A Comparative Study on the Effect of Intrathecal Bupivacaine vs. Ropivacaine on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes After Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: The type of anesthesia in cesarean section can affect the mother and baby. This study aimed to determine the comparative effect of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine vs. hyperbaric ropivacaine on maternal and neonatal outcomes after cesarean section. Evidence Acquisition: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, IranDoc, MagIran, and Scopus databases were searched from 1 September 2022 to 1 November 2022. Eighteen clinical trials with 1542 patients were included in the analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in hypotension, bradycardia, and Apgar score between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The risk of nausea (relative risk (RR), 1.526; 95% CI, 1.175 - 1.981; P = 0.001) and vomiting (RR, 1.542; 95% CI, 1.048 - 2.268; P = 0.02) caused by bupivacaine was 0.53% and 0.54% higher than that of ropivacaine. The incidence of shivering (RR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.480 - 3.39; P = 0.00) was 2.24 times higher in the bupivacaine group than in the ropivacaine group. The average onset time of sensory block (standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.550; 95% CI, -1.054 to -0.045; P = 0.032) and motor block (SMD, -0.812; 95% CI, -1.254 to -0.371; P = 0.000) was significantly lower in the bupivacaine group than in the ropivacaine group. Conclusions: Despite the fact that ropivacaine and bupivacaine are effective in cesarean section, ropivacaine is more favorable because of less hemodynamic changes, less duration of sensory and motor block, and fewer side effects, which are effective in patient recovery.

Nurses' bereavement experiences of a deceased colleague due to COVID-19: A phenomenological study.

AIM: Healthcare workers have little time to mourn due to the intensification of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although grief is a normal part of life and death, the circumstances surrounding the death can affect the grieving process. So far, the nurses' experience in mourn for a deceased colleague in the COVID-19 pandemic has not been determined. Identifying these experiences can provide opportunities to formulate appropriate strategies to functionally adapt to death and promote mental health and well-being during this crisis. This study aimed to understand the nurses' experiences in mourning for a deceased colleague due to COVID-19. DESIGN: This was an interpretive phenomenological study. METHOD: Participants included 10 nurses with the bereavement experience following the death of a colleague due to COVID-19, who were selected through purposive sampling, and the data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews and analysed using Diekelmann et al.'s (1989) approach. RESULTS: The nurses' bereavement experiences were in the form of eight themes: disbelief and amazement, acceptance with grief, lasting sadness, unsung laments, bringing back memories, impulse to leave the service, a professional myth and holy death. For nurses, mourning for the death of a colleague due to COVID-19 is like a lasting sadness that begins with disbelief and amazement and changes to acceptance with sadness. From the fellow nurses' point of view, this type of death was perceived as a holy death, which along with countless unsung laments and memories brought to us the association of a professional legend, and that such a fate would be inevitable for us as well, it was a push to leave the service. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Crisis managers and policymakers need to add protocols and training programs for resilience skills and healthy mourning.

Factors affecting decision-making for knee arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying factors affecting decision-making for knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis is critically important for pain relief, improving in knee function and reaching an optimal outcome. When decision-making is hurried or delayed, surgery may not occur in time, which complicates the surgery and increases its complications. This study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing decision-making for knee arthroplasty. METHODS: This study is a qualitative study and inductive content analysis method. This study enrolled 22 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded three categories: hope to return to normal life, encouragement and recommendations, and trust and assurance. CONCLUSION: To make better treatment-related decisions and achieve better outcomes based on the patient's values and wishes, it is necessary for the treatment team to increase its interactions and establish stronger communication with patients to make their expectations more realistic and help them understand the risks. They should also make efforts to increase patients' knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of surgery and clarify what is important to them in decision-making.

Paternal postnatal depression: prevalence and the associated demographic and maternal reproductive factors among Iranian fathers.

