Clinical Observation on Treatment of Moderate and Severe Periodical Mastalgia with TCM Hot-wet Compress Therapy

[Objectives] To observe the clinical therapeutic efficacy of local hot-wet compress therapy of digestion ointment prescription on the patients with moderate and severe mastalgia. [Methods] Firstly,60 patients with mastalgia were selected,and divided into the experimental group and control group( 30 cases for each group). The control group was treated with acupuncture at distal point,and the experimental group was treated with TCM local hot-wet compress therapy combined with acupuncture at distal point. Then,the clinical therapeutic efficacy of two groups was compared. [Results]The experimental group was superior to the control group in relieving the breast pain,improving emotional integral,reducing breast lumps,improving lump texture,and improving TCM syndrome integral( P < 0. 05). [Conclusions]The digestion ointment prescription local hot-wet compress therapy has a significant therapeutic effect on treatment of mastalgia and can significantly improve the breast pain symptom of patients.

Preventing Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis After Hip Fracture Surgery in Elderly Patients by Acupoint Application Combined with Pneumatic Compression Therapy

Objective:To investigate and analyze the long-term clinical effects of acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis after hip fracture surgery among the elderly.Methods:Sixty elderly patients who had undergone hip fracture surgery from February 2021 to February 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were divided into two groups via drawing lots.Both the groups received nursing care,but the patients in the observation group were treated with TCM acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy,whereas the control group received pneumatic compression therapy.The evaluation indicators included the patients’quality of life and complications.Results:The incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in the observation group was more than twice(0.3%),whereas the incidence of lower extremity complications in the control group was more than 6 times(20%).There was a significant difference between the two groups(p<0.05).Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy is beneficial for the prevention of postoperative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis among elderly patients.In addition,the patients’overall quality-of-life scores in both physiological and psychological aspects improved significantly,which carries significant clinical reference value.

Effect of pneumatic compression therapy on lymph movement in lymphedema-affected extremities,as assessed by near-infrared fuorescence lymphatic imaging.

Previous studies have shown cost effectiveness and quality-of-life benefit of pneumatic compression therapy(PCT)for lymphedema(LE).Insurers,such as the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid(CMS),however,desire visual proof that PCT moves lymph.Near infrared fuorescence lymphatic imaging(NIRFLI)was used to visualize lymphatic anatomy and function in four subjects with primary and cancer treatment-related LE of the lower extremities before,during,and after PCT.Optically transparent and windowed PCT garments allowed visualization of lymph movement during single,1h PCT treatment sessions.Visualization revealed significant extravascular and lymphatic vascular movement of intradermally injected dye in all subjects.In one subject with sufficient patent lymphatic vessels to allow quantification of lymph pumping velocities and frequencies,these values were significantly increased during and after PCT as compared to pre-treatment values.Lymphatic contractile activity in patent lymphatic vessels occurred in concert with the sequential cycling of PCT.Direct visualization revealed increased lymphatic function,during and after PCT therapy,in all LE-affected extremities.Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of PCT pressure and sequences on lymph uptake and movement.

Exploring adherence to daytime compression in women with breast cancer related lymphedema: a multi-methods study

Aim:The objective of this follow-up study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to use of daytime compression among women with breast cancer related lymphedema who previously took part in a trial examining the efficacy of night compression.Methods:We used a multi-methods approach involving a survey and subsequent focus group sessions.The survey questions were developed based on clinical experience and findings from the literature.Questions were framed to align with the Theoretical Domains Framework.For the focus group data,we applied an interpretive description qualitative methodology to understand participants'experiences and views on use of daytime compression.Qualitative findings were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework.Results:Questionnaires were completed by 48 of 52 participants.Only 15 participants(31%)reported adhering to wearing the garment for greater than 12 h each day.Better adherence was positively associated with perceived control of lymphedema(r=0.304;95%CI:0.051-0.564;P=0.021).Survey findings suggest that participants have good knowledge about the rationale for,and the benefits of,wearing the compression sleeve.Twenty-three survey respondents took part in one of the five subsequent focus group sessions.Five key themes were identified representing the primary barriers to regular use of daytime compression:discomfort,negative emotions,interference with function,social situations and visibility,and use of alternative management strategies. ;Conclusion:The findings suggest less than optimal adherence to daytime compression sleeve use.Further research is needed to explore the relative benefit of daytime compression,optimal wear times,and implementable strategies to improve adherence.