Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102594
Mohsen Sobh , Mohammad Oli Al Islam , Katrin Vagedes , Rolf Heine , Thomas Breitkreuz , Henrik Szőke , Holger Cramer , Jan Vagedes
Introduction
Bronchitis is a global health burden characterized by symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and respiratory distress. Although the efficacy of GeloMyrtol forte, an herbal product, in treating bronchitis has been evaluated in clinical trials, no reviews have yet been conducted.
Methods
This rapid review included the systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and CAMbase from inception to February 2025 for clinical trials that investigated the efficacy of GeloMyrtol forte in treating acute or chronic bronchitis. Two independent reviewers screened the resulting papers for eligibility criteria and extracted the relevant data for data synthesis. The risk of bias in the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB-2).
Results
The systematic search in four databases yielded 28 papers, four of which met the inclusion criteria. These four studies included 1846 patients (511 children) with acute (three studies) or chronic (one study) bronchitis. GeloMyrtol forte reduced cough exacerbations and the need for antibiotics, improved respiratory function and sputum consistency, and led to a statistically significant reduction in symptom duration compared to placebo. Side effects were rare, mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and resolved spontaneously. No study examined the effects of GeloMyrtol forte in pregnancy or lactation.
Conclusions
Oral administration of GeloMyrtol forte reduces the intensity and frequency of the signs and symptoms associated with bronchitis, provided that there is no severe infection and no underlying chronic disease.
{"title":"The effectiveness and safety of GeloMyrtol® forte in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis: A rapid review of clinical studies","authors":"Mohsen Sobh , Mohammad Oli Al Islam , Katrin Vagedes , Rolf Heine , Thomas Breitkreuz , Henrik Szőke , Holger Cramer , Jan Vagedes","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Bronchitis is a global health burden characterized by symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and respiratory distress. Although the efficacy of GeloMyrtol forte, an herbal product, in treating bronchitis has been evaluated in clinical trials, no reviews have yet been conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This rapid review included the systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and CAMbase from inception to February 2025 for clinical trials that investigated the efficacy of GeloMyrtol forte in treating acute or chronic bronchitis. Two independent reviewers screened the resulting papers for eligibility criteria and extracted the relevant data for data synthesis. The risk of bias in the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB-2).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The systematic search in four databases yielded 28 papers, four of which met the inclusion criteria. These four studies included 1846 patients (511 children) with acute (three studies) or chronic (one study) bronchitis. GeloMyrtol forte reduced cough exacerbations and the need for antibiotics, improved respiratory function and sputum consistency, and led to a statistically significant reduction in symptom duration compared to placebo. Side effects were rare, mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and resolved spontaneously. No study examined the effects of GeloMyrtol forte in pregnancy or lactation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Oral administration of GeloMyrtol forte reduces the intensity and frequency of the signs and symptoms associated with bronchitis, provided that there is no severe infection and no underlying chronic disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102594"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102593
Peijia Li , Fumin Wang , Rudan Zheng , Yuxuan Chao , Qinxiu Zhang
Introduction
Functional constipation (FC) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is widely used for FC management. This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness, safety and core acupoint combinations of ACE for FC.
Methods
We searched 9 databases and several registration platforms from inception to July 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ACE with conventional drugs, manual acupuncture (MA), or sham ACE. Meta-analysis, risk of bias assessment, and GRADE evaluation of evidence certainty were performed. Gephi-0.9.2 was utilized for visualizing the complex networks.
Results
A total of 27 RCTs (n = 2221) were included. ACE significantly improved complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) compared with MA (MD, 1.12, 95 % CI [0.60, 1.64]) and sham ACE (MD, 1.70, 95 % CI [0.94, 2.46]), with the latter exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). ACE also demonstrated higher total effective rates compared to conventional drugs. (RR, 1.15, 95 % CI [1.09, 1.21]), MA (RR, 1.17, 95 % CI [1.09, 1.25]) and sham ACE (RR, 1.79, 95 % CI [1.18, 2.70]). Superior total effective rate at follow-up was observed over conventional drugs (RR, 1.46, 95 % CI [1.15, 1.84]) and MA (RR, 1.47, 95 % CI [1.06, 2.03]). Additionally, ACE outperformed conventional drugs in improving stool formation (MD, 0.52, 95 % CI [0.18, 0.86]). ACE exhibited a more significant improvement in quality of life compared to conventional drugs (MD, -6.95, 95 % CI [-10.36, -3.54]), MA (MD, -3.11, 95 % CI [-6.06, -0.16], p = 0.04) and sham ACE (MD, -8.18, 95 % CI [-11.63, -4.73]), and all the differences reached the MCID. Adverse events were minimal and occurred infrequently. The evidence certainty ranged from very low to moderate. Core acupoints included ST25, SP15, ST37, RN4, RN12, BL25, ST36, RN6, SJ6.
