Factors associated to pressure ulcers in patients at adult Intensive Care Units

The objective of this a cross-sectional analytical study was to estimate the occurrence of pressure ulcers and their associated factors in adult ICUs in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The sample consisted of 142 patients aged 18 or older, admitted before midnight of the day prior to data collection, from a total of 316 beds distributed in 22 ICUs. Presence of at least one pressure ulcer per patient was 35.2% (CI 95% = 27.4-47.7). Of the 99 ulcers identified, the ones in the sacral region were most frequent (36.0%), followed by those in the calcaneus (22.0%). We observed that the presence of sepsis (OR = 6.04, CI 95% = 1.09-33.53), period of stay > or = 10 days (OR = 7.61, CI 95% = 2.92-19.82) and being high risk and very high-risk in the Braden scale (OR = 4.96, CI 95% = 1.50-16.50) were independent factors significantly associated with the presence of pressure ulcers. Results suggest that sepsis, length of stay, and having high and very high risk" in the Braden scale are factors potentially associated to the development of ulcers in bedridden patients.     

Risk assessment scales for pressure ulcer prevention: a systematic review

AIM: This paper reports a systematic review conducted to determine the effectiveness of the use of risk assessment scales for pressure ulcer prevention in clinical practice, degree of validation of risk assessment scales, and effectiveness of risk assessment scales as indicators of risk of developing a pressure ulcer. BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are an important health problem. The best strategy to avoid them is prevention. There are several risk assessment scales for pressure ulcer prevention which complement nurses' clinical judgement. However, some of these have not undergone proper validation. METHOD: A systematic bibliographical review was conducted, based on a search of 14 databases in four languages using the keywords pressure ulcer or pressure sore or decubitus ulcer and risk assessment. Reports of clinical trials or prospective studies of validation were included in the review. FINDINGS: Thirty-three studies were included in the review, three on clinical effectiveness and the rest on scale validation. There is no decrease in pressure ulcer incidence was found which might be attributed to use of an assessment scale. However, the use of scales increases the intensity and effectiveness of prevention interventions. The Braden Scale shows optimal validation and the best sensitivity/specificity balance (57.1%/67.5%, respectively); its score is a good pressure ulcer risk predictor (odds ratio = 4.08, CI 95% = 2.56-6.48). The Norton Scale has reasonable scores for sensitivity (46.8%), specificity (61.8%) and risk prediction (OR = 2.16, CI 95% = 1.03-4.54). The Waterlow Scale offers a high sensitivity score (82.4%), but low specificity (27.4%); with a good risk prediction score (OR = 2.05, CI 95% = 1.11-3.76). Nurses' clinical judgement (only considered in three studies) gives moderate scores for sensitivity (50.6%) and specificity (60.1%), but is not a good pressure ulcer risk predictor (OR = 1.69, CI 95% = 0.76-3.75). CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that the use of risk assessment scales decreases pressure ulcer incidence. The Braden Scale offers the best balance between sensitivity and specificity and the best risk estimate. Both the Braden and Norton Scales are more accurate than nurses' clinical judgement in predicting pressure ulcer risk.     

Assessing predictive validity of the modified Braden scale for prediction of pressure ulcer risk of orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting

