The Origin of Present-on-admission Pressure Ulcers/Injuries Among Patients Admitted from the Community: Results of a Retrospective Study.

Research about community-acquired pressure ulcer/injuries (CAPU/I) remains limited. PURPOSE: The aim of this descriptive, retrospective study was to quantify the number of patients with pressure ulcers/injuries (PU/Is) present on admission (POA), with particular attention to patient residence (home or skilled/long-term care facility [SNF]). METHODS: Data from the electronic medical records (EMR) and the incident reporting system of a 620-bed integrated health system in northern California from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, were examined and used to create a registry that included patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), source of admission (home versus SNF), co-existing conditions, and documentation on end of life and death. A manual chart review was conducted to confirm the accuracy of data entered into the registry. All patients at least 18 years old and with a nurse-reported incident and EMR-documented PU/I that was listed as POA were included; pediatric, pregnant, or incarcerated patients were excluded. Extracted variables included demographic data, stage of PU/I on admission, and major diagnosis (or co-existing condition) by groups (spinal cord injuries [tetraplegia, paraplegia], neurological conditions, end-stage renal disease, cardiac and vascular disease, end of life [EOL], and death while in hospital during the year 2017). Descriptive analysis was used to examine the data. RESULTS: Of the 2340 records of patients with an PU/I POA, 477 were complete and analyzed. The majority (336, 70.4%) originated from home. Patients admitted from home were younger than those admitted from SNF (average age 62.9 and 71.5 years, respectively) and had a higher proportion of co-existing paraplegia/tetraplegia (24.4% vs 12.8%). More than 60% of all patients had a stage 3, stage 4, or unstageable PU/I. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with a PU/I POA were admitted from home. Additional research and improved efforts to help high-risk individuals living at home prevent and manage PU/Is are needed.

Cysteine/cystine-rich undenatured whey protein supplement in patients' pressure ulcers outcomes: an open label study.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and costs associated with treating pressure ulcers (PU) are at high levels. Frequently, PUs heal slowly or not at all, which may be due to the patient's catabolic state which may include protein energy malnutrition. The objective of this open label clinical trial was to improve healing rates by providing patients with a patented, high-quality protein containing all essential amino acids to ensure positive nitrogen balance. An additional benefit of this protein is the delivery of bioavailable cysteine (cystine) to promote glutathione (GSH) synthesis which supports immune function and heightens antioxidant defences. METHODS: Patients with category II, III and IV PUs were fed 20g BID whey protein dietary supplement for 16-120 days, without change in ongoing 'best practice' PU management and their progress recorded. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were recruited, with an average age of 77 years. Most had shown no improvement in healing for ≥2 months before treatment and usually had other complications including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and various cardiovascular diseases. There were a total of 23 PUs, with some patients having more than one. Of these, 44% (n=10) showed complete resolution 83% (n=19) had better than 75% resolution over the observation period. Healing rates ranged from 16.9-0.2cm2/month (healed PUs) and 60.0-1.6cm2/month for resolving PUs. CONCLUSION: By providing the necessary amino acids to rebuild tissues and bioactive cysteine (cystine) to promote synthesis of intracellular GSH and positive nitrogen balance, improvement in PUs healing was achieved.

The beneficial effect of traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, Hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang), for patients with chronic wounds refractory to conventional therapies: A prospective, randomized trial.

Hochu-ekki-to (HET) is a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine for the treatment of severe weakness, loss of appetite, and indigestion in elderly patients and for the prevention of opportunistic infections. The impact of HET on patients with chronic wounds refractory to conventional therapies was investigated in a prospective, randomized trial, including 18 patients divided into medication (7.5 g oral HET per day, n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. Wound healing during the 12-week study period was scored based on depth, exudate, size, inflammation/infection, granulation tissue, necrotic tissue, and pocket size. At 12 weeks, wound healing progressed in all nine patients in the medication group, whereas wound healing progressed in only three patients in the control group (significant difference, p < 0.01; relative risk: 3.00). In the medication group, the total score decreased significantly at 8 weeks and later. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to show that HET promoted the healing of chronic wounds resistant to conventional treatments. HET may be a choice as an adjunctive therapy for chronic wounds, particularly for patients with malnutrition. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000031620).

