Relationship between healing status and microbial dissimilarity in wound and peri-wound skin in pressure injuries

AimWound infection is the most serious cause of delayed healing for patients with pressure injuries. The wound microbiota, which plays a crucial role in delayed healing, forms by bacterial dissemination from the peri-wound skin. To manage the bioburden, wound and peri-wound skin care has been implemented; however, how the microbiota at these sites contribute to delayed healing is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between healing status and microbial dissimilarity in wound and peri-wound skin.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted at a long-term care hospital. The outcome was healing status assessed using the DESIGN-R® tool, a wound assessment tool to monitor the wound healing process. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the wound and peri-wound swabs, and microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene analysis. To evaluate microbial similarity, the weighted UniFrac dissimilarity index between wound and peri-wound microbiota was calculated.ResultsTwenty-two pressure injuries (7 deep and 15 superficial wounds) were included in the study. For deep wounds, the predominant bacteria in wound and peri-wound skin were the same in the healing wounds, whereas they were different in all cases of hard-to-heal wounds. Analysis based on the weighted UniFrac dissimilarity index, there was no significant difference for healing wounds (p = 0.639), while a significant difference was found for hard-to-heal wounds (p = 0.047).ConclusionsDelayed healing is possibly associated with formation of wound microbiota that is different in composition from that of the skin commensal microbiota. This study provides a new perspective for assessing wound bioburden.     

Preventing recurrence after surgical repair of pressure injuries in patients with spinal cord injury: Effects of a presurgical and postsurgical wheelchair seating intervention by experts

ObjectivePressure injuries in people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction (SCI/D) are known to have a high recurrence rate. As a countermeasure, we perform surgery after adjusting the wheelchair and cushion with the intervention of a seating expert. The effectiveness of seating interventions in postsurgical recurrence prevention was examined.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective analysis, the participants were 19 patients with SCI/D who underwent pressure injury surgical treatment in the gluteal region from 2005 to 2018. The patients with conventional rehabilitation were assigned to Group 1 (n = 8), and those with seating intervention by experts in addition to conventional rehabilitation were assigned to Group 2 (n = 11). The main outcome measure was the presence or absence of recurrence 3 years after the surgery. The recurrence rate was compared between the two groups.ResultsThe recurrence rates were 18% with seating intervention and 75% without; there was a significant difference (p = 0.025). The recurrence odds ratio was 13.5.ConclusionThis study suggests that presurgical seating evaluation and assessment by experts, postsurgical rehabilitation based on presurgical evaluation and assessment, and routine follow-up and seating adjustment according to changes are efficacious for preventing postsurgical pressure injury recurrence in patients with SCI/D.     

Knowledge of pressure injury in medical and surgical nurses in a tertiary level hospital: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNurses play a vital role in pressure injury prevention (PIP) but require foundational knowledge to ensure appropriate PIP strategies are enacted.AimsTo describe and compare medical and surgical nurses’ knowledge of pressure injury (PI) in a tertiary level hospital in China, and to identify predictors of PI knowledge among these groups.DesignA cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and December 2020.MethodsRegistered nurses from nine medical and fifteen surgical wards in a tertiary hospital were invited. The survey was composed of two parts; demographic and professional characteristics; and the Chinese translated version of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool 2.0 (PUKAT 2.0) where the total score ranged from 0 to 25; higher scores imply more knowledge. Medical and surgical nurses' knowledge test scores were compared using independent t-test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors predictive of nurses’ knowledge.ResultsIn total, 423 nurses from 24 wards participated the study and 404 nurses (95.5%) completed the knowledge test (Surgical n = 236, 58.4%; Medical n = 168, 41.6%). The PUKAT 2.0 mean score was 11.6 ± 3.0 (Surgical 12.2 ± 3.0; Medical 10.7 ± 2.8) with 335 (82.9%) nurses scoring <60%. Multiple linear regression showed working in surgical wards, nurse-in-charge position and previous PI training were significant predictors of knowledge scores.ConclusionKnowledge is a precursor to safe practice. Nurses demonstrated poor knowledge of PIP. Pressure injury related education may help improve nurses' knowledge but the extent to which it is used in place and impacts patients’ outcome requires more investigation.     

