Influence of Skin Phototype on the Level of Pain Perceived by Patients Receiving Enoxaparin: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) is commonly used as an antithrombotic in patients with reduced mobility. Its administration is performed by invasive technique (injections) that can cause pain: (1) Background: Pain and bruising are the most common side effects in patients treated with LMWH, but the skin phototype (PT) has never been included; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study, developed in the Hospital Unit of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery over one year. To classify all participants in the sample considering their skin PT and the different pain levels “during” and “after” the administration of enoxaparin. The STROBE checklist was used to evaluate the study. Data analyses were carried out: descriptive statistical analysis and analysis of Variance ANOVA of a non-parametric factor; (3) Results: The sample was 202 participants. The most frequent skin PTs were PT II 43.6% and PT III 33.2%. Mean pain after injection (1.96) was greater than pain during injection (1.4). Better natural protection against sunlight (high PT) would indicate greater post-injection pain; (4) Conclusions: Participants with a medium-high phototype (≥III) perceive a greater pain sensation than participants with a low phototype (≤II) after the administration of enoxaparin.

Effect of the coughing technique during subcutaneous heparin injection on pain severity and individual satisfaction

“…In health institutions, one of the most important responsibilities of nurses is the safe administration of medications ( 13 ) . It is reported that after subcutaneous heparin injections, various factors can cause complications at the injection site ( 14 ) . In particular, factors which can lead to pain complications are seen to mostly arise from the injection technique, and there are studies evaluating non-pharmacological methods for managing pain developing in connection with subcutaneous heparin injection.…”

Efecto de la técnica de la tos durante la inyección subcutánea de heparina sobre la severidad del dolor y la satisfacción individual

“…En las instituciones de salud, una de las responsabilidades más importantes del enfermero es la administración segura de los medicamentos (13) . Se informa que después de las inyecciones subcutáneas de heparina, varios factores pueden causar complicaciones en el sitio de la inyección (14) . En particular, se observa que los factores que pueden conducir a complicaciones del dolor surgen principalmente de la técnica de inyección y hay estudios que evalúan métodos no farmacológicos para controlar el dolor que se desarrolla en relación con la inyección subcutánea de heparina.…”