The effectiveness of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in preventing pressure ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of Mepentol, a hyperoxygenated fatty acid preparation, with a placebo treatment in preventing the development of pressure ulcers.


METHODS
The research study consisted of a multicentre double-blind randomised clinical trial. The incidence of pressure ulcers, relative risk (RR), preventable fraction and number necessary to treat (NNT) were calculated. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with log-rank test, and Cox's proportional hazards regression model were used to compare both groups.


RESULTS
A total of 331 patients completed the study: 167 in the control group and 164 in the study group. Pressure-ulcer incidence during the study was 7.32% in the intervention group versus 17.37% in the placebo group (p 0.006). These results show that for each 10 patients treated with Mepentol one pressure ulcer was prevented (NNT = 9.95). Survival curves and the regression model showed a significant statistical difference for both groups (p < or = 0.001). The average cost of Mepentol during the study was 7.74 Euro.


CONCLUSIONS
Mepentol is an effective measure for pressure ulcer prevention. It was more effective than a greasy placebo product, and was found to be cost-effective.
Torra i Bou
J E
JE
Clinical and Education Manager, Advanced Wound Care Division, Smith & Nephew, Spain. jetorrabou@hotmail.com
Segovia Gómez
T
T
Verdú Soriano
J
J
Nolasco Bonmatí
A
A
Rueda López
J
J
Arboix i Perejamo
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012306:Risk; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005227:Fatty Acids; C479536:Mepentol; D010936:Plant Extracts