ABSTRACT
Background Fatigue is a common compliant among patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This may affect patients' function in all aspects. A few studies have already assessed the influence of complementary therapies on minimizing fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of vitamin C and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on fatigue following CABG surgery. Methods In this randomized, triple-blind placebo-controlled trial, 160 patients who already underwent CABG surgery were randomly assigned into an experimental or a control groups. Each group consisted of 80 patients. The experimental group was given both n-3 PUFA and vitamin C the day before surgery. They also received the same supplements in the first 5 days of operation. The control group received only placebo. Subjects in both groups responded to Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) scale in the beginning, and at the end of the intervention as well as on the fifth day of the operation. Chi-square test and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Results The mean fatigue score in experimental and control groups came up to 62.01 ± 4.06 and 67.92 ± 4.95 (p<0.0001), respectively, which was greater than that of the values we had before intervention. The mean difference of fatigue score was 3.97 ± 3.49 and 9.56 ± 6.41 (p<0.0001) prior and following the intervention, correspondingly. Conclusion Combination of vitamin C and n-3 PUFA effectively reduces post-operative fatigue among patients who undergo CABG surgery.
Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid/therapeutic use , Coronary Artery Bypass , Fatigue/drug therapy , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/therapeutic use , Aged , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Identification of indigenous medicinal plants, including the gathering of information regarding the uses of these plants can help find out their traditional pharmacological activities and their benefits for the community's healthcare system. In this study, an ethnobotanical investigation was conducted in Shahrekord city, southwest of Iran to indicate the ethnobotanical knowledge about analgesic medicinal plants in the region and the methods of using them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To this end, plant antioxidants and analgesic medicinal plants were identified. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used to obtain indigenous knowledge from traditional therapists in Shahrekord regarding pain relief using medicinal plants. This ethnobotanical study was conducted in 2018 with the participation of 29 traditional therapists of the region under purpose. Finally, the data drawn from the questionnaires were analyzed using the Excel software. The frequency of plants use was also calculated. RESULTS: Our study showed that in Shahrekord, 23 species of medicinal plants are used to relieve pain. The highest frequency of use was obtained for Eugenia caryophylata (44%), followed by Alhagi maurorum (31%), Tribulus terrestris (27%), and angustifolia (24%). The Laminaceae family (7 species) was the most frequently used plant family for pain relief. The most frequently used plant organ to relieve the pain was flower (25%), followed by the stem (22%) and leaves (19%). CONCLUSION: Given the high importance of medicinal plants in Shahrekord, the results of this study and additional scientific investigations can help produce more effective and less harmful drugs from medicinal plants.
ABSTRACT
Right ventricular failure due to right coronary artery disease, right ventricular hypertrophy, stunning, abnormal septal motion, myocardial infarction, or non-homogeneous distribution of cardioplegia is an uncommon but serious complication of open heart surgery. We report a patient with severe right ventricular hypertrophy secondary to severe mitral valve stenosis and another patient with detachment of the right coronary artery due to the dissection of the ascending aorta. The patients developed right ventricular failure, which persisted after surgery and rendered weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass unsuccessful. Through a hemi-Fontan, or bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt, and an intra-aortic balloon pump, the patients were successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. This shunt may be an alternative to a right ventricular assist device in some patients with right ventricular failure. The long-term outcome and the indication of bi-directional cavopulmonary shunt has not been confirmed, although it is believed to be effective for saving the life of patients with low cardiac output and acute right ventricular failure. In our cases, six months following the operation, there was some degree of recovery of the right ventricular function. In long-term follow-up, however, it would be interesting for the authors to know if the improved right ventricular function, with better antegrade pulsatile flow in the pulmonary artery, in any way interferes with the functioning of the bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt.
ABSTRACT
True saccular aneurysm is exceptional in coarctation of aorta in children. A 6-year-old girl with headache and systemic arterial hypertension referred to our center for cardiovascular evaluation. Physical examination revealed high blood pressure and weak lower extremity pulses. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography and angiography demonstrated a saccular aneurysm of the descending aorta, 5×4 cm in size, associated with aortic coarctation. Aneurysmectomy was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass. The section of the aorta containing the coarctation and the aneurysm was resected and replaced with a 15-mm woven polyester graft. Histological examination revealed a thin walled aneurysm with hyalinosis changes and decreased elastic fibers.One-year echocardiographic follow-up revealed no gradient across of Dacron tube and hypertension decreased to normal level.