Aims and objectives. To assess and compare the predictive validity of the modified Braden and Braden scales and to identify which of the modified Braden subscales are predictive in assessing pressure ulcer risk among orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting. Background. Although the Braden scale has better predictive validity, literature has suggested that it can be used in conjunction with other pressure ulcer risk calculators or that some other subscales be added. To increase the predictive power of the Braden scale, a modified Braden scale by adding body build for height and skin type and excluding nutrition was developed. Design. A prospective cohort study. Method. A total of 197 subjects in a 106‐bed orthopaedic department of an acute care hospital in Hong Kong were assessed for their risk for pressure ulcer development by the modified Braden and Braden scales. Subsequently, daily skin assessment was performed to detect pressure ulcers. Cases were closed when pressure ulcers were detected. Results. Out of 197 subjects, 18 patients (9·1%) developed pressure ulcers. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the modified Braden scale was 0·736 and for the Braden scale was 0·648. The modified Braden cut‐off score of 19 showed the best balance of sensitivity (89%) and specificity (62%). Sensory perception (Beta = ?1·544, OR=0·214, p = 0·016), body build for height (Beta = ?0·755, OR = 0·470, p = 0·030) and skin type (Beta = ?1·527, OR = 0·217, p = 0·002) were significantly predictive of pressure ulcer development. Conclusion. The modified Braden scale is more predictive of pressure ulcer development than the Braden scale. Relevance to clinical practice. The modified Braden scale can be adopted for predicting pressure ulcer development among orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting. Specific nursing interventions should be provided, with special attention paid to orthopaedic patients with impaired sensory perception, poor skin type and abnormal body build for height.     

Risk factors and prevention among patients with hospital-acquired and pre-existing pressure ulcers in an acute care hospital

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed to describe and identify risk factors associated with hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers among adults in an acute care hospital compared with patients with pre‐existing pressure ulcers present on admission. A further aim was to identify the preventive measures performed with both groups respectively. Background.  Pressure ulcers occur most often in older and immobile persons with severe acute illness and neurological deficits. However, few studies have addressed risk factors that are associated with hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers compared with patients with pre‐existing pressure ulcers. Design.  A point prevalence study with a cross‐sectional survey design was conducted at a Swedish university hospital. Method.  Data on 535 patients were recorded using a modified version of the protocol developed and tested by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, including the Braden scale for risk assessment. Results.  The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 27% (95% confidence interval, 23–31%). Higher age and a total Braden score below 17 were significantly associated with the presence of pressure ulcers. Among individual risk factors higher age, limited activity level and friction and shear while seated or lying down were associated with hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers, whereas only higher age and friction and shear were associated with the presence of pressure ulcers in the overall sample. There was an overall sparse use of preventive measures to relieve pressure. Conclusion.  The findings of the present study revealed that pressure ulcers and the insufficient use of preventive measure to relieve pressure is still a problem in acute care settings. A continued focus must be placed on staff training in identifying patients at risk for pressure ulcers development. Relevance to clinical practice.  Increasing the ability to identify patients who are at risk for pressure ulcer development can assist in preventing unnecessary complications and suffering as well as reduce costs.     

Incidence of pressure ulcers in a neurologic intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for pressure ulceration in an intensive care setting, to evaluate the Braden scale as a predictor of pressure ulcer risk in critically ill patients, and to determine whether pressure ulcers are likely to occur early in the hospital stay. DESIGN: Cohort study of patients with no preexisting ulcers with a 3-month enrollment period. SETTING: The neurologic intensive care unit and the neurologic intermediate unit at a primary care/referral hospital with a level I trauma center. PATIENTS: A total of 186 patients entered the study. INTERVENTION: Within 12 hrs of admittance, initial assessment, photographs, and Braden score were completed. Patients were re-examined every 4 days or at discharge from the unit, whichever came first. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determining risk factors for pressure ulcers, performing detailed statistical analyses, and testing the usefulness of the Braden score as a predictor of pressure ulcer risk. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 186 patients developed at least one pressure ulcer (incidence = 12.4%) after an average stay of 6.4 days. The Braden scale, which measures six characteristics of skin condition and patient status, proved to be a primary predictor of ulcer development. No ulcers developed in the 69 patients whose Braden score was 16 or higher. The likelihood of developing a pressure sore was predicted mathematically from the Braden score. However, being underweight was a significant and distinct factor in pressure ulcer development. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure ulcers may develop within the first week of hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Patients at risk have Braden scores of < or = 16 and are more likely to be underweight. These results suggest that aggressive preventive care should be focused on those patients with Braden scores of < or = 13 and/or a low body mass index at admission.     

