Kinesio Taping® as an innovative therapeutic tool to prevent nasal septal lesions in newborns: a case study

Abstract

Introduction: The immaturity of the integumentary system in premature newborns (PTNB), associated with ventilatory support, contributes to the higher occurrence of nasal trauma. Objective: This article reports on the case of a newborn submitted to Kinesio® Taping as an innovative prophylactic therapy for nasal trauma. Method: We report on Kinesio® Taping, a material frequently used to treat pain in athletes, as an innovative therapeutic tool to prevent nasal septal lesions in a PTNB undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), who, after 13 days on NIMV, presented with nasal septal lesions. Results: The Kinesio® Taping, was positioned to protect the nasal septum from friction caused by direct contact of the nasal prong, maintained NIMV pressure, adapted well to the shape of the nose and improved nasal trauma after 3 days of use. Conclusion: Given that breathing in this period of life occurs predominantly through the nose and maintaining the integrity of this mucosa reduces not only respiratory discomfort, but also deformities and the risk of infections. The present study presents KT as an innovative protective tool against nasal injury in premature newborns submitted to positive pressure ventilation using nasal prongs. Despite describing a single case, the results obtained were promising. However, studies with a larger sample and different groups are needed, primarily to compare with existing methods.

Lesão de septo nasal em recém-nascidos hospitalizados: estudo descritivo exploratório

“…A case study used Kinesio ® Taping to protect against friction caused by direct contact and for long periods of time from the prong to the nasal septum. Good results were found with Kinesio ® Taping by reducing nasal injury after three days of use, as the device adapted properly to the shape of the nose (17) . It is also important to highlight measures to alleviate discomfort and pain due to the use of NIV and the occurrence of injuries.…”

“…Nasal trauma among premature babies due to the use of prongs can vary between 20 and 60% worldwide and in Brazil it can reach percentages from 70 to 100% (10,16) . Nasal breathing prevails in the neonatal period and keeping the mucosa intact minimizes the risk of infections, breathing difficulties and the appearance of deformities (17) . With regard to the birth data of preterm infants, there was a higher occurrence of NIV use in female newborns, gestational age between 30 and 35 weeks and weighing less than 1,500 grams.…”