Hyperoxygenated fatty acid effectiveness in the prevention of the pressure ulcers
Alonso López Escribano, Francisco García Alcaraz, Patricia Jareño Collado, José García Aranos, Nieves García Piqueras

SUMMARY

   Objectives: To know the scientific evidence about hyperoxygenated fatty acid effectiveness in the prevention of the pressure ulcers and to evaluate, through the bibliography consulted, their clinical effectiveness.

Material and method: There was made a compilation of information in the Cochrane library, The Joanna Briggs Institute, Pubmed-medline and Cuiden.There were only selected clinical trials, for which evaluation it has been followed the recommendations of Critical Apraisal Skill Program together with GRADE system in order to value the quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendation.

Results: No documents have been found in the Cochrane library, whereas in The Joanna Briggs Institute has been found a bestpractice where there is no reference to the hyperoxygenated fatty acid. In the rest of the databases just two randomised clinical trials that followed CASP criteria were found.In the Gallart et al study over a sample of 192 patients an UPP incidence of 19% was found in the intervention group it was found a pressure ulcer rate of 19% against the 35% in the placebo group (p < 0,007) being the RAR of 16 (3,9-28,1) the RRR of 45,7 (11,8 -66,6) and the NNT was of 7(4-26) with a confidence interval of 95%.In the Torra i Bou, et al. study over a sample of 331 patients an UPP incidence of 7,32% in the intervention group against the 17,37% in the placebo group (p < 0,001) being the RAR OF 10 (3,1-17,0) the RR of 57,9 (20,3-77,7) and the NNT was of 10 (6-33) with a confidence interval of 95%.

Conclusions: According to GRADE classification both studies show us a high quality evidence.So according to information found, the hydrogenated fatty acids could be an effective preventive measure in pressure ulcers, and when they are not able to avoid them, they could delay their occurrence. Although there are no many clinical studies we thought necessary to carry out new clinical trials to confirm it.

KEY WORDS

    Pressure ulcers, fatty acid, effectiveness, evidence.

Vol. 18 nº4-2007