Conclusion
ACE may be an effective and safe option for FC, and the analysis of core acupoints provided important treatment direction. Nevertheless, the review highlighted the necessity for well-designed, higher-quality experiments.
{"title":"Acupoint catgut embedding for functional constipation: a meta-analysis and data mining of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Peijia Li , Fumin Wang , Rudan Zheng , Yuxuan Chao , Qinxiu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Functional constipation (FC) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is widely used for FC management. This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness, safety and core acupoint combinations of ACE for FC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched 9 databases and several registration platforms from inception to July 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ACE with conventional drugs, manual acupuncture (MA), or sham ACE. Meta-analysis, risk of bias assessment, and GRADE evaluation of evidence certainty were performed. Gephi-0.9.2 was utilized for visualizing the complex networks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 27 RCTs (<em>n</em> = 2221) were included. ACE significantly improved complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) compared with MA (MD, 1.12, 95 % CI [0.60, 1.64]) and sham ACE (MD, 1.70, 95 % CI [0.94, 2.46]), with the latter exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). ACE also demonstrated higher total effective rates compared to conventional drugs. (RR, 1.15, 95 % CI [1.09, 1.21]), MA (RR, 1.17, 95 % CI [1.09, 1.25]) and sham ACE (RR, 1.79, 95 % CI [1.18, 2.70]). Superior total effective rate at follow-up was observed over conventional drugs (RR, 1.46, 95 % CI [1.15, 1.84]) and MA (RR, 1.47, 95 % CI [1.06, 2.03]). Additionally, ACE outperformed conventional drugs in improving stool formation (MD, 0.52, 95 % CI [0.18, 0.86]). ACE exhibited a more significant improvement in quality of life compared to conventional drugs (MD, -6.95, 95 % CI [-10.36, -3.54]), MA (MD, -3.11, 95 % CI [-6.06, -0.16], <em>p</em> = 0.04) and sham ACE (MD, -8.18, 95 % CI [-11.63, -4.73]), and all the differences reached the MCID. Adverse events were minimal and occurred infrequently. The evidence certainty ranged from very low to moderate. Core acupoints included ST25, SP15, ST37, RN4, RN12, BL25, ST36, RN6, SJ6.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ACE may be an effective and safe option for FC, and the analysis of core acupoints provided important treatment direction. Nevertheless, the review highlighted the necessity for well-designed, higher-quality experiments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102593"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102587
Mojtaba Heydari , Mohammad Hashem Hashempur
NA
上
{"title":"Integrative approaches to eye health and disease","authors":"Mojtaba Heydari , Mohammad Hashem Hashempur","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>NA</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102587"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102591
Zachary E. Scott , Robert J. Trager , Casper Nim , Dean L. Smith
Introduction
A systematic review by Ceballos-Laita et al. in 2025 published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine (DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102462) concluded the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation for cervicogenic, tension-type, and migraine headaches was uncertain, with very low evidence certainty. We highlight limitations in the review’s methods which were bound to lead to a null result that undermine its validity.
Conclusion
Methodological flaws, including, post-hoc protocol deviations, heterogeneity, inconsistencies and potential bias cast doubt on the review’s findings. Clinicians and stakeholders should interpret its results cautiously, considering existing meta-analyses examining spinal manipulation for specific headache types and populations.
{"title":"Opinion: A 2025 review of chiropractic spinal manipulation for headaches was bound for null results","authors":"Zachary E. Scott , Robert J. Trager , Casper Nim , Dean L. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>A systematic review by Ceballos-Laita et al. in 2025 published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine (DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102462) concluded the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation for cervicogenic, tension-type, and migraine headaches was uncertain, with very low evidence certainty. We highlight limitations in the review’s methods which were bound to lead to a null result that undermine its validity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Methodological flaws, including, post-hoc protocol deviations, heterogeneity, inconsistencies and potential bias cast doubt on the review’s findings. Clinicians and stakeholders should interpret its results cautiously, considering existing meta-analyses examining spinal manipulation for specific headache types and populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102591"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding stakeholder preferences for TCM services is essential for developing culturally appropriate, patient-centered models of integrative care. This systematic review aims to synthesize and assess evidence from discrete choice experiments (DCEs) to reveal stakeholder preferences for TCM services.
Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed databases up to December 2024. Studies were included if they used DCE methodology to examine stakeholder preferences for TCM services among patients, healthcare providers, or the general population. Non-empirical articles and reviews were excluded. Two reviewers independently conducted the screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal. Data were synthesized narratively, and semi-quantitative analyses were used to evaluate the frequency, importance, and significance of each attribute. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250632293).
Results
A total of 23 studies were included. Attributes were primarily identified through literature review and expert consultation. Service cost and service convenience were the most frequently examined attributes. Among the 124 identified attributes, 87.1 % were statistically significant. Service experience, therapeutic effects, and service model were most often ranked as the most important attributes. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) varied considerably, with the highest values observed for service experience.
Conclusions
Stakeholders place considerable value on cost, convenience, and service quality when choosing TCM services. These findings provide important evidence to support the development of personalized, patient-centered TCM service models and inform health policy and practice to enhance the accessibility and acceptance of TCM.
传统中医（TCM）正日益融入世界各地的现代医疗保健系统。了解利益相关者对中医服务的偏好对于发展文化上合适的、以患者为中心的综合护理模式至关重要。本系统综述旨在综合和评估离散选择实验（DCEs）的证据，以揭示利益相关者对中医服务的偏好。方法采用截至2024年12月的PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、CINAHL、PsycINFO、CNKI、万方、SinoMed等数据库进行系统文献综述。如果研究使用DCE方法来检查患者、医疗保健提供者或一般人群中利益相关者对中医服务的偏好，则纳入研究。非实证文章和综述被排除在外。两名审稿人独立进行筛选、数据提取和质量评估。对数据进行叙述性的综合，并采用半定量分析来评估每个属性的频率、重要性和意义。该审查方案已在PROSPERO注册（CRD420250632293）。结果共纳入23项研究。主要通过文献回顾和专家咨询来确定属性。服务成本和服务便利性是最常被检查的属性。在确定的124个属性中，87.1%具有统计学意义。服务体验、治疗效果和服务模式通常被列为最重要的属性。支付意愿（WTP）差异很大，服务体验的值最高。结论利益相关者在选择中医服务时，更看重成本、便利性和服务质量。这些发现为个性化、以患者为中心的中医服务模式的发展提供了重要证据，并为卫生政策和实践提供了信息，以提高中医的可及性和可接受性。
{"title":"Stakeholder preferences for traditional Chinese medicine services: A systematic review of discrete choice experiments in integrative healthcare","authors":"Meiyu Zhu , Daiying Wu , Xiaoting Sun , Tongyu Zhang , Chunmei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding stakeholder preferences for TCM services is essential for developing culturally appropriate, patient-centered models of integrative care. This systematic review aims to synthesize and assess evidence from discrete choice experiments (DCEs) to reveal stakeholder preferences for TCM services.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed databases up to December 2024. Studies were included if they used DCE methodology to examine stakeholder preferences for TCM services among patients, healthcare providers, or the general population. Non-empirical articles and reviews were excluded. Two reviewers independently conducted the screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal. Data were synthesized narratively, and semi-quantitative analyses were used to evaluate the frequency, importance, and significance of each attribute. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250632293).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 23 studies were included. Attributes were primarily identified through literature review and expert consultation. Service cost and service convenience were the most frequently examined attributes. Among the 124 identified attributes, 87.1 % were statistically significant. Service experience, therapeutic effects, and service model were most often ranked as the most important attributes. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) varied considerably, with the highest values observed for service experience.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Stakeholders place considerable value on cost, convenience, and service quality when choosing TCM services. These findings provide important evidence to support the development of personalized, patient-centered TCM service models and inform health policy and practice to enhance the accessibility and acceptance of TCM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102592"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102590
Heng Sun , Zuoying Xing , Genhao Fan , Jinyu Huang , Yucai Hu , Boyong Qiu , Yankun Song , Yongxia Wang
Introduction
In recent years, ShenSong YangXin capsule (SSYX) has gained widespread application in China as an adjunctive therapy for patients with chronic heart failure combined with atrial fibrillation (CHF-AF). However, its efficacy and safety profile remain subject to debate, and there is a notable lack of relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases up to August 25, 2025, identifying eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15.1. The Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to evaluate study quality, and publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test in Stata. Trial sequential analysis and the GRADE framework were utilized to assess the cumulative evidence and certainty of outcomes. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023482018).
