Transcutaneous oxygen tension in subjects with tetraplegia with and without pressure ulcers: A preliminary report

This study compared transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcpO₂) in subjects with paraplegia and pressure ulcers (PU), those with paraplegia and no pressure ulcer (NPU), and ambulatory controls. TcpO₂ was measured using a surface-electrode monitoring system, recorded at 1-min intervals for 5 min and averaged. Mean TcpO₂ was significantly lower in the PU than the NPU and control groups (23.53±1.83 vs. 58.93±2.53 and 79.70±6.77 mmHg, respectively, p<0.05). In a PU subgroup (n=4) mean TcpO₂ of the pressure ulcer and nonpressure ulcer sides (trochanter or ischium) were significantly different (21.05±2.98 vs. 67.65±2.11 mmHg, respectively, p<0.001). Additionally, the NPU group demonstrated significantly lower TcpO₂ than the controls. PUs had a greater reduction in TcpO₂ levels relative to controls than NPUs. No association was found between TcpO₂ and duration of injury, completeness of lesion, or smoking history. Thus, TcpO₂ may be an effective method to identify individuals who are susceptible to pressure ulcers. The further attenuation of TcpO₂ observed in the PU group may be useful to help predict whether ulcers will heal with local care or will require additional treatment.