Clinical Research Directory

The Efficacy of Lavender Herbal Tea in Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common but complex condition defined as a combination of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, usually between 2 and 14 days before the onset of menstruation, and that diminish with menstruation. Epidemiological studies have reported that 80-90% of women experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms, with approximately 20-40% reported to affect daily functioning and relationships. Symptoms associated with PMS include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. Pharmacological treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and non-pharmacological methods such as dietary changes, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy are used in the management of PMS symptoms. Complementary herbal therapies are gaining increasing interest among individuals who want to avoid the side effects of traditional pharmacological agents. Various agents such as Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree), Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort), evening primrose oil, and conventional herbal formulations have been studied in the literature. Vitex agnus-castus was found to be effective in relieving PMS symptoms by regulating hormonal balance. The antidepressant effects of yellow cantharone have been evaluated, but findings on its efficacy are inconsistent. Evening primrose oil shows particularly favorable effects on cyclic mastalgia. Lavender tea is known to reduce depression, anxiety, and mood swings. There are no clinical studies evaluating the effect of lavender tea on menstrual bleeding. A randomized controlled trial has shown that abdominal massage with lavender oil reduces the severity of menstrual pain. In this context, it may be a potential complementary herbal treatment to relieve PMS symptoms. Therefore, women with PMS will be divided into two groups. The intervention group will use 2 grams of lavender tea 2 times a day, morning and evening, for 9 days during 2 menstrual cycles (5 days before and 4 days after the estimated onset of menstruation). The control group will create a waiting list. The study data will be provided by 'Personal Information Form', 'Premenstrual Syndrome Scale', 'Depression Anxiety Stress-21 Scale', 'Premenstrual Syndrome Specific Quality of Life Scale', Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and pad follow-up to monitor bleeding. SPSS 25.0 software will be used to analyze the data obtained from the study. Although the effects of lavender tea on PMS are promising, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. With this study, the need for clinical studies on the effectiveness of lavender tea will be met and a natural and complementary treatment method that can alleviate PMS symptoms will be tested.

The Effects of Endotracheal Suctioning on Pain and Serum Markers

The goal of this experimental study is to understand if endotracheal tube (ETT) suctioning increases pain and causes stress on the body in intubated adult ICU patients. These patients are already on ventilators, which means they need suctioning to keep their airways clear, but this procedure may be uncomfortable and cause stress. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does ETT suctioning raise pain levels as measured by the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT)? Does ETT suctioning increase certain chemicals in the blood (hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid) that show stress and lack of oxygen in the body? Researchers will compare patients who have ETT suctioning (intervention group) with those who do not have suctioning during the study period (control group) to see if there are differences in pain and blood markers of stress. Participants will: Have pain measured before and after suctioning using the CPOT. Have blood samples taken from an existing line at three time points: 5 minutes before, 5 minutes after, and 30 minutes after suctioning. Provide demographic information (like age, gender, and diagnosis) from medical records. This research will help improve how pain is managed for ICU patients who cannot speak for themselves, potentially leading to better pain relief methods in the future.

Evaluation of Chronic Postsurgical Pain Risk in Patients Undergoing CIED Implantation Using an AID Support System

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) remains a significant clinical and public health challenge despite major advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques. Patients receiving cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs)-including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTs)-constitute a unique population with high rates of multimorbidity, psychological vulnerability, and limited analgesic options due to cardiovascular comorbidities. Insufficient postoperative pain management in this group may lead to persistent pain at the generator site, neuropathic pain features, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical predictors of CPSP following CIED implantation using both subjective and objective pain assessments. Pain intensity will be measured using validated self-report scales (Visual Analog Scale and DN-4 questionnaire), and objective pain thresholds will be determined using a calibrated digital pressure algometer. Quality of life will be assessed with the validated Turkish version of the Short Form-12 (SF-12) instrument. This prospective observational study will include 180 adult patients who underwent first-time CIED implantation at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cardiology Institute. Participants will be evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months post-implantation. Collected data will include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables such as demographics, comorbidities, anesthesia type, surgical duration, and acute postoperative pain control. Using the obtained data, an artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support system will be developed to predict individual CPSP risk before implantation. The model will integrate subjective scales, objective algometric data, and clinical factors to generate personalized risk estimates. Ultimately, this system aims to improve early detection and prevention of CPSP, optimize postoperative pain management strategies, and enhance patient quality of life.

Assessment of the NIPE in Very Premature Infant Ventilated and Sedated in Neonatal Reanimation.

The Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) was developed as a method of analysis of the heart rate variability. The monitor gives a value between 0 (low value of the parasympathetic component) and 100 (high value of the parasympathetic component). So far, the measure of the heart failure variability by using the NIPE in infant born very premature ventilated and sedated in neonatal reanimation has not been realised and validated as an evaluation method of the pain and discomfort related to neonatal care.

Turkish Validation of the Geriatric Pain Measure - Short Form

This study aims to adapt, validate, and assess the reliability of the Geriatric Pain Measure - Short Form in Turkish. A total of 150 patients aged 65 years and older will complete the scale under the supervision of pain management and gerontology specialists. Reliability and validity will be evaluated using statistical analyses, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and correlation with validated pain and sleep scales. Ethical approval has been obtained, and all participants will provide informed consent.

Performance Evaluation of ANI in Patients Under General Anesthesia With Remimazolam

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) can effectively reduce the dose of opioid in patients who underwent general anesthesia using remimazolam.

Longitudinal Assessment of Pain-Related Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgery

Little is known about pain-related outcomes experienced by patients in the first few weeks after surgery, once they are discharged from hospital. This study aims to characterize pain, pain-related interference, and early neuropathic pain in the sub-acute phase after surgery.