH that occurred from long-time and uncontrolled glucocorticoid use. In the treatment of the case, we used prolotherapy injections, whose efficacy and reliability were proved in the treatment of other chronic musculoskeletal problems. After the sixth session of prolotherapy injections, the patient was able to do daily activities as the same as the previous physical and effort capacity. The WOMAC osteoarthritis index was decreased from 92 preinjections to 12; the Likert pain scale was decreased from 5 preinjections to 1 after the injections. CONCLUSIONS: We obtained successful outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction and clinical and radiological parameters with prolotherapy injections. Prolotherapy may be useful as an easily applicable and satisfying auxiliary method for the treatment of ANFH.

Vaginal Candidiasis Infection Treated Using Apple Cider Vinegar: A Case Report.

A 32-y-old married woman was admitted with intense vaginal discharge with foul odor, itching, groin pain, and infertility for the past 5 y. Candida albicans was isolated from the culture of vaginal swab. The patient was diagnosed with chronic vaginal candida infection. She failed to respond to integrative medicine methods prescribed. Recovery was achieved with the application of apple cider vinegar. Alternative treatment methods can be employed in patients unresponsive to medical therapies. As being one of these methods, application of apple cider vinegar can cure vaginal candida infection.

The effect of foot reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor complaints and quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the effects of foot reflexology applied to women on their vasomotor complaints and quality of life. METHODS: A randomised controlled study was conducted with 120 women. The experimental group received foot reflexology treatment, while the control group received nonspecific foot massage. RESULTS: The mean scores for hot flashes, sweats, and night sweats, were lower in the reflexology group than the control group after the practice; and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean scores for the sub-groups of the MENQOL demonstrated improvements in both groups after the application (p < 0.001). As for the sexual domain, there was a significant improvement in the reflexology group (p < 0.05), but no improvements were found in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results showed that reflexology might be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in women in the menopausal period.

Effect of bed exercises and gum chewing on abdominal sounds, flatulence and early discharge in the early period after caesarean section.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of bed exercises and gum chewing on abdominal sounds, flatulence and early discharge on women who have given birth at the Cengiz Gökçek Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital surgery services in Gaziantep city centre. BACKGROUND: Caesarean operation is the most significant surgical intervention that affects central nervous system and decelerates bowel movements in the postoperative period. Conducted studies show that practices such as gum chewing ensure that bowel functions start in a short time through early feeding and mobilisation and shorten the duration of hospital stay. DESIGN: A randomised controlled experimental was used. METHOD: A total of 120 women participated in the study in three groups of 40 for gum, exercise and control groups. Gum was given to the groups in the gum section two hours after the ceasarean, the women chewed gum for the first eight hours until flatulence for 15 minutes every two hours. However, the women in the exercise group started moving two hours after the caesarean for the first eight hours until flatulence for five minutes every two hours. The control group consisted of women under routine treatment and care of the hospital. All women were hourly evaluated in terms of abdominal sounds, flatulence and defaecation. RESULTS: It was determined that following caesarean, bowel functions started in three groups at the same time, there was no significant difference between three groups. It was determined that the gum group, exercise group and the control group were discharged earlier, there was no significant difference between three groups CONCLUSION: The study results show that spinal anaesthesia have positive effects on discharge time after caesarean section operation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides useful information to clinician and researchers when determining practices such as postoperative standing up in early period, gum chewing and early liquid intake related to postoperative bowel functions after abdominal operations.

The effect of education given to primigravida women on fear of childbirth.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of education that is given information about the delivery room, labor and coping strategies with the fear of pain of childbirth in primigravida women. DESIGN: This study was conducted experimentally using pre-post tests and a control group. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A total of 99 primigravida women with 50 in the study group and 49 in the control group at a maternity hospital in a city of middle region of Turkey were recruited to the study. METHODS: Data were collected using the Pregnant Introduction Form, Interview Form After Delivery and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ), version A. Verbal informed consent and approval were obtained from the participants and ethical committee. Preparatory labor education was provided in two sessions between pregnancy weeks 28 and 34 to the women in the study group. Fisher, MC Pearson, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon t tests were used for statistical data analysis. RESULTS: In the first interview session, no significant difference was found between W-DEQ-A scores of the study and control groups. The mean pre-education W-DEQ-A score was 61.1 while it was 42.0 post-education in the study group. The post-education W-DEQ-A score was 58.5 in the control group while it was 42.0 in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that positive perception regarding birth was provided and fear of childbirth decreased with the preparation education for birth.