The Braden Scale for pressure ulcer risk: evaluating the predictive validity in Black and Latino/Hispanic elders.

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive validity of the Braden scale in predicting pressure sore risk and to determine the physiological and nonphysiological variables associated with the prediction of pressure ulcers in Black and Latino/Hispanic elders. A prospective clinical design ws used to conduct the study. Among 74 patients aged 60 years or older, 24 patients (32%) developed either a stage 1 or stage 2 pressure ulcer. Black elders had a higher incidence rate (21%) than Latino/Hispanic elders (11%). A 2-tailed Fisher's exact test revealed that the Braden scale with a cutoff score of 18 was highly associated with predicting Black elders aged 75 years and older who were at risk of developing pressure ulcers (p < or = .011). Sensitivity was 81% and specificity was 100%. The female gender was also a highly significant factor in the development of pressure ulcers (chi 2(1, N = 49) = 6.4, p < or = .011). Overall, the Braden scale was found to be a valid tool in predicting pressure ulcer risk in Black elders aged 75 years or older when a cutoff score of 18 is used.     

Explaining the national differences in pressure ulcer prevalence between the Netherlands and Germany – adjusted for personal risk factors and institutional quality indicators

Background Pressure ulcers have a known impact on quality of life as well as on morbidity and mortality of the persons affected. Remarkable differences in pressure ulcer prevalence between the Netherlands and Germany have been found during the last 6 years. This study explores to what extent the individual risk of the population and quality indicators of the institutions can explain the variation in national prevalence. Methods Data of a binational multi‐centred cross‐sectional study in 103 hospitals (n = 21 378 patients) and 129 nursing homes (n = 15 579 residents) were analysed using random effects regression models to calculate the differences in national prevalences within the nursing homes and hospitals, adjusted for personal risk for pressure ulcer and quality indicators. Results The prevalence of pressure ulcers among the at‐risk group (Bradenscore ≤20) in nursing homes was 30.8% in the Netherlands and 8.3% in Germany [OR: 4.9 (CI 95%: 4.2–5.7)]. In hospitals, the prevalence among the at‐risk group was 26.1% in the Netherlands and 21.2% in Germany [OR: 1.3 (CI 95%: 1.2–1.5)]. After adjusting for individual risk factors (age, gender, Bradenscore) as well as for quality structures (use of prevention and treatment protocols, experts groups, information leaflets, nurses training, central pressure ulcer statistics and regular updating of protocols), the chance of developing a pressure ulcer was 6.05 times higher (CI 95%: 4.0–9.2) in a Dutch nursing home than in a German nursing home. Within the hospitals, the OR for Dutch patients was 2.03 (CI 95%: 1.4–3.0). Conclusion A remarkable national variation exists in pressure ulcer prevalence and nursing practice. Neither the populations vulnerability for pressure ulcers nor pressure ulcer management as measured in this study could explain this national variation. Therefore, other risk factors should be taken into consideration. Additionally, it is possible that quality indicators are implemented in differing ways with varying levels of effectiveness. Therefore, further research is needed to examine prospectively and in more detail the reality of care within facilities in both countries.     

The identification of older nursing home residents vulnerable for deterioration of grade 1 pressure ulcers