Results
The meta-analysis included 17 RCTs comprising a total of 1756 patients from China. Results indicated that SSYX combined with conventional medication significantly improved clinical efficacy in patients with CHF-AF [RR 1.18 (95 % CI 1.11, 1.25), p < 0.00001] and reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [RR 0.31 (95 % CI 0.23, 0.41), p < 0.00001]. Statistically significant improvements were also observed in the following outcomes: B-type natriuretic peptide, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, QT dispersion (QTd), ventricular rate, and AF duration. Adverse reactions were reported in 11 trials. According to the GRADE framework, one outcome (MACE) was supported by moderate-certainty evidence, three outcomes (clinical efficacy, QTd, and ventricular rate) were graded as low-certainty, and the remaining six outcomes were assessed as having very low-certainty evidence.
Conclusion
The combination therapy incorporating SSYX showed potential benefits compared to conventional treatment alone in patients with CHF-AF. However, the overall certainty of evidence is limited. Therefore, these findings require careful interpretation and further large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs are warranted to provide more robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SSYX.
近年来，参松养心胶囊（SSYX）作为慢性心力衰竭合并心房颤动（CHF-AF）患者的辅助治疗在国内得到了广泛应用。然而，其有效性和安全性仍然存在争议，并且明显缺乏相关的系统评价和荟萃分析。方法综合检索截至2025年8月25日的7个数据库，筛选符合条件的随机对照试验（rct）。采用RevMan 5.4和Stata 15.1软件进行meta分析、亚组分析和敏感性分析。采用风险偏倚2.0工具评价研究质量，发表偏倚采用Stata的Egger检验。使用试验序列分析和GRADE框架来评估累积证据和结果的确定性。该研究方案已在PROSPERO进行前瞻性注册（CRD42023482018）。结果meta分析纳入17项随机对照试验，共纳入1756例中国患者。结果显示，SSYX联合常规药物显著提高了CHF-AF患者的临床疗效[RR 1.18 (95% CI 1.11, 1.25), p < 0.00001]，降低了主要心血管不良事件（MACE）的发生率[RR 0.31 (95% CI 0.23, 0.41), p < 0.00001]。以下结果也有统计学显著改善：b型利钠肽、n端前b型利钠肽、左室射血分数、左室舒张末期内径、左室收缩末期内径、QT离散度（QTd）、心室率和房颤持续时间。11项试验报告了不良反应。根据GRADE框架，一个结果（MACE）被中等确定性证据支持，三个结果（临床疗效、QTd和心室率）被分级为低确定性证据，其余六个结果被评估为具有非常低确定性证据。结论：与常规治疗相比，合并SSYX的联合治疗在CHF-AF患者中具有潜在的益处。然而，证据的总体确定性是有限的。因此，这些发现需要仔细解释，并需要进一步大规模、严格设计的随机对照试验，以提供有关SSYX有效性和安全性的更有力证据。
{"title":"The efficacy and safety of Shensong Yangxin capsule combination therapy in chronic heart failure combined with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Heng Sun , Zuoying Xing , Genhao Fan , Jinyu Huang , Yucai Hu , Boyong Qiu , Yankun Song , Yongxia Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In recent years, ShenSong YangXin capsule (SSYX) has gained widespread application in China as an adjunctive therapy for patients with chronic heart failure combined with atrial fibrillation (CHF-AF). However, its efficacy and safety profile remain subject to debate, and there is a notable lack of relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases up to August 25, 2025, identifying eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15.1. The Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to evaluate study quality, and publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test in Stata. Trial sequential analysis and the GRADE framework were utilized to assess the cumulative evidence and certainty of outcomes. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023482018).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The meta-analysis included 17 RCTs comprising a total of 1756 patients from China. Results indicated that SSYX combined with conventional medication significantly improved clinical efficacy in patients with CHF-AF [RR 1.18 (95 % CI 1.11, 1.25), <em>p</em> < 0.00001] and reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [RR 0.31 (95 % CI 0.23, 0.41), <em>p</em> < 0.00001]. Statistically significant improvements were also observed in the following outcomes: B-type natriuretic peptide, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, QT dispersion (QTd), ventricular rate, and AF duration. Adverse reactions were reported in 11 trials. According to the GRADE framework, one outcome (MACE) was supported by moderate-certainty evidence, three outcomes (clinical efficacy, QTd, and ventricular rate) were graded as low-certainty, and the remaining six outcomes were assessed as having very low-certainty evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The combination therapy incorporating SSYX showed potential benefits compared to conventional treatment alone in patients with CHF-AF. However, the overall certainty of evidence is limited. Therefore, these findings require careful interpretation and further large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs are warranted to provide more robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SSYX.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102590"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102588
Li Huang , Xiaolan Yin , Yan Wang, Shaobin Wei, Xiaoli Ji, Chengcheng Yang
Introduction
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has long been extensively applied in China for the management of adenomyosis, particularly as an adjunct to conventional therapies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of combining CHM with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of adenomyosis.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was performed across seven electronic databases from their inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM combined with LNG-IUS against LNG-IUS monotherapy were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened the records and assessed the methodological certainty. Meta-analysis was employed to quantitively synthesize the effect estimates. To ensure the robustness of the results, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment were performed. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020145842; Date: April 28, 2020) and OSF (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/A2GHY, Date: April 26, 2020).