Photobiomodulation Therapy for Wound Care: A Potent, Noninvasive, Photoceutical Approach.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide background and examine evidence for the therapeutic application of light energy treatments for wound healing. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After completing this continuing education activity, you should be better able to:1. Explain the basics of lasers, light-emitting diodes, and light-tissue interactions as they apply to photobiomodulation therapy.2. Summarize the results of the authors' literature review of the evidence regarding the therapeutic applications of photobiomodulation treatments for wound healing. ABSTRACT: To provide background and examine evidence for the therapeutic applications of light energy treatments for wound healing.A search was performed in PubMed for peer-reviewed scientific articles published in the last 5 years using the search terms "photobiomodulation therapy" and "low-level laser therapy," and these terms combined with "wound," using a "human species" filter. This search yielded 218 articles on photobiomodulation therapy or low-level laser therapy and wounds. Of these, only articles on in vivo wound care using light treatments were specifically included in this review (n = 11).The wound healing effects of low-dose laser treatments were first described over 50 years ago. Various doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 J/cm and wavelengths ranging from 405 to 1,000 nm appear to provide therapeutic benefits for a broad range of chronic wounds. A range of light energy sources from LEDs to lasers have been used and have specific advantages and limitations. There is a lack of consensus on standardized treatment parameters such as wavelengths, dose, and therapeutic outcomes in the reviewed studies, preventing direct comparison and clinical protocol recommendation. An expert opinion based on ongoing research studies and reported literature is offered.Noninvasive, economical, and multipurpose light devices are an attractive tool for wound management. However, there is an urgent need in the wound care community to develop optimal clinical protocols for use based on well-designed, rigorous clinical research studies.

Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Energy in Older Adults: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) device typically used for pain suppression (analgesia) during pressure injury (PI) healing, peripheral vascularization, and secondary pain in older adults with chronic PIs and cognitive impairment. DESIGN AND SETTING: This pilot clinical trial followed patients from 6 nursing homes. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Twenty-two patients with PIs in the distal third of their lower limbs (7 men, 15 women) were included in this study. The control group completed standard wound care (SWC), whereas the experimental group received SWC and TENS. A total of 20 sessions were conducted for each group over 2 months, 3 times a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: PI area, PI healing rate, blood flow, skin temperature, oxygen saturation, and level of pain at baseline and posttreatment. MAIN RESULTS: Significant improvements were achieved in PI area (mean difference, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-1.67; P =.024), healing rate (3; 95% CI, 1-4.99; P =.009), skin temperature (1.82; 95% CI, 0.35-3.28; P =.021), and pain (1.44; 95% CI, 0.49-2.39; P =.008) in the experimental group, whereas none of the variables revealed a significant change in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of local and spinal TENS combined with the SWC for PI produced a significant improvement in size, healing, skin temperature, and pain levels.

Combined effects of four major geriatric syndromes on adverse outcomes based on Korean National Health Insurance claims data.

AIM: Geriatric syndromes are common among older individuals, and can affect their health and quality of life. The present study aimed to determine if combinations of geriatric syndromes affected adverse outcomes among older Koreans. METHODS: Korean national health insurance data were collected for a cohort of 5 058 720 individuals who were aged ≥65 years in 2008. The same data source was used to follow these individuals until 2015. Diagnostic codes were used to assess four major geriatric syndromes (delirium, fall-related fractures, incontinence and pressure ulcers) and adverse outcomes (mortality and nursing home institutionalization). RESULTS: The prevalence of geriatric syndromes was 0.3% for delirium, 3.49% for fall-related fractures, 1.08% for incontinence and 0.82% for pressure ulcers. All four geriatric syndromes were associated with increased risks of institutionalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.18, 95% CI 2.08-2.17 for delirium; aHR 1.59, 95% CI 1.58-1.60 for fall-related fractures; aHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.41-1.44 for incontinence; and aHR 2.51, 95% CI 2.47-2.55 for pressure ulcers) and increased risks of mortality (aHR 2.13, 95% CI 2.08-2.17 for delirium; aHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.40-1.42 for fall-related fractures; aHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07-1.10 for incontinence; and aHR 3.23, 95% CI 3.20-3.27 for pressure ulcers). The aHR for institutionalization were 1.64 (95% CI 1.63-1.65) for one geriatric syndrome, 2.40 (95% CI 2.35-2.44) for two coexisting geriatric syndromes and 2.56 (95% CI 2.35-2.74) for three coexisting geriatric syndromes. The aHR for mortality were 1.52 (95% CI 1.51-1.53) for one geriatric syndrome, 2.36 (95% CI 2.32-2.40) for two coexisting geriatric syndromes and 2.90 (95% CI 2.72-3.09) for three coexisting geriatric syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium, fall-related fractures, incontinence and pressure ulcers were associated with increased risks of institutionalization and mortality. The magnitude of these risks increased with increasing numbers of coexisting geriatric syndromes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1463-1468.

