Objective: The study was planned to systematically analyze the current evidence for the use of different local cold application methods in the prevention of complications related to SC LMWH injections.
Material and Methods: The universe of the study consisted of articles accessed by scanning PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Researches published between 2010 and 2020, published in English, available in full text, using different local cold application methods to prevent complications in LMWH injections via SC route were included. Eight research articles that met the inclusion criteria were examined. Data were analyzed in accordance with the PRISMA Statement.
Results: In the investigated studies, it was determined that local ice applications, cryotherapy and local cooling sprays were used as cold application methods in order to prevent pain, ecchymosis and hematoma complications in LMWH injections via SC route (n = 8). The studies showed that the intervention was effective on intensity of pain (n = 7), occurrence of ecchymosis (n = 6), and preventing hematoma (n = 2). In the study where local cooling spray was applied before injection (n = 1), it was observed that hematoma did not develop, and cryotherapy reduced the formation of hematoma (n = 1).
Conclusion: It is thought that the literature review will provide evidence in the prevention of complications that develop in LMWH injections by SC route, in determining the current approaches regarding the use of different local cold application methods, and will guide nurses in clinical practice.
Cite this article as: Cevheroğlu S, Büyükyılmaz F. The Effectiveness of Different Local Cold Applications in Preventing Complications in Low Molecular Weight Heparin Applications: A Systematic Literature Review. Arch Health Sci Res. 8(3):215-222.