A clinical evaluation of an alternating-pressure mattress replacement system in hospital and residential care settings

Treatment of pressure ulcers: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians

DESCRIPTION

The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this guideline to present the evidence and provide clinical recommendations based on the comparative effectiveness of treatments of pressure ulcers.

METHODS

This guideline is based on published literature on this topic that was identified by using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, EBM Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and the Health Technology Assessment database through February 2014. Searches were limited to English-language publications. The outcomes evaluated for this guideline include complete wound healing, wound size (surface area, volume, and depth) reduction, pain, prevention of sepsis, prevention of osteomyelitis, recurrence rate, and harms of treatment (including but not limited to pain, dermatologic complications, bleeding, and infection). This guideline grades the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations by using ACP's clinical practice guidelines grading system. The target audience for this guideline includes all clinicians, and the target patient population is patients with pressure ulcers.

RECOMMENDATION 1

ACP recommends that clinicians use protein or amino acid supplementation in patients with pressure ulcers to reduce wound size. (Grade: weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 2

ACP recommends that clinicians use hydrocolloid or foam dressings in patients with pressure ulcers to reduce wound size. (Grade: weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 3

ACP recommends that clinicians use electrical stimulation as adjunctive therapy in patients with pressure ulcers to accelerate wound healing. (Grade: weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).

Pressure-relieving devices for treating heel pressure ulcers

BACKGROUND

Pressure ulcers are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure or shear. Pressure redistribution devices are used as part of the treatment to reduce the pressure on the ulcer. The anatomy of the heel and the susceptibility of the foot to vascular disease mean that pressure ulcers located there require a particular approach to pressure relief.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of pressure-relieving interventions for treating pressure ulcers on the heel.

SEARCH METHODS

In May 2013, for this first update, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid EMBASE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); and EBSCO CINAHL. No language or publication date restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of pressure-relieving devices on the healing of pressure ulcers of the heel. Participants were treated in any care setting. Interventions were any pressure-relieving devices including mattresses and specific heel devices.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both review authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts and selected studies for inclusion. Both review authors independently extracted data and assessed studies for risk of bias.

MAIN RESULTS

In our original review, only one study met the inclusion criteria. This study (141 participants) compared two mattress systems; however, losses to follow up were too great to permit reliable conclusions. We did not find any further relevant studies during this first update.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review identified one small study at moderate to high risk of bias which provided no evidence to inform practice. More research is needed.

Pressure-relieving devices for treating heel pressure ulcers

BACKGROUND

Pressure ulcers are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure or shear. Pressure redistribution devices are used as part of the treatment to reduce the pressure on the ulcer. The anatomy of the heel and the susceptibility of the foot to vascular disease mean that pressure ulcers located there require a particular approach to pressure relief.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of pressure-relieving interventions for treating pressure ulcers on the heel.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 25 March 2011); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE (1948 to March Week 3 2011); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2011 Week 12);Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations March 29, 2011); and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 25 March 2011). We applied no language or publication date restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of pressure-relieving devices on the healing of pressure ulcers of the heel. Participants were treated in any care setting. Interventions were any pressure-relieving devices including mattresses and specific heel devices.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both review authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts and selected studies for inclusion. Both review authors independently extracted data and assessed studies for risk of bias.

MAIN RESULTS

One study met the inclusion criteria. This study (141 participants) compared two mattress systems however losses to follow up were too great to permit reliable conclusions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review identified one small study at moderate to high risk of bias which provided no evidence to inform practice. More research is needed.