A randomized trial of low-air-loss beds for treatment of pressure ulcers
B. A. Ferrell, D. Osterweil and P. Christenson
Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine.
OBJECTIVE--To assess the effectiveness of low-air-loss beds for the
treatment of pressure ulcers in nursing homes. DESIGN--Prospective,
randomized, clinical trial. SETTING--Three teaching nursing homes in Los
Angeles, Calif. SUBJECTS--Eighty-four nursing home residents with trunk or
trochanter pressure ulcers (Shea stage > or = 2).
INTERVENTIONS--Subjects were randomly assigned to use either a low-air-loss
bed (n = 43) or a 10-cm corrugated foam mattress (n = 41) throughout the
healing of their ulcers. OUTCOME MEASURES--Ulcers were assessed twice
weekly using surface area and two observational scales (median follow-up,
37.5 days; range, 4 to 571 days). RESULTS--Groups were similar with respect
to demographics, medical variables, wound care, and early dropouts. Results
indicate more than a threefold improvement in median rate of healing for
low-air-loss beds compared with foam mattresses (9.0 vs 2.5 mm2/d; P =
.0002). This finding was true for deep as well as superficial ulcers (deep
ulcers, 9.9 vs 0.7 mm2/d; P = .02; superficial ulcers, 9.0 vs 3.2 mm2/d; P
= .004). Cox regression models revealed that the bed, ulcer depth, and
fecal continence had independent effects on healing. After controlling for
fecal continence, the deep and superficial subgroups using low-air-loss
beds remained 2.5 times more likely to heal in a given length of time
compared with those using foam mattresses (combined cure probability ratio,
2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 5.17; P < .004).
CONCLUSION--Low-air-loss beds provide substantial improvement compared with
foam mattresses despite other factors in pressure ulcer healing.
Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers
O'Neil
Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2004;17:137-148.
ABSTRACT
The Management of Lower Extremity Wounds Using Topical Negative Pressure
Petrie et al.
INT J LOW EXTREM WOUNDS 2003;2:198-206.
ABSTRACT
The Promise of Topical Growth Factors in Healing Pressure Ulcers
Thomas
ANN INTERN MED 2003;139:694-695.
FULL TEXT
New Techniques in Wound Management: Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure
Webb
J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2002;10:303-311.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Quality Indicators for Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers in Vulnerable Elders
Bates-Jensen
ANN INTERN MED 2001;135:744-751.
FULL TEXT
Issues and Dilemmas in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: A Review
Thomas
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 2001;56:M328-M340.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Low-Air-Loss Beds for Pressure Ulcers
Journal Watch Dermatology 1993;1993:11-11.
FULL TEXT
LOW-AIR-LOSS BEDS ENCOURAGE HEALING OF PRESSURE ULCERS
JWatch General 1993;1993:4-4.
FULL TEXT
