title: Effects of warming therapy on pressure ulcers--a randomized trial.
abstract: Postoperative pressure ulcers are a common and expensive problem. Intraoperative hypothermia also is a common problem and may have a connection with impaired tissue viability. Researchers in this study hypothesized that intraoperative control of hypothermia may reduce the incidence of postoperative pressure ulcers. A randomized clinical trial (n = 338) was used to test the effects of using forced air warming therapy versus standard care. Results indicated an absolute risk reduction in pressure ulcers of 4.8% (i.e., 10.4% to 5.6%) with a relative risk reduction of 46% in patients who received warming therapy. Although not reaching statistical significance, the clinical significance of almost halving the pressure ulcer rate is important. A correlation between body temperature and postoperative pressure ulcers was established.
authors.affiliation: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, Stockton, England, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Leaper
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000388:Air; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D001831:Body Temperature; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing