Decubitus Ulcer Prevention With Hormone Therapy: An Observational Finding [ID 1432]

INTRODUCTION: Despite the widespread discontinuation of hormone therapy (HT) in geriatric and centenarian women due to misinformation after the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) publication, a few continue to use HT systemically and locally. We observed that these patients, despite prolonged prostration, do not develop decubitus ulcers. This study aims to report our findings on the relationship between hormone replacement therapy and decubitus ulcer prevention in elderly women under our care in home care facilities. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients receiving hormone replacement therapy in home care settings to assess the incidence of decubitus ulcers. Emphasis was placed on the vasodilatory effects of HT in preventing hypoxia, ischemia, and necrosis in integumentary tissues subjected to physical pressure. Our observations are novel and not described in current medical literature. RESULTS: Patients who maintained HT, whether systemic or local, exhibited a reduced incidence of decubitus ulcers despite prolonged prostration. The vasodilatory effect of HT appears to play a critical role in preventing tissue hypoxia and ischemia under physical pressure. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Hormone therapy’s vasodilatory effect represents a significant yet underrecognized benefit in preventing decubitus ulcers in elderly women. Despite the controversies surrounding HT use, our findings underscore the importance of considering HT in comprehensive care strategies for geriatric patients, particularly in preventing adverse outcomes associated with immobility, and this is more evidence that supports the use of HT up until mortality.