Aims and objective. The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with the development of pressure ulcer lesions (grade 2–4) in nursing home patients with non‐blanchable erythema. Background. No studies could be found that identify risk factors for further development of pressure ulcer in patients with non‐blanchable erythema. For some patients with non‐blanchable erythema, standard preventive measures do not suffice to prevent pressure ulcers from deterioration. Identifying these patients beforehand can considerably contribute to the efficiency of pressure ulcer prevention. Design. Secondary data analyses of a previously conducted randomised controlled trial were performed. Methods. Eighty‐four wards of 16 Belgian nursing homes participated in the study. In total, 235 nursing home residents with a grade 1 pressure ulcer (non‐blanchable erythema) were included. All the residents received standard preventive care. Potential prognostic factors were collected using a standardised form. The incidence of pressure ulcers was recorded according to the European pressure ulcer classification system. Results. The cumulative pressure ulcer incidence was 18·7% (44/235). Hypotension (relative risk = 3·42, 95% CI = 1·56–7·49), a history of a cerebral vascular accident (relative risk = 1·94, 95% CI = 1·10–3·70) and contractures (relative risk = 2·02, 95% CI 1·03–3·95) were identified as independent predictive factors for developing pressure ulcers. Remarkably, being urinary incontinent decreased the risk of developing a pressure ulcer by 76%. Conclusions. In nursing home residents with non‐blanchable erythema, hypotension, contractures, and a history of cerebral vascular accident were independent risk factors for the development of pressure ulcer lesions. Relevance to clinical practice. Patients with non‐blanchable erythema who have hypotension, contractures or a history of cerebral vascular accident are in need of more intensive preventive measures. Identifying these patients can contribute considerably to a more efficient pressure ulcer prevention policy, resulting in a lower pressure ulcer lesion incidence and in lower costs.     

La educación como pieza clave en la prevención y buena evolución de las úlceras por presión

ObjectiveTo evaluate if an education program for the nursing staff helps to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and prevent their poor evolution.Material and methodsA prospective and observational study where the prevention and educational methods have been used to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. All patients has admitted to Intensive Care Unit during one year were included (six months of basal period and six months of post-training period). The following variables were analyzed: incidence of Pressure Ulcers, risk score according to EMINA, ulcer grade and location.ResultsA total of 134 ulcers were identified in the 69 patients (14.37%) with pressure ulcers included in the basal period. Forty-four patients (7.88%) of the patients in the post-training period developed 77 pressure ulcers. The significance level was p < 0.01, OR: 0.40 (95% CI: 0.26-0.62). Fifteen of the 211 pressure ulcers evolved to grade III-IV p > 0.20.ConclusionsConducting a training program in the application of standardized prevention methods for the nursing staff reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers.     

Cosegregation of gastrointestinal ulcers and schizophrenia in a large national inpatient discharge database: revisiting the "brain-gut axis" hypothesis in ulcer pathogenesis.

The lifetime prevalence of duodenal ulcer in the United States is 8 to 10%, whereas another 1% of the population is affected by gastric ulcer. Both central and peripheral dopamine pathways may influence ulcer pathogenesis. Dopamine agonists prevent whereas antagonists augment stress- and chemically induced gastrointestinal ulcers in preclinical models. The dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,36-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) depletes central dopamine and induces lesions in the substantia nigra, and, if given in high doses, MPTP induces a Parkinson disease-like syndrome and gastric ulcers. Because schizophrenia is attributed, in part, to an overactive dopaminergic system, persons with schizophrenia may display a reduced susceptibility toward gastrointestinal ulcers. A case-control study was conducted in patients represented in the 2002 National Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the United States, consisting of 5 to 8 million inpatient hospital stays per year, which approximates a 20% sample of community hospitals. A significant association was observed between schizophrenia and diminished risk for duodenal (odds ratio [OR] 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.67) and gastric (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.46-0.63) (p < .01) ulcers but not for gastrojejunal ulcers (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.16-1.20) (p = .11). Potential confounders such as age, gender, race, tobacco or alcohol dependence, and Helicobacter pylori infection were controlled in multivariate analyses. This observational study in a large sample of patients in community hospitals suggests that schizophrenia and attendant neurobiologic mechanisms (eg, variability in dopamine pathways) may act in concert to modify the composite risk for gastrointestinal ulcers. Dopamine pathways warrant further prospective research as new potential drug targets in ulcer disease.     