BACKGROUND: Paternal postnatal depression (PPND) is a critical mental health issue that may harm family members' health and relationships. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most common self-reported questionnaire for postnatal depression screening among mothers and fathers worldwide. However, identifying fathers with postnatal depression and determining the related factors have been neglected in some countries. AIMS: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPND and then to identify its predictive demographic and reproductive factors. Two cut-off points (10 and 12) for the EPDS were used to detect PPND. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 eligible fathers selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using a demographic checklist and the EPDS. RESULTS: None of the participants had previously been screened for PPND. The mean age of the participants was 35.53 ± 5.47 years, and most of them were self-employed and had university degrees. The prevalence of PPND was 24.5% and 16.3% using the EPDS cut-off scores 10 and 12, respectively. An unwanted pregnancy and an abortion history were the predictors of PPND at both EPDS cut-off scores, with gravidity and the number of abortions also being associated with PPND at the cut-off score of 10. CONCLUSION: In line with the related literature, our results revealed a fairly high prevalence of PPND and its related factors. This indicates the need for a screening program for fathers during the postnatal period to detect and adequately manage PPND and prevent its adverse effects.

Childbirth violence-based negative health consequences: a qualitative study in Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Violation of mothers' rights during childbirth is a global problem that often silently torments women in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to explore negative health consequences due to childbirth violence based on mothers' perceptions and experiences. METHODS: To achieve rich data, an exploratory qualitative study was carried out in 2019 on 26 women with childbirth violence experience who had given birth in hospitals of Ilam, Iran. Data were collected using semi­structure in­depth interviews (IDIs) and a purposive sampling. Participants were asked about their experiences and perceptions of negative health consequences due to childbirth violence. Data were analyzed by conventional content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman approach. MAXQDA (v.18) software was used for better data management. RESULTS: Final codes were classified into 9 sub-categories and 3 main categories including maternal and newborn injuries, weakening of family ties, sense of distrust and hatred. These findings emerged the theme: negative health consequences. CONCLUSIONS: This study broke the silence of abused mothers during childbirth and expressed the perspective of mothers who suffered childbirth violence as a routine phenomenon in maternal care, and a serious threat to the health of mothers, newborns and families. Findings of this study can be a warning for maternity health system, monitoring and support structures as well as health policy-makers to seriously plan to prevent and eliminate this problem.

The Effect of Intrathecal Meperidine on Maternal and Newborn Outcomes After Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study.

CONTEXT: Spinal anesthesia is the most preferred method for cesarean section. This meta-analysis was performed to determine the effect of minimum and maximum intrathecal doses of meperidine (pethidine) [5 to 40 mg] on the maternal and newborn outcomes after cesarean section. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The data were collected through the systematic search in the ISI, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Barakat, MagIran, SID, Irandoc, and EMBASE medical databases. Eighteen clinical trial studies with 1,494 patients were included. RESULTS: Patients who had received intrathecal meperidine had experienced lower shivering, relative risk [RR] = 0.34 (95% CI = 0.23, 0.48) and longer analgesia, [standard mean difference (SMD)] = 7.67 (95% CI = 1.85, 13.49) after the surgery. Moreover, RR of nausea = 1.37 (95% CI = 1.13, 1.66), vomiting RR = 2.02 (95% CI = 1.28, 3.20), and pruritus RR = 9.26 (95% CI = 4.17, 20.58) was higher in the pethidine group than in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the Apgar score at one-minute RR = 0.99 (95% CI = 0.9, 1.09), at five-minute RR = 0.93 (95% CI = 0.87, 1.08), maternal hypotension RR = 1.00 (95% CI = 0.87, 1.15), and maternal sensory and motor blockade durations, SMD = -1.72 (95% CI = -3.78.0.34) and SMD = -4.38 (95% CI = -9.19, 0.44), respectively in the two pethidine and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal meperidine can reduce shivering and increase the duration of postoperative analgesia, though it increases the relative risk of nausea, vomiting, and pruritus. No significant difference was found both in the Apgar score, maternal hypotension, and duration of the motor and sensory block.

An Evaluation of Acupressure on the Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Hugo (LI4) Points on the Pain Severity and Length of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effects of SP6 and LI4 acupressure on the pain severity and length of labor are examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis study was performed on articles published in 2004-2015. The articles, published in the English and Farsi languages, related to the effects of acupressure on the SP6 and LI4 points on the length and pain severity of labor. Data were collected by searching medical databases, including PubMed, ISI, MagIran, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, SID, Irandoc, and EMBASE, for relevant material. RESULTS: Women who received SP6 acupressure experienced less pain immediately after the intervention [-0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.77, -0.36] than women in the touch group and exhibited decrease in the length of labor (-0.99, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.39), the active phase (0.95, 95% CI: -1.30, -0.61), and the second stage of labor (-0.39, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.03). Women who received LI4 acupressure experienced less pain immediately after the intervention (-0.94, 95%, CI: -1.36, -0.53) than women in the touch group and exhibited shorter active phase (-0.91, 95%, CI: -1.18, -0.63) and second stage of labor (-0.55, 95%, CI: -0.95, -0.15) lengths. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SP6 and LI4 acupressure shows promise as a method for managing the length and pain severity of labor, but further study is required to establish its effectiveness along with other pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods.

