Is There Any Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) Abnormality in Raynaud Phenomenon?

Objectives: Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a technique for assessment of the damage of peripheral neuropathies and the disorders of the sympathetic system. This study aimed to evaluate SSR among patients with Raynaud phenomenon (RP). Methods: Between January 1, 2015 and December 30, 2018, about 20 patients with RP and 20 healthy subjects as the control group were recruited from patients referring to the Outpatient Clinics of Shiraz medical University. All the participants were clinically examined, and the SSR was performed using a standard protocol. SSR is abnormal when the latency is prolonged and/or the amplitude reduced. Results: Raynaud's group consisted of 19 women (95 %) and 1 male (5%). 3 patients (15 %) with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) and 17 patients (85%) with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (SRP). The control group consisted of 16 women (80%) and 4 males (20%). The mean age of the Raynaud's group and control subjects was 43.1±9 and 36.7±8.6 years, respectively. The SSR to the electrical stimulus was absent in 3 patients (PRP patients). The total median nerve mean latencies in the upper limb were 1.9±0.57 and 1.19±0.52 seconds for the Raynaud's group and control groups, respectively (p <0.001). These findings revealed significantly prolonged SSR latencies in the Raynaud's group, while the mean amplitude showed no significant differences in both groups (p =0.756). Conclusion: Absence or prolonged latency of SSR was associated with the disorders of the unmyelinated axons in the sympathetic system. Our findings suggested the disorders of unmyelinated axons in Raynaud's phenomenon. Keywords: Raynaud Disease; Autonomic Nervous System; Electrodiagnosis; Sympathetic Fibers; Nerve Conduction.

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Investigation of autonomic dysfunction in primary Raynaud’s phenomenon with sympathetic skin response (SSR), R-R interval variation (RRIV) and composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS)-31

Neurology Asia ◽

10.54029/2021ptz ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 693-698

Author(s):

Hüseyin Sicim ◽

Özgür Boyraz ◽

Ertan Demirdas ◽

Hakan Kartal ◽

Gökhan Erol ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autonomic Dysfunction ◽

Valsalva Maneuver ◽

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Sympathetic Skin Response ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Deep Breathing ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Skin Response ◽

And Control

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the autonomic dysfunction in patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon with using sympathetic skin response (SSR) as a neurophysiologic test, R-R interval variation analysis and composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS)-31 questionnaire. Methods: Palmar SSR to median nerve electrical stimulation was recorded in 38 patients with 36 healthy age and sex-matched control subjects. The SSR was recorded from the palmar surface of both left and right hands for patients and control groups. The amplitudes and latencies formed as a result of electrical stimulation were calculated and compared between the two groups. Additionally, R-R interval variability was examined during normal breathing, deep breathing, standing up and Valsalva maneuver in both groups. Furthermore, we asked to complete the COMPASS-31 questionnaire, a validated tool to assess symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. And by calculating total COMPASS-31 scores, the relationship between the two groups was investigated. Results: The Raynaud’s phenomenon and control groups were similar in age (37.4 ± 11.6 vs. 34.9 ± 13.0 years), had identical gender ratios and similar body mass index (24.5 ± 6.1 vs. 25.7 ± 4.6%). Palmar SSR to median nerve stimulation of RP patients shows significantly delayed latency (1890 ± 146) (p=0.03). And no difference between amplitudes in comparison to the control group. In the patient and control groups, R-R interval measurements were evaluated during rest and deep breathing, standing up and Valsalva maneuver. When the R-R interval measurements of the patient and control groups at rest and deep breathing were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. In addition, COMPASS-31 questionnaire scoring system was applied to both groups. The mean COMPASS-31 score was higher in patient group (22.8 ± 13.8), than from healthy controls (8.9 ± 7.8) (p=0.02) Conclusions: Autonomic dysfunction plays a role in the etiology of Raynaud’s phenomenon, due to latency prolongation in the sympathetic skin response and significant difference between COMPASS-31 tests, and these tests can be used in the diagnosis stage of this disease.

