The prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitals in France is given, and the anatomical location of these ulcers is explored. The importance of establishing accurate stages for these wounds is also emphasized. Four methods of cost-effectiveness analysis are proposed and described: analysis of one case; analysis of one ward; analysis of care time; and analysis of one tetraplegic young man.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Changes in sacral transcutaneous oxygen tension in the evaluation of different mattresses in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TCPO2) is a recognized techniques for evaluating support surfaces as a pressure ulcer prevention method. Transcutaneous oxygen tension was measured over the sacral area of 20 volunteers positioned on five different mattresses, including a standard mattress. No specific change was noted on resting values (M = 68.2 mm Hg, SD = 9.4) before each of the five protocols were begun. Mean values were 17.9 mm Hg (SD = 27.9) for a nonspecific hospital mattress, 30.15 mm Hg (SD = 29.5) for the first foam mattress, 30.25 mm Hg (SD = 28.5) for the second foam mattress, 50.5 mm Hg (SD = 23.1) for the air mattress, and 50.95 mm Hg (SD = 21.6) for the water-filled mattress. Results showed statistical differences between the standard mattress and the four mattresses tested and between the foam mattresses and the two other mattresses. There was an inverse correlation between skinfold thickness and a decreased TCPO2 in contact area. Skinfold thickness could be an indicator of pressure ulcer risk. Further studies are needed to confirm the interest of this parameter.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of 90 degrees and 30 degrees laterally inclined positions in the prevention of pressure ulcers using transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures.

Although proper positioning is an important measure in pressure ulcer prevention, few objective measurements have been reported of the effects of different positions on oxygen supply to the skin area in direct contact with the mattress. This study compared the effects of 30 degree and 90 degree laterally inclined positions on the cutaneous oxygen supply to the skin through the measurement of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TCPO2) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (TCPCO2) on the trochanteric (T) and the retro-trochanteric (R) areas in 20 healthy volunteers. Resting values were TCPO2 (T) 69.4 mm Hg (SD = 10.4), TCPCO2 (T) 36.3 mm Hg (SD = 5.1), and TCPO2 (R) 69.9 mm Hg (SD = 9.2). In the 90 degree laterally inclined position, the TCPO2 (R) value (68.2 mm Hg [SD = 9.9]) did not differ significantly from the resting value. These results show a dramatic impairment of oxygen supply to the skin in the 90 degree laterally inclined position but not in the 30 degree laterally inclined position. Additional studies of patients immobilized for long periods are needed to confirm the best positioning to prevent pressure ulcers.

Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous↗