Safety evaluation of recycling process used to produce recycled pulp for adult paper diapers.

Eight contaminants were used to perform a surrogate contamination test to evaluate safety of the process for producing recycled pulp for adult paper diapers. We performed a safety evaluation of the recycling process for producing recycled pulp following the European Food Safety Authority safety assessment for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles using recycled PET. We also compared the first tier safety limit established on the basis of TTC (Climit) in the pulp that contained recycled pulp with residual contaminant concentrations (Cres). If Climit > Cres, there is no concern regarding safety of the recycling process. Climit was determined to be 0.46 mg/kg-pulp based on the human exposure threshold of 0.15 µg/person/day using the scenario in which a bedridden senior citizen uses four adult paper diapers manufactured with pulp containing 10% recycled pulp per day. Cres was derived from the initial concentration in used pulp (0.17 mg/kg-pulp), and decontamination rate was obtained from the surrogate contamination test. The Cres of the eight contaminants were between 0.0017 and 0.10 mg/kg-pulp, which were all below the Climit of 0.46 mg/kg-pulp. These results indicated there was no safety problem regarding this process for producing recycled pulp for adult paper diapers.

Smart diapers for nursing home residents with dementia: a pilot study.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the use of an experimental smart diaper as an indicator of saturation for diaper change in persons with dementia living in nursing homes. Methods: A multicenter prospective study was conducted in 3 nursing homes amongst 18 residents with dementia. For each resident, a frequency-volume urine chart (FVUC) was kept for 24 h including voided volume and diaper weights, wearing smart diapers. A comparative study was set up between results obtained by smart diapers and data registered in FVUCs. Results: Analysis based on quantification of the agreement between saturation calculated by smart diaper and determined by FVUC indicates that measurements reported by sensor do not correspond with measurements based on FVUC. For the regular diaper, the saturation measured by sensor may be 26% below or 39% above saturation based on FVUC and for the super diaper, respectively, 34% below or 30% above. Discussion: This study indicates that the sensor detects and notifies wetness but is not sensitive enough for using it as an indicator for diaper change in people with severe dementia.

Evaluación y prevalencia de incontinencia urinaria tras prostatectomía radical: análisis de una serie histórica / Assessment and prevalence of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: analysis of a historical series

OBJETIVO: El tratamiento del cáncer de próstata mediante prostatectomía radical puede ocasionar incontinencia urinaria. Nuestro objetivo es calcular la prevalencia de incontinencia urinaria a través del análisis de una serie histórica, analizar las características de las pérdidas y los factores influyentes en la aparición de incontinencia. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo de las variables clinicopatológicas de 1310 pacientes intervenidos entre 1989-2011. La prevalencia se calcula a los 12 meses de la cirugía usando la definición de ICS. Estudio transversal para completar el cuestionario ICIQ-SF y las protecciones usadas. Se estudia la serie completa y en dos grupos según características oncológicas. Se realiza estudio descriptivo, comparativo y predictivo. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de la serie es de 23.5% con 296 pacientes. 279 incontinentes completaron el cuestionario ICIQ-SF con una media de 11.1±4.03. 16.4% de los pacientes intervenidos usan al menos 1 protección al día, de ellos el 69% usan compresas (11.4% del total), y el 22% pañales clásicos. El 8% usa más de una protección al día. Las características clinicopatológicas dividen la serie en dos grupos distintos: 1989-1999 con una prevalencia de 24.6% y grupo 2000-2011 con 22.8%. El análisis multivariado encontramos la edad (65 años) (OR:1.65, p = 0.013) y volumen prostático (50cc) (OR:1.49, p = 0.029) influyentes de forma independiente. CONCLUSIONES: La incontinencia urinaria es una enfermedad de cierta prevalencia, que varía según la definición que utilicemos. La situación más frecuente en los pacientes incontinentes es tener pérdidas varias veces al día (42.2%), poca cantidad (59.1%), usando protecciones tipo compresa (69%) y afectando la calidad de vida de forma leve-moderada (0-7: 88.2%). Las variables predictivas fueron la edad (65 años) y el volumen prostático (50cc). La evolución histórica de los pacientes no influye en la prevalencia de incontinencia urinaria