Instruments for the care of pressure injury in pediatrics and hebiatrics: an integrative review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: to identify existing instruments in the scientific literature about the care of pressure injuries in pediatric and hebiatric patients. METHOD: an integrative review that selected 32 articles from the PubMed/Medline, LILACS, Scopus and CINAHL databases using the descriptors pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, pediatrics, adolescent and protocols and their equivalent terms in Portuguese and Spanish. Inclusion criteria: research articles in full, in Portuguese, English or Spanish without any temporal cut-off. The descriptive analysis was adopted to categorize the instruments found into the three domains of care: evaluative, preventive and curative. RESULTS: 25 instruments for the care of pressure injuries in pediatric and hebiatric patients were found, with an emphasis on the Braden Q Scale being the most commonly used to assess pressure injury risk, and the protocols containing pressure injury staging guidelines developed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP). CONCLUSION: the scientific literature has valid and reliable instruments that can be used in nursing care practice aimed at the evaluative, preventive and curative care of pressure injuries in pediatric and hebiatric patients.

Instruments for the care of pressure injury in pediatrics and hebiatrics: an integrative review of the literature / Instrumentos para cuidado de lesão por pressão na pediatria e hebiatria: revisão integrativa da literatura / Instrumentos para cuidado de lesión por presión en la pediatría y hebiatría: revisión integradora de la literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify existing instruments in the scientific literature about the care of pressure injuries in pediatric and hebiatric patients. Method: an integrative review that selected 32 articles from the PubMed/Medline, LILACS, Scopus and CINAHL databases using the descriptors pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, pediatrics, adolescent and protocols and their equivalent terms in Portuguese and Spanish. Inclusion criteria: research articles in full, in Portuguese, English or Spanish without any temporal cut-off. The descriptive analysis was adopted to categorize the instruments found into the three domains of care: evaluative, preventive and curative. Results: 25 instruments for the care of pressure injuries in pediatric and hebiatric patients were found, with an emphasis on the Braden Q Scale being the most commonly used to assess pressure injury risk, and the protocols containing pressure injury staging guidelines developed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP). Conclusion: the scientific literature has valid and reliable instruments that can be used in nursing care practice aimed at the evaluative, preventive and curative care of pressure injuries in pediatric and hebiatric patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar instrumentos existentes na literatura científica acerca do cuidado de lesão por pressão em pacientes pediátricos e hebiátricos. Método: revisão integrativa, selecionando-se 32 artigos, das bases de dados PubMed/Medline, LILACS, Scopus e CINAHL, usando os descritores lesão por pressão, úlcera de decúbito, pediatria, adolescente e protocolos, e equivalentes, nos idiomas inglês e espanhol. Critérios de inclusão: artigo de pesquisa na íntegra, nos idiomas português, inglês ou espanhol, sem delimitação temporal. Análise descritiva adotada para categorização dos instrumentos encontrados nos três domínios do cuidado: avaliativo, preventivo e curativo. Resultados: encontrados 25 instrumentos para o cuidado de lesão por pressão na pediatria e hebiatria, com destaque para escala de Braden Q, a mais utilizada para avaliação do risco de lesão por pressão, e os protocolos com diretrizes para o estadiamento da lesão, desenvolvidos pela National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) e European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP). Conclusão: na literatura científica, há instrumentos válidos e confiáveis que podem ser usados na prática assistencial de enfermagem, voltados para os cuidados avaliativo, preventivo e curativo de lesão por pressão em pacientes pediátricos e hebiátricos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar instrumentos existentes en la literatura científica acerca del cuidado de lesión por presión en pacientes pediátricos y hebiátricos. Método: revisión integradora; fueron seleccionados 32 artículos, en los idiomas inglés y español, en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, LILACS, Scopus y CINAHL usando los descriptores lesión por presión, úlcera de decúbito, pediatría, adolescente y, también para protocolos y equivalentes. Criterios de inclusión: artículos de investigación completos, en el idioma portugués, inglés o español, sin limitación de tiempo. Se adoptó el análisis descriptivo para categorizar los instrumentos encontrados en tres dominios de cuidado: evaluativo, preventivo y curativo. Resultados: fueron encontrados 25 instrumentos para el cuidado de lesión por presión en pediatría y hebiatría, con destaque para Escala de Braden Q, que fue la más utilizada para evaluar el riesgo de lesión por presión y protocolos con directrices para el estadificación de la lesión, desarrollados por la National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) y por el European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP). Conclusión: en la literatura científica, existen instrumentos válidos y confiables que pueden ser usados en la práctica asistencial de Enfermería, dirigidos para cuidado evaluativo, preventivo y curativo, de lesión por presión en pacientes pediátricos y hebiátricos.