Results
Twenty RCTs involving 2114 women were included. The methodological certainty of most included trials was low or very low. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the adjuvant use of CHM therapy might be superior in decreasing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (MD -1.44, 95 % CI -1.89 to -0.99, P<0.00001, low-certainty evidence) and the pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) (MD -13.00, 95 % CI -18.98 to -7.01, P<0.0001, very low-certainty evidence). In terms of the secondary outcomes, the results indicated that CHM adjuvant therapy significantly reduced the endometrial thickness (MD -2.03, 95 % CI -2.52 to -1.53, P < 0.00001, very low-certainty evidence), the serum CA125 level (MD -7.58, 95 % CI -10.11 to -5.05, P < 0.00001, low-certainty evidence), and the uterine volume (MD -10.23, 95 % CI -15.06 to -5.04, P < 0.0001, low-certainty evidence). Furthermore, the combination group exhibited a lower incidence of adverse events than the LNG-IUS monotherapy group (RR 0.53, 95 % CI 0.45 to 0.63, P<0.00001, low-certainty evidence).
Conclusion
CHM combined with LNG-IUS may enhance additional therapeutic outcomes and reduce adverse events in patients with adenomyosis. However, given the methodological limitations and considerable heterogeneity across the included trials, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
中药（CHM）长期以来在中国广泛应用于bb0的治疗，特别是作为常规治疗的辅助手段。本研究旨在评估CHM联合左炔诺孕酮释放宫内系统（LNG-IUS）治疗子宫腺肌症的有效性和安全性。方法对7个电子数据库自建库至2024年12月进行综合文献检索。比较CHM联合LNG-IUS与LNG-IUS单药治疗的随机对照试验（rct）符合纳入条件。两名审稿人独立筛选记录并评估方法确定性。采用meta分析定量综合效果估计。为了确保结果的稳健性，我们进行了亚组分析、敏感性分析和发表偏倚评估。本研究已在PROSPERO （CRD42020145842；日期：2020年4月28日）和OSF （DOI: 10.17605/OSF）上注册。IO/A2GHY，日期：2020年4月26日)。结果共纳入20项随机对照试验，涉及2114名女性。大多数纳入的试验的方法学确定性很低或非常低。荟萃分析显示，辅助使用CHM治疗可能在降低视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分（MD -1.44, 95% CI -1.89至-0.99,P<0.00001，低确定性证据）和图像血液评估图（PBAC） （MD -13.00, 95% CI -18.98至-7.01,P<0.0001，极低确定性证据）方面具有优势。次要结局方面，结果显示CHM辅助治疗显著降低了子宫内膜厚度（MD -2.03, 95% CI -2.52 ~ -1.53, P < 0.00001，极低确定性证据）、血清CA125水平（MD -7.58, 95% CI -10.11 ~ -5.05, P < 0.00001，低确定性证据）和子宫体积（MD -10.23, 95% CI -15.06 ~ -5.04, P < 0.0001，低确定性证据）。此外，联合组不良事件发生率低于LNG-IUS单药治疗组（RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.45 ~ 0.63, P<0.00001，低确定性证据）。结论chm联合LNG-IUS可提高子宫腺肌症患者的额外治疗效果，减少不良事件的发生。然而，考虑到方法学的局限性和纳入试验的相当大的异质性，这些发现应谨慎解释。
{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of adjuvant therapy of chinese herbal medicine for adenomyosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Li Huang , Xiaolan Yin , Yan Wang, Shaobin Wei, Xiaoli Ji, Chengcheng Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has long been extensively applied in China for the management of adenomyosis, particularly as an adjunct to conventional therapies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of combining CHM with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of adenomyosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was performed across seven electronic databases from their inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM combined with LNG-IUS against LNG-IUS monotherapy were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened the records and assessed the methodological certainty. Meta-analysis was employed to quantitively synthesize the effect estimates. To ensure the robustness of the results, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment were performed. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020145842; Date: April 28, 2020) and OSF (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/A2GHY, Date: April 26, 2020).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty RCTs involving 2114 women were included. The methodological certainty of most included trials was low or very low. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the adjuvant use of CHM therapy might be superior in decreasing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (MD -1.44, 95 % CI -1.89 to -0.99, <em>P</em><0.00001, low-certainty evidence) and the pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) (MD -13.00, 95 % CI -18.98 to -7.01, <em>P</em><0.0001, very low-certainty evidence). In terms of the secondary outcomes, the results indicated that CHM adjuvant therapy significantly reduced the endometrial thickness (MD -2.03, 95 % CI -2.52 to -1.53, <em>P</em> < 0.00001, very low-certainty evidence), the serum CA125 level (MD -7.58, 95 % CI -10.11 to -5.05, <em>P</em> < 0.00001, low-certainty evidence), and the uterine volume (MD -10.23, 95 % CI -15.06 to -5.04, <em>P</em> < 0.0001, low-certainty evidence). Furthermore, the combination group exhibited a lower incidence of adverse events than the LNG-IUS monotherapy group (RR 0.53, 95 % CI 0.45 to 0.63, <em>P</em><0.00001, low-certainty evidence).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CHM combined with LNG-IUS may enhance additional therapeutic outcomes and reduce adverse events in patients with adenomyosis. However, given the methodological limitations and considerable heterogeneity across the included trials, these findings should be interpreted with caution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102588"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102589
Shih-Jiun Lin , Cheng-Chi Liu , David Ming Then Tsai , Ya-Hsueh Shih , Chuan-Pin Lee , Ko-Jung Chen , Yao-Hsu Yang , Yung-Chien Hsu , Chun-Liang Lin
Introduction
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is associated with an increased mortality risk, primarily due to cardiovascular (CV) event, underscoring the need for targeted treatments to reduce CV risk and improve patient outcomes. Danshen, a traditional Chinese medicine known for its CV protective effects, is a potential therapy for improving outcomes in CKD patients. This study aims to evaluate the association between Danshen use and CV mortality, all-cause mortality, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk in patients with advanced CKD.
Methods
This retrospective study utilized the Chronic Kidney Disease Health Database, a disease-specific subset of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A total of 38,379 patients with advanced CKD were included between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015, with follow up until December 31, 2017. Patients were classified as Danshen users (n = 1818) or non-users (n = 36,561). Outcomes of interest were ESRD, CV mortality and all-cause mortality. Cumulative incidence was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs), with adjustment for potential confounders. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting – average treatment effect (IPTW-ATE) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between patient groups and to estimate IPTW-adjusted HRs.
Results
Danshen users showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (IPTW-adjusted HR, 0.80; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.71–0.91; P = 0.001) and a trend toward lower CV mortality (IPTW-adjusted HR, 0.82; 95 % CI, 0.68–1.00; P = 0.055), although the latter association was not statistically significant. However, there was a potential increase in ESRD risk among Danshen users (IPTW-adjusted subdistribution HR, 1.15; 95 % CI, 1.03–1.28; P = 0.010).
Conclusion
Danshen use in advanced CKD patients was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and a trend toward lower CV mortality, but a potential increase in ESRD risk. These findings suggest that Danshen may provide CV and survival benefits in this high-risk population, but close monitoring of renal function is warranted.