The Effect of Sevoflurane Plus Propofol on Pain and Complications after Laminectomy: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is one of the most important reasons for the patients concern after surgery. The perfect sedative should have properties like rapid onset, least pain and adverse effects. AIM: To assess the effect of sevoflurane plus propofol on postoperative pain, haemodynamic stability and complication after lumbar disc surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized double- blind clinical trial. A total of 75 patients scheduled for elective lumbar disc surgery with simple random sampling design received sevoflurane (n=25, induced with Thiopentone and maintained with sevoflurane), propofol (n=25, induced and maintained with propofol) and sevoflurane plus propofol (n=25, induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the intensity of postoperative pain. Complications after surgery and haemodynamic changes during surgery were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain intensity and morphine consumption in the sevoflurane plus propofol group was lower compared to the propofol and sevoflurane groups at different intervals (p<0.001). The prevalence of shivering, nausea and vomiting in the sevoflurane plus propofol group was 24%, 28%, 28% respectively vs sevoflurane group 32%, 60%, 48% respectively and propofol group 32%, 16%, 12% respectively with p-value > 0.05, <0.001, <0.05 respectively. The mean blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the sevoflurane plus propofol group compared to the propofol and sevoflurane groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the effect on pain and complications after lumbar disc surgery sevoflurane plus propofol can be regarded as safe and alternative drug in general anaesthesia for these patients.

Effect of Ketofol on Pain and Complication after Caesarean Delivery under Spinal Anaesthesia: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is the key concern of women after caesarean delivery that may interfere with breastfeeding. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess effect of ketofol (ketamine/propofol combination) on pain and complication after caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 92 parturient scheduled for elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were included. The simple random sampling method was used to place subjects in four groups of ketamine (0.25 mg/kg), propofol (0.25 mg/kg), ketofol (25 mg ketamine plus 25 mg propofol) and placebo (saline). The drugs were administered intravenously immediately after clamping the umbilical cord. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the intensity of pain. Complications after surgery including shivering, nausea and vomiting as well as onset of breastfeeding were recorded. RESULTS: The mean score of pain, morphine consumption and time of breastfeeding in the ketofol group were significantly lower than other groups at various intervals (p<0.05, p<0.001). The frequencies of shivering, nausea, vomiting, retention and pruritus in the ketofol group were significantly lower than other groups (p<0.001, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The effective role of ketofol on reducing pain and complication after caesarean delivery indicated that it can be considered as a safe and alternative drug in these patients.

Exploring expectations and needs of patients undergoing angioplasty.

This study aimed to explore needs and expectations of Iranian patients who undergone angioplasty procedures. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has frequently been used as a substitute for coronary artery surgery, representing a less invasive and more cost-effective procedure. However, little information is known about the experiences and needs of patients undergone PCI. This research involved a qualitative study that employed the content analysis method. A semi-structured in-depth interview protocol was carried out using a face-to-face approach. Researchers reached to theoretical saturation by interviewing 18 patients who undergone angioplasty. Constant comparison analysis was used with simultaneous data collection. Three themes emerged from this study including Uncertainty, Procedural knowledge and Social Support. The findings from this study enhance our understanding on expectations and needs of patients who undergone PCI. These findings help nurses and health-care providers to develop and provide pre and post-procedural care according to each individual needs and experiences. This Iranian study not only contributes to other international study but also, emphasizes on the need for pre-procedural awareness and post-procedural support of patients who undergone PCI.

