scholarly journals Improvement of sulphur mustard-induced chronic pruritus, quality of life and antioxidant status by curcumin: results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

2011 ◽  
Vol 108 (7) ◽  
pp. 1272-1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunes Panahi ◽  
Amirhossein Sahebkar ◽  
Mojtaba Amiri ◽  
Seyyed Masoud Davoudi ◽  
Fatemeh Beiraghdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Substance P ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Sulphur Mustard ◽  
Chronic Pruritus

Skin is among the first and most heavily damaged organs upon sulphur mustard (SM) exposure. Pruritus is the most common chronic skin complication of SM, which adversely affects the quality of life (QoL). However, current therapies for the management of SM-induced pruritus are very limited and associated with side effects. The present trial investigated the efficacy of curcumin in the alleviation of SM-induced chronic pruritic symptoms. A total of ninety-six male Iranian veterans (age 37–59 years) were randomised to receive either curcumin (1 g/d, n 46) or placebo (n 50) for 4 weeks. Serum concentrations of substance P and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Assessment of pruritus severity was performed using the pruritus score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. QoL was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Serum concentrations of substance P (P < 0·001) as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (P = 0·02), glutathione peroxidase (P = 0·006) and catalase (P < 0·001) were significantly reduced in the curcumin group, while no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Curcumin supplementation was also associated with significant reductions in measures of pruritus severity including the pruritus score (P < 0·001), VAS score (P < 0·001), overall (P < 0·001) and objective SCORAD (P = 0·009), and DLQI's first question (P < 0·001). None of these measures was significantly changed in the placebo group. As for the QoL, although DLQI scores decreased in both groups (P < 0·001 and P = 0·003 in the curcumin and placebo groups, respectively), the magnitude of reduction was significantly greater in the curcumin group (P < 0·001). In conclusion, curcumin may be regarded as a natural, safe, widely available and inexpensive treatment for the management of SM-induced chronic pruritus.

scholarly journals Cannabis is associated with clinical but not endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis: A randomized controlled trial

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246871
Author(s):  
Timna Naftali ◽  
Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider ◽  
Fabiana Scklerovsky Benjaminov ◽  
Fred Meir Konikoff ◽  
Shelly Tartakover Matalon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Endoscopic Score

Background Cannabis is often used by patients with ulcerative colitis, but controlled studies are few. We aimed to assess the effect of cannabis in improving clinical and inflammatory outcomes in ulcerative colitis patients. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients received either cigarettes containing 0.5 g of dried cannabis flowers with80mgTetrahydrocannabinol (THC)or placebo cigarettes for 8 weeks. Parameters of disease including Lichtiger disease activity index, C reactive protein (CRP), calprotectin, Mayo endoscopic score and quality of life (QOL) were assessed before, during and after treatment. Results The study included 32 patients. Mean age was 30 years, 14 (43%) females. Lichtiger index improved in the cannabis group from 10.9 (IQR 9–14) to5 (IQR 1–7), (p<0.000), and in the placebo group from 11 (IQR 9–13) to 8 (IQR 7–10)(p = 0.15, p between groups 0.001). QOL improved in the cannabis group from 77±4 to 98±20 (p = 0.000) but not in the placebo group (78±3 at week 0 and 78±17 at week 8;p = 0.459; p between groups 0.007). Mayo endoscopic score changed in the cannabis group from 2.13±1 to 1.25±2 (p = 0.015) and in the placebo group from 2.15±1to 1.69±1 (p = 0.367, p between groups 0.17). Conclusion Short term treatment with THC rich cannabis induced clinical remission and improved quality of life in patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. However, these beneficial clinical effects were not associated with significant anti-inflammatory improvement in the Mayo endoscopic score or laboratory markers for inflammation.(clinicaltrials.gov NCT01040910).

scholarly journals Adjunctive Garcinia mangostana Linn. (Mangosteen) Pericarp for Schizophrenia: A 24-Week Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Efficacy Trial: Péricarpe d’appoint Garcinia mangostana Linn (mangoustan) pour la schizophrénie : un essai d’efficacité de 24 semaines, à double insu, randomisé et contrôlé par placebo

