Effect of different materials used in the removal of orogastric catheter adhesive on the skin in premature babies in Turkey

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness of sunflower oil and silicone-based spray used to remove medical adhesives from the orogastric catheter in preventing the skin injury of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted on premature infants, born between 32 and 36 weeks, hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit located in the city center of the Black Sea region. There were 86 participants in the study; 43 were in the control group (silicone-based spray), and 43 were in the intervention group (sunflower oil). The “Neonatal Skin Condition Score Scale” evaluated premature infants' skin.

Results

Mean skin condition score of premature infants for whom silicone-based adhesive remover spray was applied was 3.63 ± 0.78, whereas the mean skin condition score measured three hours later was 3.17 ± 0.37. Mean skin condition score of premature infants for whom sunflower oil was applied as a medical adhesive remover was 3.40 ± 0.62, whereas the mean skin condition score measured three hours later was 3.07 ± 0.25. No statistically significant difference was determined between the mean skin condition scores of premature infants in both groups evaluated immediately after removing the medical adhesive and 3 h there after (p$>0$.05).

Conclusions

There is no difference between the skin condition of premature infants for whom silicone-based medical adhesive remover spray is used and the skin condition of premature infants for whom sunflower oil is used to remove the orogastric tube adhesive.

Practice implications

Pediatric nurses should use medical supplies suitable for the skin condition of premature infants and should frequently evaluate the baby's skin condition. Since silicone-based adhesive remover sprays have a risk of toxicity by being absorbed by the skin, it is recommended to use herbal, cost-effective, non-toxic products.

Clinical Trial Number: NCT06280326