[Decubitus].
Since decubitus, one of the common lesions, is not yet fully under medical control, it still offers serious problems. The incidence of this lesion once comprised about 12% of the patients hospitalized in a geriatric institution, and was responsible for the development of sepsis in about 20% of those cases. Although the incidence of this lesion has been declining, it still debilitates many geriatric patients, especially with neurological or malignant diseases. Care being necessary to disperse the pressure on the skin adjacent to the bone, many devices have been invented. The air-fluidized bed is especially effective in preventing and alleviating decubitus. However, a simple device utilizing polyvinyl sponge plates is worthy to try from the standpoint of cost-performance. Several surgical reparative manoeuvres as well as newly developed medicines, such as prostaglandin E1, etc. now promote favourable outcomes. However, the importance of basic preventive care, such as postural change with massage, local hygiene, nutrition, etc. cannot be ignored.
Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical School.
K
K
Kanazawa
D000368:Aged; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001513:Beds; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
D000527:Alprostadil