title: The effectiveness of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in preventing pressure ulcers.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Education Manager, Advanced Wound Care Division, Smith & Nephew, Spain. jetorrabou@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Torra i Bou
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Segovia Gómez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verdú Soriano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nolasco Bonmatí
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rueda López
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arboix i Perejamo
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; C479536:Mepentol; D010936:Plant Extracts