Úlcera por presión en talón, en paciente frágil multirresistente a antibióticos / Pressure ulcer in heel, in fragile patient multiresistant to antibiotics

Objetivo: describir el proceso de curación de una úlcera en un paciente frágil. Metodología: antes de realizar el artículo se llevó a cabo la información previa a la familia y la obtención del consiguiente consentimiento informado. Una vez hecho esto, se procedió a la elaboración del mismo sobre los datos ya obtenidos de la práctica enfermera llevada en el centro hasta la curación de la lesión. Resultados: tras 11 meses, se completó el proceso de curación de la úlcera. Conclusiones: en pacientes con procesos crónicos en los que se ve afectado el estado físico y el deterioro es paulatino en todos los ámbitos, es muy probable la aparición de estas lesiones. No obstante, con una buena actuación del equipo de enfermería es posible la curación, a pesar de barreras como fue la multirresistencia a antibióticos de la residente

Objective: To describe the healing process of an ulcer in a fragile patient. Methodology: prior to the completion of the article the previous information was carried out to the family and the consequent informed consent. Once this was done, it was elaborated; On data already obtained from the nurse practice carried out in the center until the lesion was healed. Results: after 11 months, the healing process of the ulcer was completed. Conclusions: in patients with chronic processes in which physical condition is affected and deterioration is gradual in all areas is very likely the appearance of these lesions. However, with a good performance of the nursing team is possible the cure, despite barriers such as multiresistance to antibiotics of the resident

Management of Chronic Wounds: Diagnosis, Preparation, Treatment, and Follow-up.

Management of chronic wounds remains challenging in terms of prevalence and complexity. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the science of wound healing during the past decade, sparking volumes of publications and the development of hundreds of dressing and therapy options. There is a need for a simpli ed overview of evidence-based criteria to assist in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of chronic wounds in all care settings. An expert panel of 11 wound healing specialists experienced in various care settings convened to discuss best practices and recommended guidelines for managing major chronic wound types. Prior to the meeting, panel members reviewed 8 preselected peer-reviewed articles and 1 white paper containing treatment algorithms for all major chronic wound types. During the meeting, each panelist presented current evidence-based guidelines regarding a specific chronic wound type and case studies to illustrate concepts in the guidelines. This publication is a result of the panel discussion and presents an overview of literature- and experience- based criteria to help guide chronic wound diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and follow-up. A cycle of steps is presented as a framework to guide holistic care for all patients with chronic wounds, including de- hisced surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, arterial insu ciency ulcers, and pressure ulcers/injuries. Emphasis is placed on criteria to assist accurate diagnosis and dressing/therapy selection, holistic elements of patient and wound bed preparation, interventions to achieve patient adherence to a care plan, and follow-up to help prevent wound recurrence.