The Effect of Gabapentin Plus Celecoxib on Pain and Associated Complications After Laminectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Prevention and treatment of postoperative pain is a major challenge in postoperative care and well-being of the surgical patient. The multimodal analgesic method has been recommended as an alternative treatment for the management of postoperative pain. AIM: To assess the comparative effect of gabapentin versus gabapentin plus celecoxib on pain and associated complications after laminectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized double- blind clinical trial, 114 patients scheduled for elective laminectomy received gabapentin (n=38, 900 mg daily), gabapentin plus celecoxib (n=38, 200 mg celecoxib plus 300mg gabapentin twice a day), and placebo (n=38, capsule containing starch). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity of pain. Complications after surgery, anxiety scores before surgery and patient's satisfaction 24 hour after surgery were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain sevenity score and morphine consumption in the gabapentin plus celecoxib group were less compared to the placebo and gabapentin group respectively at various intervals (p < 0.001). The mean anxiety score, shivering, nausea, vomiting and pruritus in the gabapentin group were significantly lower compared to the placebo and gabapentin plus celecoxib groups respectively (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). The frequencies of drowsiness (42.1%) in the gabapentin group were significantly high compared to the placebo and gabapentin plus celecoxib group respectively (p <0.001, p< 0.05). In the gabapentin plus celecoxib group patient satisfaction was significantly higher compared to the placebo and gabapentin group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of 300 mg gabapentin plus 200 mg celecoxib twice a day is a good alternative in multimodal analgesia, effective in pain control with lesser side effects seen with gabapentin alone.

Comparing Gabapentin and Celecoxib in Pain Management and Complications After Laminectomy: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Complications and postoperative pain are major care problems that can affect the quality of health care plan. OBJECTIVES: According to the use of multimodal therapy the current study aimed to compare the efficacy of gabapentin and celecoxib in pain management and complications after laminectomy at Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran, in 2015. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 114 patients scheduled for elective laminectomy with simple random sampling design received gabapentin (n = 38, 900 mg/day), celecoxib (n = 38, 600 mg/day) and placebo (n = 38, capsule contain starch). Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to determine the intensity of pain. Complications after surgery, anxiety scores before surgery and patient's satisfaction 24 hours after the surgery were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain intensity in the gabapentin group was lower compared to those of the placebo and celecoxib groups respectively at different time durations (P < 0.001). The means of morphine consumption were 11.9 mg, 22.8 mg and 30.1 mg in the gabapentin, celecoxib and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The prevalence of shivering, nausea, vomiting and pruritus were 10.5%, 12.8%, 10.3% and 18.4% in the gabapentin group vs 31.5%, 29.8%, 32.4% and 28.9% in the celecoxib group and 42.1%, 44.7%, 39.5% and 44.7% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The mean anxiety score in the gabapentin group was 2.4 vs those of the celecoxib group 3 and placebo group 3.6 (P < 0.001). The frequencies of drowsiness were 42.1%, 13.2% and 5.3% in the gabapentin, celecoxib and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.001). In the gabapentin group, patient satisfaction was significantly higher compared to those of the placebo and celecoxib groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the effect of gabapentin on pain management, complications after laminectomy and increased patients satisfaction, it can be regarded as an alter native in multimodal analgesia.

Outcome and Predicting Factor Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major and challenging problem in critical care medicine. AIM: To assess the outcome and predicting factor following severe TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Data were collected from two sections; one section consisting of a questionnaire answered by the patients and other section from the patient records. The instruments used included the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), SF-36 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). RESULTS: The mortality rate of the patients was 46.2%. The quality of life (QOL) of the patients in most dimension were impaired and (58%) of patients had unfavourable QOL. About (37.5%) of patients with anxiety and (27.5%) had a depression. A significant correlation was found between age, GCS arrival, length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, VAP & ARDS and pupil reactivity with QOL, GOS, HAD-A and HAD-D (p<0.05, p< 0.001). GCS arrival a predicate factor for QOL and GOS (p <0.001, OR: 1.75, 1.94 respectively); length of ICU stay a predicate factor for QOL and GOS (p <0.05, OR : 1.11, 1.28 respectively); mechanical ventilation a predicate factor for GOS (p <0.001, OR : 1.78); ventilation associated pneumonia (VAP) & acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pupil reactivity a predicate factor for GOS (p <0.05, OR : 1.36; p<0.001, OR: 1.94 respectively). The GCS arrival and ICU stay a predicate factor for HAD-A (p<0.05, OR: 1.73, 1.38 respectively). CONCLUSION: With respect to results advanced in pre hospital, medical and surgical care for the decrease in mortality rates of Head trauma (HT), the use of trauma triage tools and strict enforcement of traffic rules are necessary.

