Study on the characteristics of microcirculation in the site of pressure ulcer in patients with spinal cord injury

Science Progress, 2021 · DOI: 10.1177/00368504211028726 · Published: July 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the microcirculation characteristics of pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). It compares microcirculation perfusion in SCI patients with and without pressure ulcers, and in healthy adults. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging is used to measure microcirculation perfusion (PU) in the sacrum area of the control group, the observation group 2 and the pressure ulcer site of the observation group 1. The research aims to provide evidence for the treatment of pressure ulcers in SCI patients by understanding the relationship between microcirculation and healing time.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

SCI patients with pressure ulcer (n=12), SCI patients without pressure ulcer (n=15), and healthy adults (n=16)

Evidence Level

Prospective study

Key Findings

1
Microcirculation perfusion was highest in the center of the pressure ulcer.
2
There was no significant difference in microcirculation perfusion at the sacrococcygeal skin between SCI patients and healthy adults.
3
The lower the microcirculation perfusion at the pressure ulcer center, the longer the healing time; there was a negative correlation between healing time and microcirculation perfusion.

Research Summary

The study aimed to investigate microcirculation characteristics in pressure ulcers of SCI patients, comparing perfusion among SCI patients with/without ulcers and healthy adults using laser Doppler imaging. Key findings included highest microcirculation perfusion at the ulcer center, no significant difference in sacrococcygeal skin perfusion between SCI patients and healthy adults, and a negative correlation between ulcer center perfusion and healing time. The authors conclude that microcirculation perfusion detection is a valuable, non-invasive method for assessing ulcer scope, sinus tract detection, treatment monitoring, and predicting healing time in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Tool

Laser Doppler microcirculation perfusion detection can be used as a non-invasive method to determine the scope of pressure ulcers.

Treatment Guidance

The direction of pressure ulcer sinus tracts can be determined to guide treatment, such as dressing changes.

Prognostic Indicator

Microcirculation perfusion levels can help predict the healing time of pressure ulcers.

Study Limitations

1
Exclusion of patients over 70 years old
2
Small sample size may limit generalizability of healing time prediction formula
3
Focus on sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers may not be representative of all pressure ulcer locations

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