Comparing the Efficacy of Acupressure and Foot Reflexology on Sleep Quality in Patients With Leukemia: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have garnered attention for their potential to address sleep disturbances and mitigate associated symptoms. METHODS: This research utilized a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design involving 102 leukemia patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34). Prior to the intervention, patients completed a demographic survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for baseline assessments. Acupressure involved stimulation of the SP6 point twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 weeks, while reflexology entailed daily 10-minute sessions with sweet almond oil on the soles for the same duration. The control group received standard care without additional interventions. Following the 4-week intervention period, post-intervention evaluations were conducted using identical measurement tools. RESULTS: The findings underscored the efficacy of both acupressure and foot reflexology in significantly improving sleep quality within the intervention groups (P < .001). Initially, there were no notable differences in sleep quality among the 3 groups (P > .05). Subsequently, pairwise comparisons adjusted with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant disparities in sleep quality between the acupressure and reflexology groups compared to the control group (P < .001). However, post-intervention analysis indicated no statistically significant variance in enhancing sleep quality between the acupressure and foot reflexology groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that acupressure and foot reflexology interventions can enhance sleep quality in individuals with leukemia. These findings support the effectiveness of these complementary modalities, offering targeted relief and relaxation. While these non-invasive therapies show promise in improving well-being, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results due to study limitations.

Comparing the impact of acupressure and reflexology on fatigue in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: A randomized controlled trial with three arms.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupressure and reflexology on fatigue in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. METHOD: In this randomized controlled trial with three arms and a pretest-posttest design, 102 CLL patients were randomly allocated to acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34) groups. Pre-intervention assessments were conducted using a demographic questionnaire and a fatigue scale for cancer patients. The acupressure group received routine care with acupressure targeting the SP6 point for 10 min twice daily over four weeks. The reflexology group received daily 10-minute reflexology sessions over four consecutive weeks following the preparation and lubrication of the soles of their feet with sweet almond oil. Post-intervention assessments were administered to all groups using the same instruments. RESULTS: Results showed both acupressure and reflexology significantly reduced fatigue compared to the control group (P < 0.001). While differences were noted between acupressure, reflexology, and control groups initially, the post-intervention analysis revealed no significant variance between acupressure and reflexology in reducing fatigue (P < 0.05), suggesting similar improvement between acupressure and reflexology. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure and reflexology are recommended as cost-effective and low risk complementary approaches for managing fatigue in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. These therapies offer promise in alleviating fatigue and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.

The devastating impact of unresectable infectious undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in the gluteal region: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), previously known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), is a highly aggressive soft tissue sarcoma characterized by its pleomorphic histology and lack of differentiation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old man visited our oncology department with a complaint of a growing mass in his left buttock area. The mass had been increasing in size for the past six months, affected by local and systemic infection. While it was initially painless, the patient started feeling discomfort during sitting and physical activities a few weeks, but later the complication of tumor became more aggressive. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: UPS can arise in various anatomical sites, including the extremities, trunk, retroperitoneum, and head and neck region. Clinically, UPS may present as a rapidly growing mass, often with pain and limited range of motion. However, the presentation may vary depending on the site of origin. Treatment for UPS typically involves surgical resection, aiming to remove the tumor completely. Depending on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended. CONCLUSION: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) represents a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis for appropriate management. With its non-specific clinical presentation and histological features, UPS can be challenging to differentiate from other soft tissue tumors.