Does concept mapping enhance learning outcome of nursing students?

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the concept mapping as a teaching method in the academic achievement of nursing students. METHOD: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a crossover design among two groups of total 64 nursing students. Participants were asked to create concept maps (group A) or were evaluated with the traditional method of quiz (group B) for eight weeks and then take a cumulative test (no. 1). Consequently, subjects used the alternate method for another eight weeks and then take the second cumulative test (no. 2). RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the mean scores for cumulative tests (both no. 1 and no. 2) was higher in the group that engaged in map construction compared to the group that only take the quizzes. In addition, there was a gradual increase in the mean scores of developed map during the eight sessions of intervention. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, concept mapping has a positive effect on students' academic achievement. These findings could provide valuable evidence for establishing concept mapping as a continuous teaching strategy for nursing students.

Claudication Due to Sciatic Nerve Palsy Following Nicolau Syndrome: A Case Report.

Nicolau syndrome is a rare drug reaction due to intramuscular injection administration that can lead to limb loss or even death. A 3.8-year-old Iranian boy received an intramuscular injection of Benzathine Penicillin. Immediately after injection the child developed lower limb pain and livedoid discolouration and was referred to our department. The patient was diagnosed to develop Nicolau syndrome and fasciotomy carried out due to compartment syndrome. Pharmacologic therapy with Heparin, Cefazolin and Methylprednisolone was initiated. On 18(th) day, he was discharged, although he was not able to move. Finally, after 6 months of care at home, physiotherapy and Electromyography (EMG) at regular intervals, the child was gradually able to move and his claudication improved.

The Effect of Fenestration of Lamina Terminalis on the Vasospasm and Shunt-Dependent Hydrocephalus in Patients Following Subarachnoid Haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: SAH (Sub Arachnoid Haemorrhage) is a life threatening that is associated with complications such as vasospasm and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of FLT (Fenestration of Lamina Terminalis) on the incidence of vasospasm and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in ACoA (Anterior Communicating Artery) aneurismal in SAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 50 ruptured ACoA aneurism patients were selected during the year 2001-2009 admitted to Imam Hussein hospital, Tehran, IR. In a randomized double-blind trial patients assigned in two group {with fenestration (FLT, n=25), without fenestration (No FLT, n=25)}. All patients underwent craniotomy by a single neurosurgeon. Patient's age, sex, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, vasospasm, presence of hydrocephalus and incidences of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among groups in relation to demographic characteristics, neurological scale scores (Hunt-Hess grade) and the severity of the SAH (Fisher grade) (p>0.05). The rate of hydrocephalus on admission, were 24% and 16% in FLT and no FLT group respectively (p>0.05). The shunt placement postoperatively in FLT and no FLT group were 16% and 12% respectively (p>0.05). The clinical vasospasm was 20% and 24% in FLT and no FLT group respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite FLT can be a safe method there were not significant differences of FLT on the incidence of vasospasm and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. A systematic evaluation with multisurgeon, multicentre and with greater sample size to disclose reality is suggested.

The Effect of Whole Body Massage on the Process and Physiological Outcome of Trauma ICU Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hospitalization of traumatic patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and their critical condition can cause haemodynamic instabilities and deterioration in the level of consciousness. The study aimed to investigate the effect of whole body massage on the vital signs, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and arterial blood gases (ABG) in trauma ICU patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind trial, 108 trauma ICU patients received whole body massage {experimental group (n=54)}, or routine care {control group (n=54)}. The patients vital signs; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), Temperature (T), GCS score and ABG parameters were measured by a nurse at the same time in both groups before the intervention and 1 hour and 3 hours after the intervention with a checklist. The patient in experimental group received full body massage in 45 minute by a family member. RESULTS: According to the findings, significant differences were observed between experimental and control groups in SBP 1 hour and 3 hours after intervention (p< 0.001), DBP, RR and PR 1 hour after intervention (p<0.001) and GCS 1 hour and 3 hours after intervention (p<0.05). Of ABG parameters, significant differences were observed between experimental and control groups in O2 saturation (p<0.001), PH (p<0.001) and pO2 (p<0.05). No significant differences between experimental and control groups in Temperature, pCO2 and HCO3 (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: With respect to this study, massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment in intensive care units to reduce patient's physical and psychological problems. Therefore the use of massage therapy is recommended to clinical practice as a routine method.