Pressure ulcers in four Indonesian hospitals: prevalence, patient characteristics, ulcer characteristics, prevention and treatment.

The objective of this article was to study characteristics of pressure ulcer patients and their ulcers, pressure ulcer preventive and treatment measures in four Indonesian general hospitals. A multicentre cross-sectional design was applied to assess pressure ulcers and pressure ulcer care in adult patients in medical, surgical, specialised and intensive care units. Ninety-one of the 1132 patients had a total of 142 ulcers. Half (44·0%) already had pressure ulcers before admission. The overall prevalence of category I-IV pressure ulcers was 8·0% (95% CI 6·4-9·6), and the overall nosocomial pressure ulcer prevalence was 4·5% (95% CI 3·3-5·7). Most pressure ulcer patients had friction and shear problems, were bedfast, had diabetes and had more bedridden days. Most ulcers (42·3%) were category III and IV. One third of the patients had both pressure ulcers and moisture lesions (36·3%) and suffered from pain (45·1%). The most frequently used prevention measures were repositioning (61·5%), skin moisturising (47·3%), patient education (36·3%) and massage (35·2%). Most pressure ulcer dressings involved saline-impregnated or antimicrobial gauzes. This study shows the complexities of pressure ulcers in Indonesian general hospitals and reveals that the quality of pressure ulcer care (prevention and treatment) could be improved by implementing the recent evidence-based international guideline.

Evaluation of the Healing Progress of Pressure Ulcers Treated with Cathodal High-Voltage Monophasic Pulsed Current: Results of a Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of high-voltage monophasic pulsed current (HVMPC) as an adjunct to a standard wound care for the treatment of Stage II and III pressure ulcers (PrUs). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study. SETTING: Two nursing and care centers. PATIENTS: Patients with PrUs that did not respond to previous treatment for at least 4 weeks were randomly assigned to the electrical stimulation (ES) group (25 patients; mean age of 79.92 ± 8.50 years; mean wound surface area [WSA] of 10.58 ± 10.57 cm) or to the control group (24 patients; mean age of 76.33 ± 12.74 years; mean WSA of 9.71 ± 6.70 cm). INTERVENTIONS: Both the ES and control groups received standard wound care and respectively, cathodal HVMPC (154 microseconds; 100 pulses per second; 0.24 A; 250 µ/s) applied continuously for 50 minutes once a day, 5 times a week, or sham HVMPC. MAIN OUTCOME: Percentage area reduction over 6 weeks of intervention. MAIN RESULTS: In the ES group, there was a statistically significant decrease in WSA after 1 week of treatment (35% ± 30.5%) compared with 17.07% ± 34.13% in the control group (P = .032). After treatment, at week 6, percentage area reduction in the ES group was 80.31% ± 29.02% versus 54.65% ± 42.65% in the control group (P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Cathodal HVMPC reduces the WSA of Stage II and III PrUs. The results are consistent with the results of other researchers who used HVMPC to treat PrUs.

Electroacupuncture for pressure ulcer: a study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are one of the most common health complaints, which often take months or years to heal, and affect patients' morbidity and quality of life. Medical options for pressure ulcers are limited. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been employed to relieve the symptoms for patients with pressure ulcers, but there is limited clinical evidence for its effectiveness. METHODS/DESIGN: This study consists of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms: a control group and an EA group. Both groups will receive standard wound care (including changing position, using mattresses and cushions, and a good diet) of five sessions per week for a total of 40 sessions during the 8-week treatment period. In addition, the EA group will receive the EA intervention. The following outcome measurements will be used in examination of participants: wound surface area (WSA), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the proportion of ulcers healed within trial period (PUHTP). All the outcomes will be evaluated at the start of the study, at the end of the fourth week, at 8 weeks after randomization, and 1 month after treatment cessation. DISCUSSION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of EA for the treatment of patients with pressure ulcers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR-TRC-11001693.