Factors influencing the development of decubitus ulcers in critically ill surgical patients

INTRODUCTION: Decubitus ulcers confer significant morbidity to critically ill patients. We sought to determine which patient factors contributed to the formation of decubitus ulcers in our critically ill patients, and hypothesized that these ulcers occurred most often in elderly patients with lengths of stay >7 days and high severity of illness. METHODS: This study was conducted prospectively in two phases. Phase I provided an initial analysis of patients who developed decubitus ulcers in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of New York Weill Cornell Center from January 1, 1993, to June 1, 1997. In phase II of the study, a comparison study was made for patients with ICU length of stay (ULOS) >7 days admitted to the same ICU from January 1, 1998, to August 31, 1998. Age, APACHE III score, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS score), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) score, admission status, days without nutrition, ULOS, mortality, days to formation of decubitus ulcers, Cornell ulcer risk score, and other demographic features were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance were performed to analyze independent risk factors for development of decubitus ulcers; p <.05. RESULTS: In phase I, 2,615 patients were admitted to surgical ICU over the study period. One hundred and one decubitus ulcers occurred (incidence 3.8%) during phase I, but the incidence of decubitus ulcers increased significantly over time to 9% (p <.01). Thirty-three decubitus ulcers occurred among the 412 patients (incidence 8.0%) during phase II. Multivariate analysis revealed that emergent admission (odds ratio [OR] 36.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] CI 0.2290-0.7694), age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.0026-0.0131), days in bed (OR 1.05, 95% CI -0.0013-0.0156, and days without nutrition (OR 0.51, 95% CI -0.1095--0.0334) were independent predictors of a decubitus ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of decubitus ulcers is increasing in critically ill patients. Emergency ICU admission and ULOS >7 days in elderly patients confer significant risk for the formation of decubitus ulcers. Specific interventions targeting this high-risk population that may be instituted to decrease the incidence of decubitus ulcers include early nutrition, early mobilization, and possibly less noxious bedding surfaces.     

ICU压疮发病特征及氧合作用和血流灌注指标与压疮发生的相关性研究

【目的】分析 ICU压疮发病特征及氧合作用和血流灌注指标与压疮发生的相关性。【方法】113例ICU患者分为压疮组（26例）与非压疮组（87例）。比较两组患者入院时的一般情况、氧合作用与血流灌注指标,并对有意义的指标进行进一步的 Logistic回归分析。【结果】压疮的多发部位为骶尾部、臀部及肩胛部,大多数压疮患者的分期为Ⅰ期或Ⅱ期;压疮组平均年龄及入院诊断为呼吸系统疾病与外伤患者的比例明显高于非压疮组（P＜0．05）;压疮组与非压疮组动脉血酸碱度（pH）、动脉二氧化碳分压（PaCO2）、收缩压（SBP）、舒张压（DBP）、平均动脉压（MAP）及Braden评分比较有统计学意义（P ＜0．05）;多因素分析结果显示高龄（β＝1．637,OR＝5．140）、呼吸系统疾病（β＝1．592,OR＝4．914）、外伤（β＝1．748,OR＝5．743）是 ICU患者发生压疮的危险因素,而高 MAP（β＝-1．528,OR＝0．217）、高Braden评分（β＝-1．705,OR＝0．182）是保护因素。【结论】高龄、呼吸系统疾病、外伤是 ICU患者发生压疮的危险因素,而高 MAP、高 Braden评分是保护因素。     

Pressure ulcer prevalence and risk factors during prolonged surgical procedures

Pressure ulcer formation related to positioning while in the OR increases the length of hospital stay and hospital costs, but there is little evidence documenting how positioning devices used in the OR influence pressure ulcer development when examined with traditional risk factors. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to identify the prevalence of and risk factors associated with pressure ulcer development among patients undergoing surgical procedures lasting longer than three hours. Participants included all adult same-day admission patients scheduled for a three-hour surgical procedure during an eight-month period (N = 258). Data were gathered preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively on pressure ulcer risk factors. Bivariate analyses indicated that the type of positioning (ie, heels elevated) (χ² = 7.897, P = .048), OR bed surface (ie, foam table pad) (χ² = 15.848, P = .000), skin assessment in the postanesthesia care unit (χ² = 41.652, P = .000), and male gender (χ² = 6.984, P = .030) were associated with pressure ulcer development. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the use of a foam pad (β = 2.691, P = .024) and a lower day-one Braden score (β = .244, P = .003) were predictive of pressure ulcers.     