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Sympathetic skin response in primary Raynaud’s phenomenon

Clinical Autonomic Research ◽

10.1007/s10286-009-0021-6 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 355-362 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mauro Mondelli ◽

Renato de Stefano ◽

Stefania Rossi ◽

Alessandro Aretini ◽

Clara Romano

Keyword(s):

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Sympathetic Skin Response ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Skin Response ◽

Primary Raynaud’S Phenomenon

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AB0876-HPR NEUROFEEDBACK AND TEMPERATURE BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING IMPROVE MIRCOCIRCULATION IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.1701 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1461.2-1462

Author(s):

R. Grekhoff

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Morphological Changes ◽

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Biofeedback Training ◽

Nailfold Capillaroscopy ◽

Adjunctive Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

And Control

Background:Microcirculatory disorders including Raynaud’s phenomenon are one of the most important clinical symptoms of systemic sclerosis (SS).Objectives:We found it appropriate to evaluate the clinical efficacy of biofeedback (BFB) in the complex therapy of SS patients based on analysis of nailfold capillaroscopy.Methods:The study included 70 SS patients. 94% of patients we examined were women and 6% were men. The average age of the patients = 38±3,3 years, duration of illness = 14±2,6 years. Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) was observed in all the patients and its severe form was seen in 80% of the patients. The effectiveness of BFB was analyzed by studying the dynamics of the measures from the nailfold capillaroscopy and comparing the data obtained from patients of the main and control groups.Results:Dynamics of capillaroscopic signs of therapy efficiency in main and control groups are summarized in the table:Analized signsMain group (n=40)Control group (n=30)before thetherapyafter thetherapybefore thetherapyafter thetherapySkin score, M±SD22,56±10,2414,99±9,44*21,04±12,0120,01±9,88Dilation of the capillaries, %34 (85)16 (40)*24 (80)17 (56,6)Avascular fields, %26 (65)24 (60)13 (43,3)17 (56,6)Morphological capillaries’ changes, %36 (90)22 (55)*22 (73,3)10 (33.3)*Hemorrhage, %25 (62,5)10 (25)*12 (40)7 (23.3)*- p < 0,05It was found that patients participated in BFB training, showed significant positive dynamics in the following signs of capillaroscopic picture: dilatation of the capillaries (x2 = 9,643; p = 0,026), morphological changes of the capillaries (x2 = 4,90; p = 0,027), and hemorrhage (x2 = 4,514; p = 0,034).Only one indicator of capillaroscopy showed significant change in the control group of patients, the presence of dilated capillaries (x2 = 5,833 with p = 0,016).Conclusion:These findings suggest that treatment results were significantly better in the main study group of SS patients.We suggest that biofeedback may be a useful adjunctive treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome in patients with SS.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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The response of skin perfusion and of rheological and immunological variables to intravenous prostanoid administration in Raynaud’s phenomenon secondary to collagenosis

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526.34.4.243 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 243-249 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Drinda ◽

Neumann ◽

Pöhlmann ◽

Vogelsang ◽

Stein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Laser Doppler Flowmetry ◽

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Plasma Viscosity ◽

Laser Doppler ◽

Erythrocyte Aggregation ◽

Control Group ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Doppler Flowmetry

Background: Prostanoids are used in the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon and acral perfusion disorders secondary to collagenosis. In subjective terms, intravenous administration of these agents produces success in more than 50% of patients. The therapeutic outcome of clinical administration of alprostadil or iloprost may vary from individual to individual. Patients and methods: The following variables were analysed in a cross-over study in 27 patients with collagenosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon: plasma viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation (rheological variables), partial pressure of oxygen and laser Doppler flowmetry in the finger region, and lymphocyte phenotyping and interleukin (IL) determinations (immunological variables). Results: Laser Doppler flowmetry revealed significant differences between patients with secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon and a control group of 25 healthy subjects. Laser Doppler readings did not change significantly as a result of the treatments. Therapy with iloprost produced a reduction in IL-1beta, L-selectin (CD 62 L) and IL-6. Conclusion: The change in immunological variables due to iloprost may explain the long-term effects of prostaglandins in the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon. From our results it is not possible to infer any preference for iloprost or alprostadil.

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Postoperative analgesia effects of sulfentanyl plus dexmedetomidine in patients received VATS

Pteridines ◽

10.1515/pteridines-2020-0007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 55-60

Author(s):

Haoyu Jiang ◽

Ying Zheng ◽

Chang Liu ◽

Ying Bao

Keyword(s):

Statistical Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Statistical Difference ◽

