Incidence of incontinence-associated dermatitis in hospitalised neonates. Adaptation and validation of a severity scale.

INTRODUCTION: Up to 60% of hospitalised neonates may develop incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Our aim was to adapt the Clinical Evaluation Scale for Characterization of the Severity of Diaper Dermatitis to the Spanish population and to find out the nationwide frequency of IAD in hospitalized neonates. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation and assessment of content validity of the scale. We carried out a prospective, multicentre observational study of the incidence of nappy rash in postnatal wards and neonatal intensive care units in 6 Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: We obtained a content validity index of 0.869 for the total scale (95% CI, 0.742-0.939). The sample included 196 neonates. The cumulative incidence of IAD was 32.1% (9.1% mild-moderate, 8% moderate and 1.6% severe). The incidence rate was 2.2 IAD cases per 100 patient days. A stool pH of less than 5.5, a greater number of bowel movements a day, a greater daily urine output and the use of oral drugs were among the factors associated with the development of IAD. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the Clinical Evaluation Scale for Characterization of the Severity of Diaper Dermatitis had an adequate content validity for the assessment of DAI in the hospitalised neonatal population. Mixed feeding, treatment with oral drugs and the use of medical devices in the perianal area were associated with an increased risk of nappy dermatitis in infants.

Evaluation of interface pressure and temperature management in five wheelchair seat cushions and their effects on user satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Factors such as the manufacturing materials, shape or even the mechanical and thermal response of sitting Pressure Redistribution Support Surfaces (PRSS) can be potential contributors to pressure ulcers. However, few studies have compared a number of characteristics of the most frequently used devices. OBJECTIVE: To compare three potential contributors to pressure ulcers in five commercial PRSS: pressure redistribution, temperature and perceived comfort. METHOD: Study with a cross-over randomized design in healthy volunteer participants. Data was collected in a temperature and relative humidity controlled environment. To assess thermal response, the temperature (Flir-E60) of the region of interest was captured before and after use of each PRSS for further analysis. The region of interest was the gluteal zone. To assess the pressure redistribution a pressure mat (XSensor®) was used between the 5 cushion and each study participant using a standardized method. Finally, a subjective perception questionnaire recorded comfort, adaptability and thermal sensation parameters. Data analysis levels of significance were set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants completed the assessments. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline temperatures between PRSS (>0.05). Pressure redistribution analysis showed significant differences between all PRSS in all variables evaluated except in the maximum and peak pressure index al sacrum. The subjective assessment suggested no major user-perceived differences between PRSS. CONCLUSION: Seat cushions made of open cell polyurethane foam blocks of variable hardness and the horseshoe cushion (also open cell polyurethane foam) seem to provide a more effective pressure relief characteristic than those injected with polyurethane foam and gel in most of the studied pressure variables. However, the cushions provide similar thermal response and perceived comfort.