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Sacral skin blood perfusion: a factor in pressure ulcers?
Harvey N Mayrovitz1, Nancy Sims, Martha C Taylor
1College of Medical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA. mayrovit@ix.netcom.com
Ostomy/Wound Management
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Sacral skin blood flow is significantly higher than in other posterior areas, especially in females. This finding supports the hypothesis that greater resting blood flow may increase pressure ulcer risk in this region.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Physiology
Background:
- Pressure ulcers commonly affect the sacrum, but rarely the gluteus maximus.
- While pressure concentration explains some of this, other factors are likely involved.
- Resting sacral skin blood flow differences may influence pressure ulcer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if resting sacral skin blood flow differs from nearby posterior areas.
- To test the hypothesis that higher resting blood flow in the sacrum increases pressure ulcer risk.
Main Methods:
- Skin blood flow was measured using laser Doppler imaging in 30 subjects.
- Measurements were taken over the sacrum, gluteus maximus, lower back, hand, and fingers.
- Data were analyzed for significant differences between sites and sexes.
Main Results:
- Average sacral skin blood flow was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than other posterior sites.
- Females exhibited significantly higher sacral skin blood flow than males (P < 0.01).
- Large spatial variability (40%) in skin blood flow was observed.
Conclusions:
- Resting sacral skin blood flow is demonstrably higher than in surrounding posterior tissues.
- These findings support the hypothesis linking higher resting blood flow to increased pressure ulcer risk.
- Laser Doppler imaging is recommended for comparing skin blood flow due to spatial variability.