The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms with primary dysmenorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea with interferes in daily activities can have adverse effects on quality of life of women. OBJECTIVES: Regarding the use of herbal medicine, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of cinnamon on primary dysmenorrhea in a sample of Iranian female college students from Ilam University of Medical Sciences (west of Iran) during 2013-2014. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized double-blind trial, 76 female student received placebo (n = 38, capsules containing starch, three times a day (TDS)) or cinnamon (n = 38, capsules containing 420 mg cinnamon, TDS) in 24 hours. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity of pain and nausea. Vomiting and menstrual bleeding were assessed by counting the number of saturated pads. The parameters were recorded in the group during the first 72 hours of the cycle. RESULTS: The mean amount of menstrual bleeding in the cinnamon group was significantly lower than the placebo group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The mean pain severity score in the cinnamon group was less than the placebo group at various intervals (4.1 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 0.4 at 24 hours, 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 6.1 ± 0.4 at 48 hours, and 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.3 at 72 hours, respectively) (P < 0.001). The mean severity of nausea and the frequencies of vomiting significantly decreased in the cinnamon group compared with the placebo group at various intervals (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the significant effect of cinnamon on reduction of pain, menstrual bleeding, nausea and vomiting with primary dysmenorrhea without side effects, it can be regarded as a safe and effective treatment for dysmenorrhea in young women.

Comparative effect of cinnamon and Ibuprofen for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Primary dysmenorrheal has a negative impact on women's quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Cinnamon and Ibuprofen for treatment of primary dysmenorrheal in a sample of Iranian female college students from Ilam University of Medical Sciences (western Iran). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind trial, out of 114, control group received placebo (empty capsules contain starch, TDS, n= 38) a test group received Ibuprofen (capsule containing 400mg Ibuprofen, TDS, n=38), or another test group received Cinnamon (capsule containing 420 mg Cinnamon, TDS, n= 38) in 24 h. To determine severity of pain, we used the VAS scale. Pain intensity and duration of pain were monitored in the group during first 72 h of cycle. RESULTS: The mean pain severity score and mean duration of pain in Ibuprofen and Cinnamon were less than placebo group respectively (p< 0.001). Of 4 hours after the intervention there were no statistically significant differences between the Cinnamon and placebo group (p> 0.05). Of eight hours after the intervention, the mean pain severity in the cinnamon group was significantly lower than placebo group (p< 0.001). At various time intervals the mean pain severity in the Ibuprofen group were significantly less than Cinnamon and placebo groups (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cinnamon compared with placebo significantly reduced the severity and duration of pain during menstruation, but this effect was lower compared with Ibuprofen. Cinnamon can be regarded as a safe and effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. More researches are recommended to study the efficacy of Cinnamon on reducing menstrual bleeding.

Association of body weight and female sexual dysfunction: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide with negative effects on women's health, psychosocial factors and quality of life. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a major public health problem that is worrying for many women physically, emotionally and socially. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of body weight with FSD and sexual satisfaction, in Ilam, western Iran, in 2010 to 2011. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a case-control study on 120 women aged 18-50 years [64 with FSD (case), 64 without FSD (control)] married, from Ilam-IR, who were interviewed as per the Iranian version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded by researchers. The subjects were randomly selected from primary health centers. RESULTS: FSFI score was significantly lower in overweight women (P < 0.05). FSFI strongly correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.68, P < 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (r = -0.29, P < 0.05) in women with FSD. Of sexual function parameters, there was a strong and inverse correlation between BMI and arousal (r = -0.71, P < 0.001), lubrication (r = -0.61, P < 0.001), orgasm (r = -0.52, P < 0.001) and satisfaction (r = -0.54, P < 0.001), while pain (r = -0.12, P > 0.05) and desire (r = -0.17, P > 0.05) did not correlate with BMI. There was an association between BMI and extreme satisfaction (r = -0.28, P < 0.05). Extreme physical pleasure (r = -0.19, P > 0.05) and extreme emotional satisfaction (r = -0.16, P > 0.05) were not correlated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity negative affect sexuality in women with sexual dysfunction. A systematic evaluation of sexual function to disclose a cause and effect relationship between obesity and FSD is suggested.