Post Surgery ◽

Intravenous Analgesia ◽

The Mean ◽

Nsclc Patients ◽

And Control ◽

Time Point

AbstractBackground To evaluate sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on postoperative analgesia in patients who received video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and its effects on serum norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and prostaglandin (PGE2).Material and Methods Ninety-nine non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received VATS were included in the study. All the patients received intravenous inhalation compound anesthesia. Of the 99 cases, 49 subjects (control group) received sulfentanyl for patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PICA) and other 50 cases (experiment group) received sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for PICA after operation of VATS. The analgesic effects of the two groups were evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS). The serum pain mediator of NE, DA, 5-HT, and PGE2 were examined and compared between the two groups in the first 24 h post-surgery.Results The VAS scores for the experiment group were significant lower than that of control group on the time points of 8, 16, and 24 h post-surgery (pall<0.05), and the BCS scores of the experiment group in the time points of 8, 16, and 24 h were significantly higher than that of controls (p<0.05). However, the VAS and BCS scores were not statistical differently in the time point of 1, 2, and 4 h post-surgery (pall>0.05). The mean sulfentanyl dosage was 63.01 ± 5.14 μg and 67.12 ± 6.91 μg for the experiment and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The mean analgesic pump pressing times were 4.30 ± 1.31 and 5.31 ± 1.46 for experiment and control groups respectively with significant statistical difference (p<0.05). The serum NE, DA, 5-HT, and PGE2 levels were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to that of control group in the time point of 12 h post-surgery (pall<0.05). The side effects of nausea, vomiting, delirium, rash, and hypotension atrial fibrillation were not statistically different between the two groups (pall>0.05).Conclusion Patient controlled intravenous analgesia of sulfentanyl combined with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride was effective in reducing the VAS score and serum pain mediators in NSCLC patients who received VAST.

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Hepatic steatosis: a risk factor for increased COVID-19 prevalence and severity—a computed tomography study

Egyptian Liver Journal ◽

10.1186/s43066-021-00131-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Asmaa Ali ◽

Mona Hasan ◽

Shaimaa Hamed ◽

Amir Elhamy

Keyword(s):

Hepatic Steatosis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Severe Pneumonia ◽

Liver Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Case Group ◽

World Population ◽

Positive Class ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Around 25% of the world population was affected by the metabolic-related fatty liver disorder. Hepatic steatosis is frequently observed in conjunction with hypertension, obesity comorbidities, and diabetes. We evaluate the hepatic steatosis frequency found in chest CT exams of COVID-19-positive cases compared to non-infected controls and evaluate the related increased prevalence and severity of COVID. Results Our research includes 355 subjects, 158 with positive PCR for COVID-19 (case group) and 197 with negative PCR and negative CT chest (control group). The mean age in the positive group was 50.6 ± 16 years, and in the control, it was 41.3 ± 16 years (p < 0.001). Our study consists of 321 men (90.5%) and 34 women (9.5%). The number of males in both cases and control groups was greater. In the case group, 93% men vs. 6.9% women, while in controls, 88.3% men vs.11.6% women, p < 0.001. CT revealed normal results in 55.5% of individuals (i.e., CORADs 1) and abnormal findings in 45.5% of participants (i.e., CORADs 2–5). In abnormal scan, CO-RADs 2 was 13.92%, while CO-RADs 3–4 were 20.89% of cases. CO-RADs 5 comprised 65.19% of all cases. Approximately 42.6% of cases had severe disease (CT score ≥ 20), all of them were CO-RADs 5. The PCR-positive class had a greater prevalence of hepatic steatosis than controls (28.5% vs.12.2%, p < 0.001). CO-RADs 2 represented 11.1%, CO-RADs 3–4 represented 15.6%, and CO-RADs 5 represented 73.3% in the hepatic steatosis cases. The mean hepatic attenuation value in the case group was 46.79 ± 12.68 and in the control group 53.34 ± 10.28 (p < 0.001). When comparing patients with a higher severity score (CT score ≥ 20) to those with non-severe pneumonia, it was discovered that hepatic steatosis is more prevalent (73.2% vs. 26.8%). Conclusions Steatosis was shown to be substantially more prevalent in COVID-19-positive individuals. There is a relation among metabolic syndrome, steatosis of the liver, and obesity, as well as the COVID-19 severity.

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The Baby Shark (Songs Heard Affecting Resuscitation Kinetics) study

BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning ◽

10.1136/bmjstel-2020-000657 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjstel-2020-000657

Author(s):

Rebecca Singer ◽

Grace Leo ◽

Tessa Davis ◽

Ben Lawton ◽

Henry Goldstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Target Zone ◽

Compression Depth ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Overall Performance ◽

The Mean ◽

Training Exercises ◽

And Control ◽

Musical Cues

Previous research has examined the utilisation of musical cues to improve the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered in training environments. We postulated a musical cue that is both contemporary and transcends cultures may improve CPR performance. Our aim was to establish whether chest compressions are performed with improved rate and depth if a song of a fixed beat (PinkFong’s ‘Baby Shark’ with a tempo of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 15 beats in each verse) is played to a healthcare professional immediately before undertaking CPR compared to whale noises (a non-metronomic rhythm). 58 Participants of a paediatric conference (majority doctors) were randomly assigned to listen to a minute of Baby Shark (28) or whale song (30) and then undertake a minute of CPR. There was no significant difference in the mean compression rate between the Baby Shark and control groups, with the groups achieving 121 and 125 bpm, respectively (p=0.18). In relation to compression depth within the target zone, the Baby Shark group had more compressions completed within the target zone (55%) than the control group (39%) although this difference was not significant (p=0.08). Listening to Baby Shark prior to undertaking simulated CPR does not improve overall performance, but there is a potential tendency to improve adequate compression depth which may be beneficial in training exercises.