Effect of spiritual care on the quality of life in patients who underwent intracranial hemorrhage surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important complications of stroke after intracranial haemorrhage surgery is impaired quality of life. This study was conducted to determine the impact of spiritual care on the quality of life of stroke patients. METHODS: This single-blind clinical trial with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted on 100 stroke patients. Participants were recruited and randomly assigned to a control group and an intervention group. The stroke-specific quality of life (SS -QoL) scale was used to assess the quality of life of stroke patients. The intervention group received four sessions of spiritual care. RESULTS: The independent t -test showed no significant difference between the two groups in the mean quality of life score ( t =-0.120, P =0.281) and its dimensions before the intervention. However, after the intervention, the results showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean quality of life score ( t =1.984, P <0.001) and its dimensions. In addition, the results of the paired t -test showed that in the intervention group, the mean score of quality of life ( t =5.161, P <0.001) and its dimensions were significantly different before and after the intervention. Furthermore, the results showed that before and after the intervention in the control group, the mean score of quality of life ( t =1.109, P =0.614) and its dimensions were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this results, the authors strongly recommend the use of spiritual care as a holistic care and complementary method to improve the symptoms and quality of life of stroke patients.

Pyknodysostosis: A case report of an 8-year-old male with a rare genetic disorder.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pyknodysostosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding cathepsin K. Pyknodysostosis is associated with short stature, brittle bones, and distinctive facial features. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents the clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies of an 8-year-old male with pyknodysostosis, an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. The patient's clinical presentation, radiographic findings, genetic testing results, and treatment approach are discussed. Additionally, the importance of genetic counseling and multidisciplinary care in managing this condition is emphasized. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedics, genetics, dentistry, and psychological support is crucial for managing patients with pyknodysostosis. Regular follow-up visits, careful monitoring of fractures, and appropriate interventions can improve the patient's quality of life and reduce complications. CONCLUSION: The importance of early recognition, genetic testing, and multidisciplinary care is emphasized for effective treatment and support. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of this rare genetic disorder and develop targeted therapies.

Job satisfaction and its relationship with burnout among nurses working in COVID-19 wards: A descriptive correlational study.

Objective: Nurses' feeling of Job satisfaction and burnout profoundly impact the quality of nursing care. COVID-19, due to its unknown nature and high contagiousness, can cause high levels of stress and tension and, finally, burnout in nurses, affecting their job satisfaction. Therefore, we aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction and its relationship with burnout among nurses working in COVID-19 wards. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study in which a total of 251 nurses working in COVID-19 wards were enrolled using stratified random sampling. Data collection was conducted using the demographic questionnaire, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient. Result: The results showed that the majority of nurses (75.7%) had a low level of job satisfaction, 40.6% of nurses had a high level of emotional exhaustion (EE), 41.8% had a moderate level of EE, and 50.2% of nurses had a high level of depersonalization (DP). Furthermore, over half of nurses (55.8%) experienced reduced personal accomplishment (PA), and 27.5% had a moderate level of reduced PA. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between job satisfaction and EE (r=-0.394, p<.001). Moreover, job satisfaction negatively correlated with reduced PA (r=-5/590, p<.001). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between job satisfaction and DP (r=-0.122, p=.053). Conclusion: As most nurses reported low job satisfaction and high rates of burnout, nurse managers should consider appropriate measures to correct these factors. Such measures could also improve patient satisfaction and, ultimately, the efficiency of the health system.

The effect of hypnotherapy on the hospital anxiety in three children with cancer: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The cancer-related psychological stress may causes anxiety in patients. The present study aimed to determine the effect of hypnotherapy on the hospital anxiety in children with cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case report, in which a total of 3 female children with cancer were recruited using voluntary response sampling. Classical hypnotherapy was conducted for patients in eight treatment sessions with a one-month post-intervention follow-up. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at five stages including before the intervention, third, fifth and eighth hypnotherapy sessions, and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using a statistical report on the recovery rate and effect size. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The results showed that hypnotherapy had a significant and positive effect on the hospital anxiety, in the treatment and follow-up stages. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the results, it can be stated that hypnotherapy is a promising approach in reducing the hospital anxiety in children with cancer.

Treating surgical site infection by honey antibacterial wound dressing in a neonate: a case report.

