Venipuncture-Induced Hematomas Alter Skin Barrier Function in the Elderly Patients

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Dermatology
• Nursing Care

Background:

• Hospitalized elderly patients are susceptible to skin barrier dysfunction.
• Venipuncture is a common procedure in elderly care, often leading to hematoma formation.
• Understanding the impact of hematoma on skin integrity is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of venipuncture-induced hematoma on skin barrier function in elderly patients.
• To compare skin barrier parameters between hematoma sites and surrounding non-hematoma skin.
• To inform improved skincare protocols for hospitalized elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

• Inclusion of 50 elderly patients (median age 84 years).
• Assessment of skin barrier function including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum levels, stratum corneum hydration, skin elasticity, and skin pH.
• Comparison of these parameters between hematoma sites and adjacent non-hematoma sites.
• Correlation analysis with skin erythema intensity.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in TEWL or sebum levels between hematoma and non-hematoma sites.
• Significantly lower stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity at hematoma sites compared to non-hematoma sites.
• Significantly higher skin pH at hematoma sites.
• No significant correlation found between study variables and skin erythema intensity.

Conclusions:

• Hematoma formation following venipuncture negatively impacts the skin barrier function in elderly patients.
• Reduced skin hydration and elasticity, along with altered pH, characterize hematoma sites.
• These findings underscore the need for targeted moisturizing skincare for hematoma sites, regardless of erythema severity.