Article

The use of support surfaces in the prevention and treatment of
pressure ulcers prevention is an important part of care for a patient at risk
and/or suffering from sore(s). OBJECTIVES: Define which support surfaces to use
in prevention and treatment of at-risk and/or pressure sore patients.
METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of the literature querying the several Pascal
Biomed, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from 2000 through 2010. RESULTS (GRADE A) : In prevention, a structured foam mattress is more efficient than a
standard hospital mattress.
An alternating pressure mattress is more effective
than a visco-elastic mattress limiting the occurrence heel pressure ulcers, but
those that do occur are more serious. A low-air-loss bed is more efficient than a
mixed pulsating air mattress in prevention of heel pressure ulcers. Some types of
sheepskin can reduce sacral pressure ulcer incidence in orthopedic patients. Use
of an overlay on an operating table limits the occurrence of peroperative and
postoperative pressure ulcers. An air-fluidized bed improves pressure ulcer
healing. DISCUSSION: The data in the literature are not always relevant and do
not suffice to dictate a clinician's choices. We are compelled to recognize the
methodological limitations of many studies, the lack of corporate interest in
conducting such studies and the relatively small number of available trials.
However, the effectiveness of some support surfaces reaches a sufficient level of
evidence, especially when they are associated with postural, hydration and
nutritional measures. CONCLUSION: Support surfaces are recommended in prevention
and treatment of patients at risk and/or already suffering from pressure ulcer,
and their use should constitute part of an overall preventive or curative strategy.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Langue : ANGLAIS