The relationship between pressure ulcer incidence and buttock-seat cushion interface pressure in at-risk elderly wheelchair users

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between pressure ulcer incidence and buttock-wheelchair seat cushion interface pressure measurements. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Skilled nursing facility. PATIENTS: Thirty-two elderly patients (age, > or = 65 yr), with Braden score < or = 18 and Braden mobility and activity subscale score < or = 5, who used wheelchairs > or = 6 hr/d, were free of existing sitting-induced pressure ulcers, and weighed < or = 250 lb. INTERVENTIONS: Generic foam seat cushion or pressure-reducing seat cushion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of sitting-induced pressure ulcers over a 1- to 12-month period was compared with pressure measured between patients' buttocks and wheelchair seat cushions. A flexible pad with a 15 x 15 pressure sensor array was used to measure interface pressure. RESULTS: Interface pressure measured on wheelchair seat cushions was higher (p < or = .01 for both peak pressure and average of highest 4 pressures) for patients who developed sitting-acquired pressure ulcers compared with those patients who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that higher interface pressure measurements are associated with a higher incidence of sitting-acquired pressure ulcers for high-risk elderly people who use wheelchairs.     

Predicting the risk of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are at high risk for pressure ulcers. OBJECTIVES: To determine the contributions of the Braden subscales in predicting pressure ulcers in critically ill patients and to investigate how often the Braden scale should be completed to assess the risk for pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. METHOD: The Braden scale was used to assess repeatedly 136 adult patients without pressure ulcers in a medical intensive care unit, a surgical intensive care unit, and a noninvasive respiratory care unit, and the patients' skin was inspected routinely for pressure ulcers. RESULTS: A total of 36 pressure ulcers, most commonly on the sacrum or coccyx and the heels (15 stage 1, 20 stage 2, 1 stage 3), developed in 17 patients (12%). In 14 (82%) of the 17, the ulcers developed within 72 hours of admission to the intensive care unit. The risk for pressure ulcers increased as the mean sensory perception (P = .01) and the mean total Braden (P = .046) scores decreased. The mean sensory perception scores obtained at 12 and 36 hours after admission also had a significant relationship to the risk for pressure ulcers (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients in intensive care units have an increased risk for pressure ulcers. Although waiting until 12 hours after a patient's admission to the intensive care unit to obtain the initial Braden rating may be reasonable (with the second rating obtained 36 hours after admission), additional research is needed before this practice can be recommended.     

肝移植患者急性压疮发生的危险因素分析

目的 分析肝移植手术后患者发生急性压疮的危险因素,寻找护理切入点.方法 收集2005年1月-2013年9月95例肝移植患者的基本资料,记录术前、术中、术后可能与压疮发生有关的指标,对肝移植患者压疮危险因素进行分析,并评价医护因素对肝移植患者急性压疮发生情况的影响.结果 30例患者于手术当天至术后3d出现皮肤异常,其中手术当天出现皮肤异常患者14例（46.67％）,术后1～3 d分别为9例（30.00％）,5例（16.67％）,2例（6.66％）.30例压疮患者中,发生于骶尾部19例（63.33％）、足跟部9例（30.00％）.不同Braden评分、血清总蛋白、手术时间、失血量、首次下床时间及遵医行为患者压疮发生率差异有统计学意义（x2 /Z值分别为6.338,7.787,4.005,12.960,4.163,6.257;P＜0.05）.医护人员对压疮缺乏认知引起者最多为12例（40.00％）,其次为观察评估频次较少引起者7例（23.33％）.结论 肝移植患者发生急性压疮与Braden评分、血清总蛋白、手术时间、失血量、首次下床时间及遵医行为密切相关,针对上述高危因素制定护理措施,可以降低术后压疮的发生危险.