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer can be treated by radical prostatectomy and provoke urinary incontinence as secondary effect. Our aim is to calculate the prevalence of urinary incontinence, characteristics of leakage and influential factors, through a historical series. METHODS: We perform a descriptive, observational and retrospective study of 1310 patients who received treatment for PCa between 1989 and 2011. Prevalence was obtained after 12 months of recovery and using ICS definition. To complete ICIQ-SF and number of pads/day used we perform a cross-sectional study. The series is studied globally and divided in two groups according to oncologic characteristics. We perform a descriptive, comparative and predictive analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of the series was 23.5%, 296 patients. 279 incontinent patients completed ICIQ-SF with a mean score of 11.1±4.03. 16.4% of the patients use 1 pad/day or none, 69% (11.4% of the total) use compress and 22% diapers. 8% of the total use more than 1 pad/day. Clinico-pathological factors divide series in two groups: 1989-1999 with a prevalence of 24.6% and 2000-2011 with 22.8%. Multivariate analysis shows influential factors: age (65 years) (OR:1.65, p = 0.013) and prostate volume (50cc) (OR:1.49, p = 0.029). Concluisions: Urinary incontinence is a disease with some prevalence that varies depending on definition. The most common situation was to leak several times a day (42.2%), a small amount (59.1%), using compress (69%) most of incontinents with a mild (0-7: 88.2%) impact on quality of life. Predictive factors were age (65 years) and prostate volume (50cc). The historical changes does not influence over prevalence

EFFECTIVENESS OF DIAPERS AMONG PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC INCONTINENCE IN THAILAND.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess effect of adult diapers on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the independent level of performing activities of daily living (ADLs) in people with urinary or fecal incontinence. Psychological consequences of patients' caregivers were also measured. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at two rehabilitation centers in Thailand. People aged 15 years or greater with chronic urinary or fecal incontinence were eligible. Study participants received adult diapers for 10 weeks after recruitment. Thai EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) and the Barthel Index were measured at baseline and weeks 2, 6, and 10 to evaluate HRQOL and the independent level of performing ADLs, respectively. The Braden Scale was used to assess the risk of having pressure ulcers. Mean differences in the Thai EQ-5D, the Barthel Index, and the Braden Scale, before and after receiving adult diapers, were estimated using a multilevel linear regression model. RESULTS: There were ninety patients and forty-eight caregivers who took part in this study. HRQOL and independent level of performing ADLs had improved significantly by week 10 after receiving adult diapers with mean differences of 0.102 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.046-0.158) and 4.40 (95% CI, 1.74-7.07), respectively. The risk of having pressure ulcers had significantly decreased by 67 percent (95% CI, 16 percent-78 percent) by week 10 after receiving adult diapers. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a significant improvement of HRQOL and the independent level of performing ADLs among incontinent patients after receiving adult diapers. These results were used to inform the development of the health benefits package under the Universal Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand.

Improving diaper design to address incontinence associated dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) is an inflammatory skin disease mainly triggered by prolonged skin contact with urine, feces but also liberal detergent use when cleansing the skin. To minimize the epidermal barrier challenge we optimized the design of adult incontinence briefs. In the fluid absorption area we interposed a special type of acidic, curled-type of cellulose between the top sheet in contact with the skin and the absorption core beneath containing the polyacrylate superabsorber. The intention was to minimize disturbance of the already weak acid mantle of aged skin. We also employed air-permeable side panels to minimize skin occlusion and swelling of the stratum corneum. METHODS: The surface pH of diapers was measured after repeated wetting with a urine substitute fluid at the level of the top sheet. Occlusive effects and hydration of the stratum corneum were measured after a 4 hour application of different side panel materials by corneometry on human volunteers. Finally, we evaluated skin symptoms in 12 patients with preexisting IAD for 21 days following the institutional switch to the optimized diaper design. Local skin care protocols remained in place unchanged. RESULTS: The improved design created a surface pH of 4.6 which was stable even after repeated wetting throughout a 5 hour period. The "standard design" briefs had values of 7.1, which is alkaline compared to the acidic surface of normal skin. Side panels made from non-woven material with an air-permeability of more than 1200 l/m2/s avoided excessive hydration of the stratum corneum when compared to the commonly employed air-impermeable plastic films. Resolution of pre-existing IAD skin lesions was noted in 8 out of 12 patients after the switch to the optimized brief design. CONCLUSIONS: An improved design of adult-type briefs can create an acidic pH on the surface and breathable side panels avoid over-hydration of the stratum corneum and occlusion. This may support the epidermal barrier function and may help to reduce the occurrence of IAD.

