standard preventive methods of pressure sores in each center

experimental multifaceted preventive methods of pressure sores

During the control period, the following specific methods to prevent pressure sores in the prone position (in ARDS patients mechanically ventilated via tracheal route) will be these ongoing in each center and involve the following components: lower eyelid and ocular protection by any method, inclination of the body from the horizontal position, intermittent head mobilization to the right or to the left, and no use of specific device to prevent pressures sores at the head and/or thorax, and/or knees, and/or feet.

The following nonspecific methods to prevent pressures sores will be performed at the discretion of each center according to its usual practice: mattress, upper eyelid protection, main devices securely fasten, arms position, abdomen supported or not, mouth care, enteral nutrition continued in the prone position, skin protection and/or massage.

New pressure sores are validated by the independent committee (2 persons) in charge of the analysis of the pictures performed in the patients. The whole body is pictured in 3 parts and specific locations will be analyzed, which are forehead, nose, eyes, chin, jaw, lips, thorax, breast, knee, iliac crest, foot extension area, and external genitalia in man. For each location a four-stage severity score of the pressure sore is assessed.