Preventing Pressure Injuries in Pediatric EEG Monitoring: The Role of Polyurethane Foam
Summary: This retrospective study evaluates a simple intervention using polyurethane foam to prevent medical device-related pressure injuries (PIs) in children undergoing continuous electroencephalography (CEEG). By placing 5mm-thick foam with silicone dressing on the frontal forehead between electrodes and 4cm-thick foam on the back of the head for immobile patients, the method reduced PI incidence from 6.5% (5/77 patients) in the standard group to 1.5% (1/65 patients) in the intervention group, achieving a 77% prevention rate. This low-cost approach is particularly valuable for infants with fragile skin, minimizing scarring risks without compromising EEG quality.
Key Highlights:
- CEEG electrodes and head wrapping commonly cause PIs in 7.8% of pediatric cases, with higher risks in infants due to immature skin.
- Intervention group showed significantly lower PI rates (1.5% vs. 6.5%), supporting foam’s pressure-redistribution efficacy.
- Method is easy to implement, using inexpensive materials, and suitable for various facilities monitoring seizures or cortical function.
- Risk assessment via Glamorgan scale identified high-risk patients, but foam prevented injuries across ages <18 years.
- Potential to reduce cosmetic scarring and complications, emphasizing proactive wound prevention in device-related care.
Keywords:
pressure injuries,
polyurethane foam,
pediatric wound care,
EEG monitoring,
medical device related PIs