Utilización de los absorbentes para incontinencia en 2 residencias geriátricas / Use of absorbent products for incontinence in 2 geriatric nursing homes

Objetivo. Conocer la distribución de frecuencia de uso de los distintos tipos de absorbentes, en función de las características físicas del residente y su nivel de autonomía, tras la implementación de la guía sobre el uso de absorbentes en la incontinencia urinaria del Institut Català de la Salut (ICS). Método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, de 12 meses de duración en 2 residencias geriátricas de Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona). Se incluyeron a los residentes con diagnóstico de incontinencia y en tratamiento paliativo con absorbentes. Variables principales: proporción de tipos de absorbente utilizados; proporción de residentes con una selección de talla de absorbente incorrecta; número de cambios diarios y estado del absorbente; número de cambios según valor del índice de Barthel. Resultados. Del total de residentes (n = 74), el 74,3% (55) presentaba incontinencia urinaria y fecal; el 89,2% (66) utilizaba 2 tipos de absorbente (mayoritariamente combinación tipo día con tipo noche elástico); en el 21,6% (16) de los residentes la talla utilizada no era la recomendada por la guía del ICS. La media global del número de cambios diarios de absorbente por residente fue de 4,1 (desviación estándar [DE] = 1,76) y la media de fugas 0,11 (DE = 0,37). En los residentes con un índice de Barthel < 33 puntos, la media de cambios diarios fue de 4,48 (DE = 1,58). Conclusiones. Los residentes incontinentes con menor autonomía necesitaban un mayor número de cambios de absorbente, hecho que debería considerarse cuando se analiza el consumo de los absorbentes en las residencias. En general hubo un correcto seguimiento de las recomendaciones de la guía del ICS

Objective. To assess the frequency distribution of the use of absorbent products among nursing home residents, adjusted by physical characteristics and level of autonomy, after the implementation of the clinical practice guideline (CPG) on urinary incontinence at the Institut Català de la Salut (ICS) in Spain. Method. We performed an observational, descriptive, cross sectional study over a 12-month period in two nursing homes in Cerdanyola del Vallès. Inclusion criteria: nursing home residents with a diagnosis of incontinence and current use of absorbent products. Principal outcomes: the percentage distribution of different absorbent products, the percentage of residents using inadequately sized absorbent products, the number of diapers changed daily, and the number of daily changes adjusted by Barthel's Index. Results. There were 74 participants, of whom 55 (74.3%) had urinary and fecal incontinence. Sixty-six participants (89.2%) used two different kinds of diaper (mainly a combination of a daily type and a night elastic type). In 16 nursing home residents (21.6%) diaper size was not in accordance with the recommendations of the CPG. The overall mean number of daily diaper changes per resident was 4.1 (SD = 1.76) and the mean number of daily leaks was 0.11 (SD = 0.37). Residents with a Barthel Index score of less than 33 points had a mean of 4.48 (SD = 1.58) daily diaper changes. Conclusions. Nursing home residents with less autonomy need a greater number of diaper changes. This finding should be considered when analyzing consumption of absorbent products in nursing homes. In general, the ICS's CPG on the use of absorbent products were correctly implemented

Attends Slip with S-form: a new design of an all-in-one product.

Disposable absorbent containment products (continence pads) should only be used after a thorough assessment of the client's needs with regard to preference, independence, comfort and security. This article offers a list of criteria that can be used to examine the quality of products. It then looks at a new product using this criteria.

Quality standards for choosing an adult incontinence product.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the leading cause for institutionalization of the elderly. According to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), over 50% of the elderly resident population living in nursing homes are considered to be incontinent. In long term care facilities, 33% of medical supplies purchased are incontinence products. This 33% represents the number one item for this classification of expenses.

A pilot study to evaluate reusable absorbent body-worn products for adults with moderate/heavy urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the performance of reusable absorbent body-worn products for adults with moderate/heavy urinary incontinence, compare their performance with a group of equivalent disposable products, and establish the need for a larger statistically robust study. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Ten men and 4 women living in the community were recruited from locations throughout the United Kingdom. METHODS: A randomized multiple crossover design was used in which all subjects were given the opportunity to test each product. All the products were available on the UK market in January 2001. The following tools were used in the evaluation: a product performance questionnaire and a pad leakage diary. Overall opinion was used as the primary outcome indicator. RESULTS: The reusable Paddy T was the best performing product overall, outperforming the disposable products. For low leakage and good absorbency (the most important product attributes identified by the subjects), the disposable all-in-one product performed best during the day. However, the Paddy T performed best for night use. The remaining reusable products performed poorly overall. CONCLUSIONS: Reusable products for moderate/heavy incontinence remain unpopular for use in isolation. Surprisingly, a product manufactured from terry toweling, a traditional material, performed relatively well. Reusables may provide a useful alternative to disposable products in certain circumstances. The results from this study do not support a more comprehensive costly study.