[Efficacy and safety of symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of pressure ulcers]. / Therapieergebnisse und Anwendungssicherheit von Symphytum-Herba-Extrakt-Creme in der Behandlung von Dekubitus.

In an open, prospective use study, 161 patients with 198 decubitus ulcers (pressure ulcers, ITT population) in stages II and III were treated with the topical preparation symphytum herb extract cream. The bandages with the cream were changed every 2-3 days. The primary parameters evaluated were the area of the sore and the depth of the wound (planimetrically in mm). In all, 151 patients with a total of 184 pressure sores (PP population) were included and received treatment over a period of 4 weeks in order to evaluate the treatment results. Complete healing of the pressure sores within 4 weeks was observed in 85.9 % (PP population)/79.8 % (ITT population) of the treated ulcers. Over a treatment duration of 25-30 days, a 89.2 % reduction of the total decubitus area was observed. The same result was found for the depth of the pressure ulcer with a reduction of 88 %. The overall treatment success was from both the perspective of the physician and the patient considered successful in 90.4 % (5-point scale) of cases and 87.9% (100 mm VAS, PP population). Two cases of local irritation were observed after 25/30 days (1.2 % of the patients with exposure), thus showing very good skin compatibility. The efficacy of symphytum herb extract cream is surprisingly good in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

Effectiveness of olive oil for the prevention of pressure ulcers caused in immobilized patients within the scope of primary health care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are considered an important issue, mainly affecting immobilized older patients. These pressure ulcers increase the care burden for the professional health service staff as well as pharmaceutical expenditure. There are a number of studies on the effectiveness of different products used for the prevention of pressure ulcers; however, most of these studies were carried out at a hospital level, basically using hyperoxygenated fatty acids (HOFA). There are no studies focused specifically on the use of olive-oil-based products and therefore this research is intended to find the most cost-effective treatment and achieve an alternative treatment. METHODS/DESIGN: The main objective is to assess the effectiveness of olive oil, comparing it with HOFA, to treat immobilized patients at home who are at risk of pressure ulcers. As a secondary objective, the cost-effectiveness balance of this new application with regard to the HOFA will be assessed. The study is designed as a noninferiority, triple-blinded, parallel, multi-center, randomized clinical trial. The scope of the study is the population attending primary health centers in Andalucía (Spain) in the regional areas of Malaga, Granada, Seville, and Cadiz. Immobilized patients at risk of pressure ulcers will be targeted. The target group will be treated by application of an olive-oil-based formula whereas the control group will be treated by application of HOFA to the control group. The follow-up period will be 16 weeks. The main variable will be the presence of pressure ulcers in the patient. Secondary variables include sociodemographic and clinical information, caregiver information, and whether technical support exists. Statistical analysis will include the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, symmetry and kurtosis analysis, bivariate analysis using the Student's t and chi-squared tests as well as the Wilcoxon and the Man-Whitney U tests, ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression analysis. DISCUSSION: The regular use of olive-oil-based formulas should be effective in preventing pressure ulcers in immobilized patients, thus leading to a more cost-effective product and an alternative treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01595347.

Pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention: a systematic comparative effectiveness review.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are associated with substantial health burdens but may be preventable. PURPOSE: To review the clinical utility of pressure ulcer risk assessment instruments and the comparative effectiveness of preventive interventions in persons at higher risk. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1946 through November 2012), CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, grant databases, clinical trial registries, and reference lists. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized trials and observational studies on effects of using risk assessment on clinical outcomes and randomized trials of preventive interventions on clinical outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Multiple investigators abstracted and checked study details and quality using predefined criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS: One good-quality trial found no evidence that use of a pressure ulcer risk assessment instrument, with or without a protocolized intervention strategy based on assessed risk, reduces risk for incident pressure ulcers compared with less standardized risk assessment based on nurses' clinical judgment. In higher-risk populations, 1 good-quality and 4 fair-quality randomized trials found that more advanced static support surfaces were associated with lower risk for pressure ulcers compared with standard mattresses (relative risk range, 0.20 to 0.60). Evidence on the effectiveness of low-air-loss and alternating-air mattresses was limited, with some trials showing no clear differences from advanced static support surfaces. Evidence on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation, repositioning, and skin care interventions versus usual care was limited and had methodological shortcomings, precluding strong conclusions. LIMITATION: Only English-language articles were included, publication bias could not be formally assessed, and most studies had methodological shortcomings. CONCLUSION: More advanced static support surfaces are more effective than standard mattresses for preventing ulcers in higher-risk populations. The effectiveness of formal risk assessment instruments and associated intervention protocols compared with less standardized assessment methods and the effectiveness of other preventive interventions compared with usual care have not been clearly established.