{"title":"Association of Danshen use with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease","authors":"Shih-Jiun Lin , Cheng-Chi Liu , David Ming Then Tsai , Ya-Hsueh Shih , Chuan-Pin Lee , Ko-Jung Chen , Yao-Hsu Yang , Yung-Chien Hsu , Chun-Liang Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102589","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is associated with an increased mortality risk, primarily due to cardiovascular (CV) event, underscoring the need for targeted treatments to reduce CV risk and improve patient outcomes. Danshen, a traditional Chinese medicine known for its CV protective effects, is a potential therapy for improving outcomes in CKD patients. This study aims to evaluate the association between Danshen use and CV mortality, all-cause mortality, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk in patients with advanced CKD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study utilized the Chronic Kidney Disease Health Database, a disease-specific subset of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A total of 38,379 patients with advanced CKD were included between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015, with follow up until December 31, 2017. Patients were classified as Danshen users (<em>n</em> = 1818) or non-users (<em>n</em> = 36,561). Outcomes of interest were ESRD, CV mortality and all-cause mortality. Cumulative incidence was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs), with adjustment for potential confounders. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting – average treatment effect (IPTW-ATE) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between patient groups and to estimate IPTW-adjusted HRs.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Danshen users showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (IPTW-adjusted HR, 0.80; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.71–0.91; <em>P</em> = 0.001) and a trend toward lower CV mortality (IPTW-adjusted HR, 0.82; 95 % CI, 0.68–1.00; <em>P</em> = 0.055), although the latter association was not statistically significant. However, there was a potential increase in ESRD risk among Danshen users (IPTW-adjusted subdistribution HR, 1.15; 95 % CI, 1.03–1.28; <em>P</em> = 0.010).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Danshen use in advanced CKD patients was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and a trend toward lower CV mortality, but a potential increase in ESRD risk. These findings suggest that Danshen may provide CV and survival benefits in this high-risk population, but close monitoring of renal function is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102589"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102585
Camillus Mbaoji , Martins Emeje , Munira Abdullahi , Amarachi Chukwuemeka , Samuel Itopa , Ibrahim Bello , Xiaowen Zhang , Sadia Wali , Xiao-Yang Hu (Mio) , Merlin Willcox
Introduction
The development of antibiotics is one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is exacerbated by excessive use of antibiotics, including in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) . It is estimated that over 1 million deaths each year are attributable to bacterial AMR, and this could increase to 10 million by 2050.
The search for novel alternatives to antibiotic therapies focuses on natural compounds from plants like ginger, which is widely used and believed to be effective for treating respiratory tract infections. Constituents of ginger have demonstrated antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ginger as a single herb in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for treating acute respiratory infections (ARIs).
Methodology
The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024562098). We searched six electronic databases - PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CINAHL, AMED and CNKI from inception to 27th February- 2nd October 2024. Data from this search was exported to Rayyan for screening. We included RCTs of ginger mono-herbal oral therapies in patients with diagnosis or symptoms of ARIs (including COVID-19) and compared with usual care, placebo or other interventions. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) was used to assess risk of bias.
Result
A total of 10, 281 titles were screened in Rayyan. The screening yielded only one eligible RCT, with 227 adult participants who tested positive for COVID-19, were asymptomatic and quarantined in shelter hospitals in China. Ginger powder (1.5 g twice daily in warm water), in addition to standard care, reduced quarantine duration (time to negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) result, without major symptoms) by 2.4 days (95 % CI 1.6 – 3.2), compared to usual care alone. The effects seemed to be greater for participants aged 60 years or older, men, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. No data on adverse events were reported. The study was at high risk of bias due to concerns about randomisation and lack of blinding.
Conclusion
More high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of ARIs.
抗生素的发展是现代医学最伟大的突破之一。然而，过度使用抗生素加剧了抗菌素耐药性，包括在治疗上呼吸道感染时。据估计，每年有100多万人死于细菌耐药性，到2050年这一数字可能增加到1000万。寻找抗生素疗法的新替代品的重点是来自生姜等植物的天然化合物，生姜被广泛使用，被认为对治疗呼吸道感染有效。生姜的成分已经证明了抗病毒、抗菌和抗炎的特性。本系统综述的目的是评价生姜作为单一草药在随机对照试验（RCTs）中治疗急性呼吸道感染（ARIs）的临床有效性和安全性。该协议在PROSPERO （CRD42024562098）上注册。我们从2024年2月27日至10月2日检索了PubMed、EMBASE、Cochrane library、CINAHL、AMED和CNKI 6个电子数据库。这次搜索的数据被导出到Rayyan进行筛选。我们纳入了诊断或症状为ARIs（包括COVID-19）的患者的生姜单草药口服疗法的随机对照试验，并与常规护理、安慰剂或其他干预措施进行了比较。采用Cochrane随机试验风险偏倚工具（rob2）评估偏倚风险。结果Rayyan共筛选10281个标题。筛查只产生了一项符合条件的随机对照试验，其中227名成年参与者的COVID-19检测呈阳性，他们在中国的方舱医院无症状地被隔离。生姜粉（1.5 g，每天两次，温水中），除了标准护理外，与常规护理相比，将隔离时间（到聚合酶链反应（PCR）结果阴性的时间，无主要症状）缩短了2.4天（95% CI 1.6 - 3.2）。对于60岁及以上的参与者、男性和那些已有疾病的人来说，这种影响似乎更大。没有不良事件的数据报道。由于对随机化和缺乏盲法的担忧，该研究存在较高的偏倚风险。结论需要更多高质量的随机对照临床试验来评估生姜治疗急性呼吸道综合征的疗效。