Surgical site infection (SSI) increases length of treatment, delays wound healing, increases antibiotic use and causes patient death in severe cases. This case was a boy aged 38 weeks and 4 days with a birthweight of 2100 g, a height of 42 cm and a head circumference of 32 cm. Twelve days after birth, he was admitted to hospital where a surgeon removed a sacrococcygeal teratoma. The surgical site became infected, and the infection failed to improve despite him receiving routine normal saline dressings twice a day and intravenous antibiotic therapy. The authors started treatment using an antibacterial wound dressing containing honey (Medihoney) on the SSI twice a day for a month. The infant's SSI was wholly healed after 3 months, and he was discharged from the wound treatment team in good general condition. This case shows that SSIs can be treated with honey-containing antibacterial wound gel, especially in infants who have weaker immune systems.

Reviving hope by using of maggot debridement therapy in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A case report study.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Refractory diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) do not easily respond to standard therapeutic approaches and the prevention of DFU-related amputation is one of the most important aspects of treatment in patients with DFU. CASE PRESENTATION: The present case report is 51-year old male patient with a history of 5-years type 2 diabetes who has had DFU on the first distal phalanx foot of his right foot with size of 2 × 2 cm. The patient was repeatedly hospitalized for receiving DFU treatment, he did not recover using routine wound treatment. The patient was transferred to our wound care team. After ten sessions (one session every 48 h) of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) using sterile Lucilia sericata, the patients' DFU had completely healed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: DFUs can change patient's quality of life and lead to infection, amputation, sepsis, and finally death. Thus, efficient therapeutic methods are necessary for management of DFUs. CONCLUSION: This case report was revealed that the maggot therapy is an affordable and highly efficacious treatment method to enhance the recuperation of DFUs. Therefore, it is recommended that wound care teams use this approach to speed up the healing process.

Cyclopia, a newborn with a single eye, a rare but lethal congenital anomaly: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cyclopia is a rare congenital disorder characterized by facial abnormalities. In this condition, the orbits of the eye are not properly divided into two cavities so that they can be seen either as a single eye field or two bilateral fields that are very close to each other. This syndrome affects the embryos that are either aborted or stillborn upon delivery or, at best, die shortly after birth. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report is of a 37-week- and 5-day-old female fetus with a birth weight of 2300 g, a height of 43 cm, and a head circumference of 31 cm. She was born to a 44-year-old mother through normal vaginal delivery at Mahzad Hospital, Urmia, Iran. In the physical examination, an eye and a 4-cm proboscis were seen in the middle of the forehead. The newborn also had no nose, and his outer ears were normal. No cleft lip or cleft palate was observed. Unfortunately, the newborn expired 13 h after birth. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cyclopia leads to a stillbirth since the brain and other parts of the body do not grow normally in fetuses with this disorder. Moreover, it can be diagnosed using ultrasonography while the fetus is growing inside the uterus. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis during pregnancy using diagnostic methods and proper management of this abnormality should be emphasized to prevent further harm to the newborn and the mother with this syndrome. Moreover, many of these newborns should be offered early neonatal palliative care.

Saving diabetic foot ulcers from amputation by surgical debridement and maggot therapy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the major diabetes complications that may lead to limb amputation. Amputation can have profound physical and psychological effects on an individual's life. Nowadays, the prevention of limb amputation and treatment of DFUs are known as the major health challenges. CASE PRESENTATION: The present case report is of a 72-year-old woman with a 20-year history of type 2 diabetes who has had asymmetrical and superficial DFUs with sizes of 6 × 5 cm and 3 × 3 cm on the heel and the sole of the right foot, respectively. The ulcers were infected by S. aureus and E. coli. The patient had been hospitalized several times for receiving treatment, and not only the ulcers had not been healed, but also they had considerably extended so that the risk of foot amputation had been greatly increased. The patient was transferred to our wound care service. After conducting one session of surgical debridement, the patient underwent ten sessions of maggot therapy (one session every two days) using sterile Lucilia sericata. After about six months, the patient's DFUs were completely healed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: DFU can affect a patient's quality of life and lead to infection, sepsis, amputation, and even patient death. Therefore, using effective treatment approaches is very important for the management of DFUs. CONCLUSION: The combined use of surgical debridement and maggot therapy is a safe and effective method for improving diabetic foot ulcers and preventing amputation.