Heel skin microclimate control: secondary analysis of a self-controlled randomized clinical trial

Thaís Dresch Eberhardt*, Suzinara Beatriz Soares de Lima, Bruna Rossarola Pozzebon, Karla Priscilla Paulino dos Santos, Lidiana Batista Teixeira Dutra Silveira, Rhea Silvia de Ávila Soares, Paulo Jorge Pereira Alves

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: this study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of multilayer polyurethane foam with silicone (MPF) compared to transparent polyurethane film (TPF) dressings in the control of heel skin microclimate (temperature and moisture) of hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgeries. Method: the study took of a secondary analysis of a randomized self-controlled trial, involving patients undergoing elective surgical procedure of cardiac and gastrointestinal specialties in a university hospital in southern Brazil, from March 2019 to February 2020. Patients served as their own control, with their heels randomly allocated to either TPF (control) or MPF (intervention). Skin temperature was measured using a digital infrared thermometer; and moisture determined through capacitance, at the beginning and end of surgery. The study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-5GKNG5. Results: significant difference in the microclimate variables were observed when the groups (intervention and control) and the timepoint of measurement (beginning and end of surgery) were compared. When assessing temperature, an increase (+3.3 °C) was observed with TPF and a decrease (−7.4 °C) was recorded with MPF. Regarding skin moisture, an increase in moisture (+14.6 AU) was recorded with TPF and a slight decrease (−0.3 AU) with MPF. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that MPF is more effective than TPF in controlling skin microclimate (temperature and moisture) in heels skin of hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgeries. However, this control should be better investigated in other studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)305-311
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of tissue viability
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2024

Keywords

  • Bandages
  • Heel
  • Organism hydration status
  • Pressure ulcer
  • Skin temperature

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