{"title":"Safety and effectiveness of ginger for acute respiratory infections: A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials","authors":"Camillus Mbaoji , Martins Emeje , Munira Abdullahi , Amarachi Chukwuemeka , Samuel Itopa , Ibrahim Bello , Xiaowen Zhang , Sadia Wali , Xiao-Yang Hu (Mio) , Merlin Willcox","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The development of antibiotics is one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is exacerbated by excessive use of antibiotics, including in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) . It is estimated that over 1 million deaths each year are attributable to bacterial AMR, and this could increase to 10 million by 2050.</div><div>The search for novel alternatives to antibiotic therapies focuses on natural compounds from plants like ginger, which is widely used and believed to be effective for treating respiratory tract infections. Constituents of ginger have demonstrated antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ginger as a single herb in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for treating acute respiratory infections (ARIs).</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024562098). We searched six electronic databases - PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CINAHL, AMED and CNKI from inception to 27th February- 2nd October 2024. Data from this search was exported to Rayyan for screening. We included RCTs of ginger mono-herbal oral therapies in patients with diagnosis or symptoms of ARIs (including COVID-19) and compared with usual care, placebo or other interventions. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) was used to assess risk of bias.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>A total of 10, 281 titles were screened in Rayyan. The screening yielded only one eligible RCT, with 227 adult participants who tested positive for COVID-19, were asymptomatic and quarantined in shelter hospitals in China. Ginger powder (1.5 g twice daily in warm water), in addition to standard care, reduced quarantine duration (time to negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) result, without major symptoms) by 2.4 days (95 % CI 1.6 – 3.2), compared to usual care alone. The effects seemed to be greater for participants aged 60 years or older, men, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. No data on adverse events were reported. The study was at high risk of bias due to concerns about randomisation and lack of blinding.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>More high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of ARIs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102585"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) applied before cesarean section on anxiety, surgical fear and perception of traumatic birth.
Method
This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 106 pregnant women (53 EFT, 53 control) at the pregnancy outpatient clinic of a public hospital in eastern Türkiye who were going to give birth by planned cesarean section. Personal Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), Surgical Fear Scale (SFQ), Traumatic Birth Perception Scale (TBPS) and Subjective Experiences Scale (SUE) were used to obtain the data. Pregnant women in the experimental group received two EFT sessions one week apart, from the researchers. The control group did not receive any intervention. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test, t-test for dependent and independent groups, ANCOVA and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.
Results
It was determined that the mean scores of the pregnant women in the experimental and control groups who would give birth by planned cesarean section were similar in the pretest phase (p > 0.05). After the EFT sessions applied to the pregnant women in the experimental group, it was found that the mean total scores of STAI-I, SFQ, and TBPS were statistically significantly lower and the mean SUE score was higher than the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
It was determined that EFT applied to pregnant women who will give birth by planned cesarean section decreased state anxiety, surgical fear and traumatic birth perception.
{"title":"Effect of emotional freedom techniques on anxiety, surgical fear and birth perception in planned caesareans: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Esra Karatas Okyay , Sinem Guven Santur , Zeliha Özsahin , Yeşim Aksoy Derya","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The aim of this study was to determine the effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) applied before cesarean section on anxiety, surgical fear and perception of traumatic birth.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 106 pregnant women (53 EFT, 53 control) at the pregnancy outpatient clinic of a public hospital in eastern Türkiye who were going to give birth by planned cesarean section. Personal Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), Surgical Fear Scale (SFQ), Traumatic Birth Perception Scale (TBPS) and Subjective Experiences Scale (SUE) were used to obtain the data. Pregnant women in the experimental group received two EFT sessions one week apart, from the researchers. The control group did not receive any intervention. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test, t-test for dependent and independent groups, ANCOVA and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>It was determined that the mean scores of the pregnant women in the experimental and control groups who would give birth by planned cesarean section were similar in the pretest phase (p > 0.05). After the EFT sessions applied to the pregnant women in the experimental group, it was found that the mean total scores of STAI-I, SFQ, and TBPS were statistically significantly lower and the mean SUE score was higher than the control group (p < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>It was determined that EFT applied to pregnant women who will give birth by planned cesarean section decreased state anxiety, surgical fear and traumatic birth perception.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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