The effectiveness of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in preventing pressure ulcers.

Objective: To compare the effects of Mepentol, a hyperoxygenated fatty acid preparation, with a placebo treatment in preventing the development of pressure ulcers.
Method: The research study consisted of a multicentre double-blind randomised clinical trial. The incidence of pressure ulcers, relative risk (RR), preventable fraction and number necessary to treat (NNT) were calculated. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with log-rank test, and Cox's proportional hazards regression model were used to compare both groups.
Results: A total of 331 patients completed the study: 167 in the control group and 164 in the study group. Pressure-ulcer incidence during the study was 7.32% in the intervention group versus 17.37% in the placebo group (p 0.006). These results show that for each 10 patients treated with Mepentol one pressure ulcer was prevented (NNT = 9.95). Survival curves and the regression model showed a significant statistical difference for both groups (p < or = 0.001). The average cost of Mepentol during the study was 7.74 Euro.
Conclusion: Mepentol is an effective measure for pressure ulcer prevention. It was more effective than a greasy placebo product, and was found to be cost-effective.