Tissue temperature, flux and oxygen of sacral and trochanteric area under pressure of healthy subjects: A quasi-experimental study

• Published in: Journal of tissue viability 2021-05, Vol.30 (2), p.207-215
• Main Authors: Lupiáñez-Pérez, Inmaculada, Gómez-González, Alberto J., Marfil-Gómez, Raquel M., Morales-Asencio, José M., García-Mayor, Silvia, León-Campos, Álvaro, Kaknani-Uttumchandani, Shakira, Moya-Suárez, Ana B., Aranda-Gallardo, Marta, Morilla-Herrera, Juan C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blood gas monitoring; Laser-Doppler flowmetry; Non-randomised controlled trial; Nursing; Pressure ulcer; Skin temperature; Transcutaneous
• ISSN: 0965-206X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2021.01.006

To evaluate the changes that take place in the perfusion, oxygenation and local temperature of the skin of the sacrum and trochanter when subjected to direct pressure for 2 h. Quasi-experimental study in the preclinical phase with healthy subjects acting as their own controls (intrasubject control). The outcome variables were measured with a laser Doppler system (local temperature and oxygenation) and by near-infrared spectroscopy (perfusion). The pressure exerted was measured with a capacitive pressure sensor. No more than one week elapsed between the sacrum and trochanter measurements. The study sample consisted of 18 persons. The comparative analysis of the fluctuations in the parameters measured on the skin of the trochanters and sacrum, according to the time elapsed, revealed a statistically significant increase in temperature and in the pressure exerted. On the other hand, the changes in capillary blood flow and in SaO2 were not statistically significant. Our study results show that changes found in terms of temperature and pressure should be taking into account when planning personalised repositioning to patients according to biomechanical and biological situations that vary between anatomical areas. In future research, the changes reported could be evaluated in patients with risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers, thus facilitating the introduction of more personalised planning in the care and prevention of these injuries. •Significant changes in sacral and trochanteric skin temperature have been observed over time.•The external validity of our findings needs to be confirmed by further study in clinical settings.•Future research about risk factors of PU may lead to personalised prevention.