Addressing the Barriers to Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Use in Major Burns: Alternate Electrode Placement

This study aimed to determine whether alternate electrode positions were a suitable alternative compared to standardized (manufacturer) positions in moderate to large size burns for the measurement of BIS resistance and fluid changes. BIS measurements were collected in standard and alternate electrode placements and in an open wound and Acticoat™ dressing condition. A percentage difference greater than 5% between each standard and alternate placement BIS measurements was deemed clinically significant. Chi-square tests determined there were no significant differences (P = .097–.96) between the standard and alternate electrode placements for whole body and limb segment BIS in both dressing conditions. Only whole body BIS resistance variables and extracellular fluid volumes were interchangeable in both dressing conditions and upper limb segmental measures were interchangeable in an open wound only. The differences between measurements of other BIS variables across the conditions were not acceptable or deemed not clinically acceptable without adjustment. The results showed that for moderate to large burn injuries clinicians can use whole body and upper limb segmental BIS variables to monitor changes in fluid shifts with alternate electrode placements where wounds preclude standardized placement within specified dressing conditions.

Source: Journal of Burn Care and Research - November 1, 2017 Category: Rehabilitation Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research