Eremostachys laciniata as effective as rectal diclofenac suppository in cesarean section pain relief: A triple-blind controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Pain and distress are two common complications of cesarean section. Among complementary therapies, Eremostachys was introduced as a pain mitigator. This study aimed at investigating the effect of Eremostachys laciniata on cesarean section pain and distress. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 86 women who gave childbirth by cesarean section. The control group received 50 mg rectal diclofenac suppository every 8 h for 3 days, and the intervention group received 35 mg E. laciniata total extract suppository every 8 h up to three doses. Pain was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale at 8, 16, and 24 h after cesarean section. The Symptom Distress Scale was completed at 8 and 24 h after cesarean section. The Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation scale was completed 5 days after cesarean section. Findings: Pain score at 8, 16, and 24 h after surgery (15 min after intervention) was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups. The distress score 24 h after cesarean section showed a significant difference in favor of the control group according to Friedman’s test. There was a significant difference between the two groups in wound healing score, which indicated better efficacy of rectal diclofenac suppository than E. laciniata suppository. We assessed nausea, vomiting, headache, massive hemorrhage, and any type of anaphylactic reaction. No side events were observed in two groups. Conclusion: Rectal E. laciniata suppository could be introduced as a low-complication, appropriate, and effective medication in controlling pain and distress after cesarean section; more studies should be conducted on this matter.