Effect of Hypericum Perforatum Oil on Ecchymosis and Pain

Effect of Hypericum Perforatum Oil on Prevention Ecchymosis and Pain Associated With Subcutaneous Low Molecular Weight Heparin Injection: a Self-controlled Single-blind Study

Low molecular weight heparin is a drug with anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects. This drug is frequently administered subcutaneously to patients by nurses. Complications such as pain, ecchymosis and hematoma may commonly occur at the injection site. This study investigated the effect of Hypericum Perforatum oil in preventing pain and ecchymosis after subcutaneous injection low molecular weight heparin. This quasi-experimental and single blinded study was conducted with 160 patients in a coronary intensive care unit. The researcher nurse applied 5-6 drops of Hypericum Perforatum oil to one arm of the patients 2 hours before the injection. The other arm of the patient was considered as the control arm. A total of 320 injections were administered. The evaluation of the injection sites was performed by two other researchers at 48th hours. The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and McNemar test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years of age
• Normal platelet value,
• Normal international normalised ratio (INR) and prothrombin time (PTZ) values,
• No infection, scar tissue or incision in the lateral upper arm

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Administration of haemodialysis