The effect of topical application of Rosemary essential oil on inflammation and pain severity caused by needle insertion into arteriovenous fistula in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis: A clinical trial study

Pain and inflammation caused by needle insertion into the fistula is a common problem in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of Rosemary essential oil on inflammation and pain severity caused by needle insertion into arteriovenous fistula in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Methods & Materials: 

In this clinical trial, 60 hemodialysis patients from the hemodialysis ward of Golestan hospital and Imam Khomeini hospital in Ahvaz were randomly assigned to two groups using block randomization. The intervention group received rosemary essential oil, while the control group received distilled water applied to the needle insertion site 5 minutes before each hemodialysis session. Pain severity was assessed using the VAS scale and inflammation severity was determined using the Phlebitis checklist at baseline and during six sessions. Data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on SPSS software version 22.

The results showed that the mean score for pain increased in the control group from 5.13±1.74  to 5.93±1.67, while it decreased in the intervention group from 5.83±1.53 to 3.77±1.43 (P=0.003). Additionally, the mean score for inflammation increased during the sessions in the control group, ranging from 1.27±1.20 to 2.07±1.08. However, in the intervention group, the mean score for inflammation decreased from 2.57±1.92 to 1.33±1.44. Nevertheless, this difference was found to be statistically insignificant (P=0.267).

The findings of the present study showed that the topical application of rosemary essential oil had a significant effect on reducing pain resulting from needling. However, its effect on reducing the severity of arteriovenous fistula inflammation in patients undergoing hemodialysis was not statistically significant. Based on these results, it is recommended to provide training to nursing staff and hemodialysis patients regarding the use of rosemary essential oil as a means to alleviate pain experienced during the procedure. Further research is required to investigate its potential for reducing the severity of fistula inflammation.