Relación entre el estado nutricional y el riesgo de presentar úlceras por presión en pacientes incluidos en el programa de atención domiciliaria / Relationship between nutritional status and the risk of having pressure ulcers in patients included in a home care program

Objetivos: Se evaluó el grado de relación entre estado nutricional y riesgo de presentar úlceras por presión (UPP) en pacientes de atención domiciliaria (ATDOM). Secundariamente, se valoró la relación entre el grado de deterioro cognitivo, dependencia física, patologías de base y estado nutricional. Ámbito: Pacientes de atención domiciliaria (ATDOM) en atención primaria.Pacientes100 pacientes ATDOM. Variables principales: Edad, sexo, cuidador, enfermedades, IMC, hemoglobina, hematocrito, linfocito S, albúmina, colesterol, Barthel, Pfeiffer, valoración nutricional (MNA) y Braden. Resultados: Un 14% de los pacientes ATDOM presentaron malnutrición y un 46% riesgo de desnutrición. El incremento del grado de dependencia y el deterioro cognitivo aumentó (p<0,001) el riesgo UPP. Además, el estado nutricional afectó al riesgo de UPP (p<0,001) con una OR 3,73 superior en aquellos pacientes malnutridos. Valores de albúmina de 3,76±0,05g/dL y de colesterol de 176,43±6,38 se relacionaron con un mayor riesgo de ulceración. En cuanto al estado nutricional existió una relación significativa (p<0,01) con el grado de dependencia. En pacientes malnutridos los niveles de albúmina disminuyeron a 3,46±0,098, con medias de colesterol de 154,95mg/dL±11,41. Finalmente, IMC menores se relacionaron significativamente con malnutrición. Conclusiones: El presente estudio demuestra que el 14% de pacientes ATDOM presentaron malnutrición y un 46% riesgo de desnutrición. La malnutrición, el grado de dependencia física, el deterioro cognitivo severo y los parámetros sanguíneos básicos se relacionan significativamente con un aumento del riesgo de ulceración, justificando la necesidad de llevar a cabo medidas de corrección y mejoría personalizada en los pacientes ATDOM(AU)

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the nutritional status and the risk of pressure ulcers (PU) in patients within home care programs (ATDOM). We also evaluated the relationship between the level of cognitive impairment, physical dependence, underlying diseases and the nutritional status. Scope: Patients in home care program in Primary Health Care.Patients100 home care patients. Main variables: age, sex, caregiver, illness, BMI, haemoglobin, haematocrit, lymphocyte count, albumin, cholesterol, Barthel index, Pfeiffer, nutritional assessment (MNA) and Braden scale. Results: Fourteen percent of the ATDOM patients had malnutrition and 46% a high risk of malnutrition. The degree of dependency, and the level of cognitive impairment increased (P<001) the risk of pressure ulcers. Furthermore, the nutritional status affected the risk of pressure ulcers (P<001) with OR 3.73 higher in malnourished patients. Values of 3.76±0.05g/dL albumin and cholesterol of 176.43±6.38 were associated with an increased risk of ulceration. There was a significant relationship between nutritional status (P<01) and the degree of dependence. In malnourished patients albumin levels decreased to 3.46±0.098, with averages of 11.41±154.95mg/dL cholesterol. Finally, a lower BMI was significantly related to malnutrition. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that 14% of the ATDOM patients showed malnutrition, and 46% a high risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition, the degree of physical dependence and severity of cognitive impairment is associated with an increased risk of ulceration, which justify the need for carrying out some personalised measurements on ATDOM patients(AU)