Adhesive tape vs pectin-based barrier use in preterm infants.

This controlled trial studied 20 premature infants, 28-33 weeks of gestational age, over 21 days. It compared the gross skin condition on the side of the face where tape was applied directly to the skin to anchor a nasogastric tube to the other side, where the tape was applied over a pectin-based barrier. Ninety-four percent of the infants had no gross signs of skin breakdown on the side under the barrier for as long as 21 days. In contrast, 80 percent of the same infants had gross signs of skin breakdown within five days on the side of the face where the tape was applied directly to the skin. The results indicate that a pectin-based barrier should be applied when tape must be used to anchor equipment in premature infants.