1.
Analgesic effects of breast- and formula feeding during routine childhood immunizations up to 1 year of age.
Viggiano, C, Occhinegro, A, Siano, MA, Mandato, C, Adinolfi, M, Nardacci, A, Caiazzo, AL, Viggiano, D, Vajro, P
Pediatric research. 2021;(5):1179-1184
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on analgesic effects of breast/formula milk sucking while receiving routine childhood immunizations are available only in early infancy, have rarely been compared in the same study, and are not accompanied by information on mothers' satisfaction/acceptance. Here we aimed to compare the analgesic effect of both methods vs. held-only controls up to 1 year of age, and verify mothers' satisfaction. METHODS Two to 12 months children subjected to vaccine were allocated into three groups: breastfed, formula-fed, and held-only controls. A video recording was performed to analyze pain parameters: crying latency/duration and specific scales [FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability), NIPS (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale)]. After the procedure, mothers filled in a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS One-hundred and sixty-two children were recruited: 54 breastfed, 35 formula fed, and 73 controls. Breastfed showed the longest crying latency, and together with formula fed, had the shortest duration and lowest pain scores. Most mothers appreciated not only the respective feeding-mediated pain mitigation method used, but also the simply-holding procedure. In all cases, they felt reassured, with an unexpected frequent underestimation of their child's pain during the shot. CONCLUSIONS The analgesic effect of breastfeeding during vaccination extends also to children >6 months old, and is obtained by formula too. Embracing the child may help to reassure mothers. IMPACT We confirmed the analgesic effect of breastfeeding during the vaccination procedures in early infancy. We show for the first time that this effect is extended also to children up to 1 year of age, and it may be obtained by formula feeding as well. Most mothers appreciated pain mitigation not only through feeding, but also the simply-holding procedure. In all cases, mothers felt reassured, with an unexpected frequent underestimation of their child' pain during the shot. The promotion of these easily feasible and well-accepted strategies should be further encouraged within health professionals during vaccination procedures.
2.
Effects of Aloe vera cream on chronic anal fissure pain, wound healing and hemorrhaging upon defection: a prospective double blind clinical trial.
Rahmani, N, Khademloo, M, Vosoughi, K, Assadpour, S
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences. 2014;(7):1078-84
Abstract
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that promotes wound healing in burn injuries. A prospective clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a topical cream containing 0.5% Aloe vera juice powder in the treatment of chronic anal fissures. The aloe cream was applied by the patients to the wound site 3 times per day for 6 weeks following the instructions of a physician. Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale before treatment and at the end of each week of treatment. Wound healing and the amount and severity of bleeding were examined and evaluated before and at the end of each week of treatment. There were statistically significant differences in chronic anal fissure pain, hemorrhaging upon defection and wound healing before and at the end of the first week of treatment also in comparison with control group (p < 0.0001). In this study, a topical cream containing aloe vera juice was an effective treatment for chronic anal fissures. This is a promising result indicating that further comparative studies are justified.
3.
Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy.
Kohama, T, Inoue, M
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2006;(3):232-4
Abstract
The effect of Pycnogenol was studied in women in the third trimester of pregnancy, complaining of lower back pain, hip joint pain, pelvic pain (pain in the inguinal region), pain due to varices or calf cramps. The women were supplemented with Pycnogenol at a dose of 30 mg/day without any other therapy. Alleviation of pain was evaluated by pain scores until delivery. A significant reduction of pain could be obtained compared with the control group, where no decrease in pain scores in any symptoms was reported. No unwanted effects were observed in the Pycnogenol group. These results indicate the potential of Pycnogenol to reduce pain associated with pregnancy.
4.
[Short-term therapeutic fasting in the treatment of chronic pain and fatigue syndromes--well-being and side effects with and without mineral supplements].
Michalsen, A, Weidenhammer, W, Melchart, D, Langhorst, J, Saha, J, Dobos, G
Forschende Komplementarmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde = Research in complementary and natural classical medicine. 2002;(4):221-7
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fasting followed by vegetarian diet has shown to be an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, moreover fasting is frequently used as an adjunctive treatment in chronic pain and stress/exhaustion syndromes. Data on well-being and the frequency of side effects during fasting are mostly retrospective. Mineral supplements are frequently used in order to compensate for fasting-induced tissue acidosis and to reduce side effects. There are only limited data that support this practice. OBJECTIVE To study the effects of oral mineral supplements on common side effects and well-being during short-term fasting. PATIENTS AND METHODS 209 consecutive inpatients with chronic pain/exhaustion syndromes were recruited. In a controlled non-randomised study design all patients underwent fasting (250 kcal; 3 l fluid intake/day) over 7 days, in study phase 1 without (n = 103) and in study phase 2 with (n = 106) concomitant prescription of standardised oral mineral supplements (3 x 2 to 3 x 3 Bullrich's Vital). Weight, blood pressure and urinary pH were recorded daily. Well-being and mood as well as common side effects (i.e. fatigue, hunger, heart burn, headache) were assessed with standardised self-reports. RESULTS Baseline characteristics of the 209 patients (mean age 54.7 +/- 10.5 years; 83.3% female) were balanced. Both groups showed a fasting-induced decrease of blood pressure, a slight decrease in mood and well-being on days 3 and 4 with consecutive increase and moderate hunger, i.e. in the evening. Side effects and general tolerability of fasting as well as well-being and mood were not different between the groups. There were no serious side effects in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Short-term fasting in inpatients with pain and stress syndromes is safe and well tolerated, concomitant mineral supplements have no additive benefit.