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. 2009 Feb;90(2):213-31.
doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.08.212.

A systematic review of therapeutic interventions for pressure ulcers after spinal cord injury

Mary Ann Regan  1 , Robert W Teasell, Dalton L Wolfe, David Keast, William B Mortenson, Jo-Anne L Aubut; Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence Research Team
Affiliations

A systematic review of therapeutic interventions for pressure ulcers after spinal cord injury

Mary Ann Regan et al. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review evidence on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in those with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Data sources: For this evidence-based review, the following data sources were used: MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO.

Study selection: To be selected for inclusion in the current review, there had to have been an intervention, studies had to have 3 or more subjects, and 50% or more of the participating group had to have an SCI.

Data extraction: Data extracted included study design, subject demographics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, study type, sample size, outcome measures used, and study results.

Data synthesis: Articles selected for this review were organized into 1 of 2 categories: prevention or treatment. Within each broad category, several smaller ones were created, and articles were grouped according to the prevention (direct or indirect) or treatment intervention discussed.

Conclusions: Of the 26 articles selected for inclusion in the systematic review, 7 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that dealt with treatment for pressure ulcers, and there was 1 RCT on prevention. Despite the cost-effectiveness of prevention, little research exists on preventative interventions, and what does exist is mostly level 4 evidence. More research is needed for both prevention and treatment, but especially the former.

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References

    1. Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine. Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment following spinal cord injury: A clinical practice guideline for health care professionals. 2000. - PubMed
    1. Fuhrer MJ, Garber SL, Rintala DH, Clearman R, Hart KA. Pressure ulcers in community-resident persons with spinal cord injury: prevalence and risk factors. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1993;74(11):1172–7. - PubMed
    1. Krause JS. Skin sores after spinal cord injury: relationship to life adjustment. Spinal Cord. 1998;36(1):51–6. - PubMed
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    1. Richards JS, Waites K, Chen YY, Kogos K, Schumitt MM. The epidemiology of secondary conditions following spinal cord injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2004;10(1):15–29.

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