Effects of noninvasive electroacupuncture on labour pain and duration.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of noninvasive electroacupuncture at LI4 or SP6 acupuncture points on labour pain and duration. BACKGROUND: The management of labour pain is one of the main goals of obstetrical care. Acupuncture has been reported to be useful for reducing labour length and for pain relief during labour. DESIGN: This was an experimental study with a control group. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Kayseri Maternity Hospital in Turkey. The participants were in the active phase of labour and were divided into three groups. In the LI4 group (n = 40), bilateral LI4 acupuncture points were stimulated using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation-acupuncture pen. In the SP6 group (n = 40), the acupuncture points of both legs were stimulated. The same procedure that was performed for the LI4 group was used for the SP6 group. The control group (n = 40) did not receive any stimulation. Visual Analog Scale was used for the assessment of pain. RESULTS: Duration of labour from initiation of the intervention was 6·2 ± 6·0 hours in the LI4 group, 7·2 ± 6·1 hours in the SP6 group and 8·2 ± 9·9 hours in the control group. Pain scores in the LI4 group were found as 8·0 (4-10) in the 30th minute after the intervention, while they were 9·0 (4-10) in the SP6 group and 10·0 (2-10) in the control group. There was not a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of labour duration and pain scores measured during contraction and between contractions. CONCLUSION: Although they were not statistically significant, labour pain scores and labour duration were lower in the acupuncture groups, especially in the LI4 group. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Noninvasive electroacupuncture on the LI4 acupuncture point could be used easily during labour for labour pain relief.

Can ratio of blood/curettage material HCG be used as a reliable method for differentiating miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy?

UNLABELLED: Objective : There is an increasing rate of ectopic pregnancy with the use of assisted reproductive techniques. There is currently no serum test to differentiate ectopic pregnancy from miscarriage. Early and accurate detection of ectopic pregnancy may prevent the development of complications. The aim of this study was whether the ratio of serum/curettage material hCG could provide us with reliable and early diagnosis in distinguishing miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies and also to measure the diagnostic accuracy rate of this method. METHODS: A total of 24 patients were evaluated. Twelve of them were diagnosed as an ectopic pregnancy and 12 of them were diagnosed as a miscarriage. All the patients' diagnoses were confirmed pathologically. Non-of the patient had viable fetus. All participants underwent curettage protocol. Serum and curettage material were obtained at the same time. HCG measurements were done from blood and curettage material. RESULTS: Ratio of Blood/Curettage Material HCG provides fast and reliable results within a few hours with 91.7% accuracy rates. CONCLUSION: Ratio of blood/curettage material HCG can be used as a reliable method for differentiating ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

Knowledge and attitudes of emergency nurses towards Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in endemic regions of Turkey.

This study was carried out in order to determine knowledge and attitudes of emergency nurses about Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic Fever. This descriptive research was carried out where the disease is frequent, in six cities in Turkey. One hundred forty-three nurses who worked in the emergency room were recruited to the study. Data were collected with a questionnaire form and were analysed by chi-squared test. The mean age of the nurses was 31.0 ± 5.7 years. It was determined that 68.8% of the nurses claimed to have sufficient knowledge about the disease, 99.3% said that it was a virus that caused the disease, and 94.3% said that health-care personnel exposed to it were under great risk. It was concluded that most of the nurses had relatively good knowledge about the disease and that they did not want to run the high risk of infection and mortality by treating patients who had the disease.

Level of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, social anxiety, and quality of life among the women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disease and many symptoms are seen with varying degrees. The aim of the present study was to determine which symptoms increased such problems as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social worry by classifying PCOS according to symptoms. METHODS: The study was carried out with two groups. The first group consisted of 86 patients who were diagnosed with PCOS and the second group consisted of 47 healthy volunteers. Liebowitz' Social Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg' Self-Esteem Scale, Short-Form 36, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory were administered to each volunteer. RESULTS: Depression scores of infertile group were higher while anxiety scores of the obese group were bigger than other groups. It was the obesity group that received the smallest score in self-esteem and trust in people and the highest score in sensitiveness to criticism. The most affected group was oligomenorrhea-hirsutism group in terms of physical functioning, physical role function, pain, social functioning, emotional role function, and emotional well-being. CONCLUSION: We suggest that not only gynecologist but also a multidisciplinary team may examine these patients.

Effects of noninvasive electroacupuncture on labor pain, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and cortisol.

CONTEXT: Labor pain is the most painful experience in a mother's life. Acupuncture has been reported to be useful for pain relief during labor. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to assess the effects of noninvasive electroacupuncture at Hegu (LI4) on labor pain and on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels. DESIGN: The study was randomized, with an experimental acupuncture group (AG) and a control group (CG). SETTING: The study was conducted at the Kayseri Maternity Hospital in Turkey, over a period of 6 months in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were women in the active phase of labor. INTERVENTION: For the acupuncture group (AG), bilateral, Hegu acupuncture points were stimulated using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupuncture pen for 20 min in total. The control group did not receive acupuncture. All women received routine and standard nursing care and treatments. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood ACTH and cortisol levels and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were compared between the AG and CG to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment. RESULTS: Blood ACTH and cortisol levels and VAS scores were lower in the AG than in the CG; however, these differences did not reach a statistically significant level. CONCLUSION: In this study, blood ACTH and cortisol levels and VAS scores were affected by electroacupuncture intervention on Hegu (LI4), although the result was not statistically significant.

Reasons why women in Turkey prefer short-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The research was conducted as an epidemiological study with a before-after interference. Ninety-three women who regularly visited a menopausal clinic in Kayseri and who had begun hormone replacement therapy (HRT) made up the study sample. Seventy-five women were involved in the second step, carried out 18 months after the first interview. It was concluded that 25.3% of the women who began HRT had more menopausal complaints before HRT, while these complaints were generally reduced after the 18 months (p < .05). There was no important change in their quality of life (QOL; p > .05), but there was a positive change seen in emotional reactions (p < .05).