2020 ◽  
pp. 070674372098243
Author(s):  
Alyna Turner ◽  
Andrea Baker ◽  
Olivia M. Dean ◽  
Adam J. Walker ◽  
Seetal Dodd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Schizoaffective Disorder ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Garcinia Mangostana ◽  
Double Blind

Objectives: Garcinia mangostana Linn. (“mangosteen”) pericarp contains bioactive compounds that may target biological pathways implicated in schizophrenia. We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp, compared to placebo, in the treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: People diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), recruited across 2 sites (Brisbane and Victoria, Australia), were randomized to receive 24 weeks of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp (1,000 mg/day) or matched placebo. The primary outcome measure was the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale total score. Secondary outcomes included positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology, clinical global severity and improvement, participant reported overall improvement, depressive symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and safety data at 24 and 28 weeks (4 weeks postdiscontinuation). Data were collected from July 2016 to February 2019. Results: Baseline assessments were conducted on 148 people (mangosteen = 74, placebo = 74); data analyses were conducted on 136 (92%) participants with postbaseline data. The treatment group had significantly higher symptom severity compared to placebo, and both groups significantly improved on all symptom, functioning, and quality of life measures over time. No between-group differences were found for the rate of change between baseline and 24 or 28 weeks. Conclusion: Despite promising preclinical and clinical work, our results do not support mangosteen pericarp extract as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

scholarly journals Amelioration of mild and moderate depression through Pranic Healing as adjuvant therapy: randomised double-blind controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Rajagopal ◽  
Srikanth N Jois ◽  
Sumanth Mallikarjuna Majgi ◽  
MN Anil Kumar ◽  
HB Shashidhar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Antidepressant Drug ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Average Decrease ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
Post Assessment

Objectives: Depression is a mental disorder, affecting the quality of life. Our study explores the efficacy of Pranic Healing (PH), as an adjuvant therapy in treating depression Methods: In this randomised double-blind controlled trial, 52 participants with a mean age of 34.4 years, with mild to moderate depression were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) scale during the 5-week study. Both Medication + PH (MedPH) and Medication + Mock PH (MedMockPH) groups comprising 26 members received Pranic and mock healing lasting 20 minutes per session respectively once a week for 4 weeks, along with the antidepressant drug. Results: The average decrease in HAM-D score in MedPH was median 11 (Interquartile Range (IQR) 7–12) and was significantly higher compared with the MedMockPH group median 6.5 (IQR 3–9). At pre-assessment, both groups had 8 cases of mild and 18 cases of moderate depression. At post-assessment, HAM-D showed that the improvement in depression category was seen in 69.2% of participants in the MedMockPH group and 100% in MedPH group. Conclusions: These results give first the evidence that PH can aid as an adjuvant therapy for depressed people.

ISA247: Quality of Life Results from a Phase II, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 268-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya K. Gupta ◽  
Richard G. Langley ◽  
Charles Lynde ◽  
Kirk Barber ◽  
Wayne Gulliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Skin Condition ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Plaque Type ◽  
Psoriasis Disability Index ◽  
Stable Plaque

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can negatively affect a patient's quality of life (QoL), often hindering social functioning. ISA247, a novel psoriatic agent, has shown clinical efficacy in moderate to severe psoriasis sufferers, but its effect on QoL is currently not reported. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ISA247 on the QoL in patients with stable, plaque-type psoriasis. Methods: A phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study assessed the effects of ISA247 doses of 0.5 mg/kg/d ( n = 77) or 1.5 mg/kg/d ( n = 83) compared with placebo ( n = 41) for 12 weeks. QoL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) scales. Results: ISA247 treatment (pooled groups) significantly improved QoL scores as assessed by both the DLQI and the PDI compared with those receiving placebo ( p < .05). Treatment with the higher dose of 1.5 mg/kg/d demonstrated a significantly greater response to many of the QoL scales compared with the 0.5 mg/kg/d group ( p < .05). Conclusions: ISA247 appears to improve the QoL while also providing effective treatment for chronic, moderate to severe, plaque-type psoriasis.

scholarly journals The Effects of Propolis Extract Administration on HIV Patients Receiving ARV

