2006, Number 4
The challenge of preventing diminution of muscle volume in hospitalized patients by immobilization: a multidisciplinary task
López GJA, García ZT, d’Hyver de las DC
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 2
Page: 287-291
PDF size: 176.65 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Background: Often, there is immobitily in hospitalized patients. We have not found reports about reduction in muscle mass around the thigh due to movement limitation in hospitalized 80 years old and older patients.Objective: The objective of this study was to establish how many diminution of muscle volume have inpatients due to immobility.
Patients and methods: Prospective study. We registered gender, age, hospital days and distal third thigh circumference (DTTC) when the patient get in and out of the hospital, using a measuring tape. We never registered the DTTC in operated lower extremities. Patients with previous immobility, heart failure, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, hypoalbuminemia, dermatitis or diuretic treatment were eliminated of this study. We used frequency rates and paired t test by means of Scientific Public Social Statistics (SPSS) v 11.0 for Windows; and the correlationship coefficient of Pearson (r) between hospital days and percentage of DTTC diminution.
Results: Sixty patients, 34 women (56.7%) and 26 men (43.3%), between 80 and 100 years old. Mean of four hospital days. The inpatients DTTC was 38.7 centimeters and outpatients DTTC 38.2 cm. p‹0.0001 y r = 0.76.
Conclusion: There is a significant statistical relationship between DTTC diminution with hospital days. Practicing DTTC measurement indicate the quality of steps we are taking, as a team, to prevent immobility repercussions.
REFERENCES