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The effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on depression of postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2020-0245 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Asieh Mehdipour ◽

Parvin Abedi ◽

Somayeh Ansari ◽

Maryam Dastoorpoor

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Moderate Depression ◽

Before And After ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Objectives Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of depression. Depression may negatively affect the quality of life of women. An emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an evidence-based therapy combining cognitive and exposure components with acupressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EFT on depression in postmenopausal women. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial in which 88 women with mild to moderate depression recruited from a menopausal clinic in Ahvaz, Iran, and randomly assigned into two groups of EFT (n=44) and control for sham therapy (n=44). Women in the EFT group received two sessions of training and asked to continue EFT for 8 weeks, one time per day. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI2) completed by women before and after the intervention. The control group received training on sham acupressure points similar to the intervention group. Data collected using a demographic and BDI2. Women requested to complete the BDI2 before and after the intervention. The independent t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA were used to analyze data. Results The mean depression score in the intervention group reduced from 20.93 ± 4.6 to 10.96 ± 4.38 in comparison to the control group that reduced from 19.18 ± 2.79 to 17.01 ± 6.05 after intervention (p=0.001). After the 8 week intervention, the frequency of moderate depression decreased from 56.8 to 9.35% in the intervention and from 50 to 29.5% in the control group. In total, 63.4 and 34.15% in the intervention and control groups were free of depression respectively after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusions The results of this study showed that using EFT for 8 weeks could significantly reduce the mean score of depression in postmenopausal women. Using this method in public health centers for postmenopausal women is recommended.

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Clinical and imaging outcomes after intrathecal injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells in cerebral palsy: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial

Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.1186/s13287-021-02513-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Man Amanat ◽

Anahita Majmaa ◽

Morteza Zarrabi ◽

Masoumeh Nouri ◽

Masood Ghahvechi Akbari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Intrathecal Injection ◽

Control Group ◽

Umbilical Cord Tissue ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background This study assessed the safety and efficacy of intrathecal injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSC) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to evaluate the alterations in white-matter integrity. Methods Participants (4–14 years old) with spastic CP were assigned in 1:1 ratio to receive either UCT-MSC or sham procedure. Single-dose (2 × 107) cells were administered in the experimental group. Small needle pricks to the lower back were performed in the sham-control arm. All individuals were sedated to prevent awareness. The primary endpoints were the mean changes in gross motor function measure (GMFM)-66 from baseline to 12 months after procedures. The mean changes in the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), and CP quality of life (CP-QoL) were also assessed. Secondary endpoints were the mean changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of corticospinal tract (CST) and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). Results There were 36 participants in each group. The mean GMFM-66 scores after 12 months of intervention were significantly higher in the UCT-MSC group compared to baseline (10.65; 95%CI 5.39, 15.91) and control (β 8.07; 95%CI 1.62, 14.52; Cohen’s d 0.92). The increase was also seen in total PEDI scores (vs baseline 8.53; 95%CI 4.98, 12.08; vs control: β 6.87; 95%CI 1.52, 12.21; Cohen’s d 0.70). The mean change in MAS scores after 12 months of cell injection reduced compared to baseline (−1.0; 95%CI −1.31, −0.69) and control (β −0.72; 95%CI −1.18, −0.26; Cohen’s d 0.76). Regarding CP-QoL, mean changes in domains including friends and family, participation in activities, and communication were higher than the control group with a large effect size. The DTI analysis in the experimental group showed that mean FA increased (CST 0.032; 95%CI 0.02, 0.03. PTR 0.024; 95%CI 0.020, 0.028) and MD decreased (CST −0.035 × 10-3; 95%CI −0.04 × 10-3, −0.02 × 10-3. PTR −0.045 × 10-3; 95%CI −0.05 × 10-3, −0.03 × 10-3); compared to baseline. The mean changes were significantly higher than the control group. Conclusions The UCT-MSC transplantation was safe and may improve the clinical and imaging outcomes. Trial registration The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03795974).

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Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03280-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Roya Rahimi ◽

Shirin Hasanpour ◽

Mojgan. Mirghafourvand ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Group Counseling ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women’s mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = − 1.7, 95% confidence interval: − 3.2 to − 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = − 1.3, 95% confidence interval: − 4.7 to − 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = − 1.1, 95% confidence interval: − 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. Trial registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019.

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