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83
Author(s):  
Erwin Astha Triyono ◽  
Sarah Firdausa ◽  
Heru Prasetyo ◽  
Joni Susanto ◽  
James Hutagalung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Hiv Patients ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infectious disease that targets the human immune system by attacking cluster of differentiation (CD)4 cells. The use of propolis in HIV patients is expected to be safe and beneficial in terms of increasing endurance and immunity by its role in increasing CD4 level. This study aimed to analyze the influence of propolis supplementation in increasing the CD4 level in anti-retroviral (ARV)-treated HIV patients.METHODS: Double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 50 HIV patients who took regular ARV therapy. The subjects were divided into two groups, one group was treated with ARV and propolis, while another one was given ARV and placebo. The CD4 cell count was measured during pre-treatment, in the 3rd month, in the 6th month after treatment. The level of hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelets were also measured. The SF-12 questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life of the subject.RESULTS: Out of 50 subjects, 43 subjects completed the study, which were 19 subjects from the propolis group and 24 subjects from the placebo group. After 3-month of treatment, there was a statistically significant difference in the incrwase of CD 44 level in propolis group, while the increment was not significant in the placebo group. After 6-month treatment, the increase of CD4 level was occurred in both groups, propolis and placebo, however the increment was not statistically significant. The levels of hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelets were not altered by the treatment and remained normal throughout the study. The quality of life was improved during the study; however, it was also not statistically significant. Mild adverse events occurred in 3 subjects which were relieved after the treatment stopped.CONCLUSION: Based on the result of this study, the administration of propolis on HIV patients receiving ARV bring significant difference in the increase of CD4 in propolis group from baseline to 3 month after the treatment. While in placebo group, this increment was not significant. At the end of study, CD4 count continued to rise up, however the increase was not statistically significant. There are no hemoglobin, leukocyte, platelets, and quality of life abnormalities. Therefore, it is necesary to do further research with a spesific CD4 count. However, it may be beneficial in relieving the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patient living with HIV.KEYWORDS: CD4, ARV, HIV, propolis

scholarly journals Ropivacaine 75mg versus placebo in perineal infiltration for analgesic efficacy at mid- and long-term for episiotomy repair in postpartum women- The ROPISIO study: a two-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire CARDAILLAC ◽  
Stéphane Ploteau ◽  
Aurélie Le Thuaut ◽  
Vincent Dochez ◽  
Norbert Winer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Analgesic Efficacy ◽  
Perineal Pain ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Mediolateral Episiotomy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Perineal pain due to episiotomy is commonly reported and can be severe enough to disturb the mother-infant dyad during the postpartum period. Its incidence at day 7 postpartum varies from 63% to 74%. Recent studies have already investigated the analgesic efficacy of perineal infiltration of ropivacaine after episiotomy, but have only focused on the immediate postpartum period (at 24 and 48 hours after birth). Large, adequately powered, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the impact of ropivacaine infiltration on perineal pain and mid- and long-term quality of life before the widespread use of ropivacaine to prevent perineal pain after episiotomy can be recommended. Methods The ROPISIO study is a two-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in La Roche sur Yon and Nantes, France. It will involve 272 women with vaginal singleton delivery and mediolateral episiotomy at term (≥ 37 weeks). Perineal infiltration (ropivacaine 75mg or placebo) will be administrated just after vaginal birth and before episiotomy repair. The primary outcome will be the analgesic efficacy at day 7 postpartum (mid-term), defined by the numerical rating scale of pain (ENS NRS) strictly superior to 3/10 on the perineal repair area. Secondary outcomes will be the analgesic efficacy (ENS NRS), the impact of pain on daily behavior, on the quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey), on the occurrence of symptoms of postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and on sexuality (Female Sexual Function Index) at 3 and 6 months (long-term) using validated online questionnaires. This study will have 90% power to show approximately 30% relative risk reduction in the incidence of perineal pain at day 7, from 70.0% to 50.0%. Discussion Ropivacaine is a promising candidate drug, inexpensive, easy to administer, and would be suitable to include in the routine management of deliveries in labor ward. This study will investigate if perineal ropivacaine infiltration just after birth can reduce mid- and long-term postpartum pain and increase quality of life in women with mediolateral episiotomy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document