Risk factors for the development and evolution of deep tissue injuries: A systematic review

AimsThe aim of this systematic review is to identify the current epidemiological evidence indicating the unique risk factors for deep tissue injury (DTI) compared to grade I-IV pressure injury (PI), the proportion of DTI which evolve rather than resolve and the anatomical distribution of DTI.MethodsA systematic literature search was undertaken using the MEDLINE and CINAHL Plus databases using the search terms ‘Deep tissue injury OR DTI [Title/abstract]’. A google scholar search was also conducted in addition to hand searches of relevant journals, websites and books which were identified from reference lists in retrieved articles. Only peer-reviewed English language articles published 2009–2021 were included, with full text available online.ResultsThe final qualitative analysis included nine articles. These included n = 4 retrospective studies, n = 4 prospective studies and n = 1 animal study.ConclusionThe literature indicates that the majority of DTI occur at the heel and sacrum although in paediatric patients they are mainly associated with medical devices. Most DTI are reported to resolve, with between 9.3 and 27% deteriorating to full thickness tissue loss.Risk factors unique to DTI appear to include anaemia, vasopressor use, haemodialysis and nicotine use although it is unclear if these factors are unique to DTI or are shared with grade I-IV PI. Factors associated with deterioration include cooler skin measured using infrared thermography and negative capillary refill. With 100% of DTI showing positive capillary refill in one study resolving without tissue loss (p = 0.02) suggesting this may be an effective prognostic indicator.More prospective studies are required focusing on establishing causal links between risk factors identified in earlier retrospective studies. Ideally these should use statistically powered samples and sufficient follow up periods allowing DTI outcomes to be reached. Further work is also needed to establish reliable diagnostic criteria for DTI in addition to more studies in the paediatric population.     

Cost-Effectiveness of PHMB & betaine wound bed preparation compared with standard care in venous leg ulcers: A cost-utility analysis in the United Kingdom

BackgroundWounds cost £8.3 billion per year in the United Kingdom (UK) annually. Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) account for 15% of wounds and can be complicated to heal, increasing nurse visits and resource costs. Recent wound bed preparation consensus recommends wound cleansing and biofilm disrupting agents. However, inert cleansers such as tap water or saline are inexpensive, an evaluation of evidence is required to justify the higher upfront costs of treatment with active cleansers. We undertook a cost-effectiveness analysis of the use of a biofilm disrupting and cleansing solution and gel, Prontosan® Solution and Gel X, (PSGX) (B Braun Medical), as compared to the standard practice of using saline solution, for treating VLUs.MethodsA Markov model was parameterised to one-year costs and health-related quality of life consequences of treating chronic VLUs with PSGX versus saline solution. Costs are viewed from a UK healthcare payer perspective, include routine care and management of complications. A systematic literature search was performed to inform the clinical parameters of the economic model. Deterministic univariate sensitivity analysis (DSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were undertaken.ResultsFor PSGX an Incremental Net Monetary Benefit (INMB) of £1,129.65 to £1,042.39 per patient (with a Maximum Willingness to Pay of £30k and £20k per QALY respectively), of which cost savings are £867.87 and 0.0087 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gain per patient. PSA indicates a 99.3% probability of PSGX being cost-effective over saline.ConclusionsPSGX for the treatment of VLUs is dominant compared with saline solution in the UK with expected cost-savings within a year and improved patient outcomes.     

Self-supporting wound care mobile applications for nurses: A scoping review protocol

AimMobile health (mHealth) is playing an increasingly important role in the computerization of wound care on an international scale with an aim to improve care. The aim of this scoping review protocol is to present a transparent process for how we plan to search and review the existing evidence related to self-supporting mobile wound care applications used by nurses.Materials and methodsThe scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. An exploratory search was performed using MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL (Ebsco), to identify concepts, keywords, MeSH terms, and headings to identify study types looking for mobile applications in wound care. The findings of this search will determine the final search strategy. Data sources will include MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, LiSSa, Cochrane Wounds (Cochrane Library) and Erudit. The titles and abstracts of the identified articles will be screened independently by two authors for relevance. Full texts will also be screened by two independent reviewers and data extraction will be performed in accordance with a pre-designed extraction form. All types of studies and literature linked to self-supporting mobile wound care application used by nurses will be included (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and grey literature).ConclusionThe results of the scoping review will give an overview of the existing self-supporting mobile applications in wound care used by nurses. These will also help to identify the existing applications, and describe knowledge in nursing about their utilisation, development, and evaluation, as well as synthesize the available literature on their impacts.     

Dermal fibroblast from superficial layers of pig skin exhibits more proliferative capacity than that from deep layers

ObjectiveTo further examine the feasibility of using pigs as an animal model for the study of dermal fibroblast heterogeneity and to explore the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts from different layers of pig skin in vitro and in vivo.Material and methodsCultured superficial and deep dermal fibroblasts were subjected to cell growth assay, cell cycle analysis, immunocytochemical staining and western blotting for proliferating cell nuclear antigens. Moreover, skin samples autografted with superficial/deep dermal fibroblasts were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and western blotting for proliferating cell nuclear antigen.ResultsThe cell growth assay showed that the growth curve of the superficial dermal fibroblast was progressively higher than that of the deep layer. The cell cycle analysis showed that the (G2+S) percentage of the superficial dermal fibroblasts was significantly higher than that of the deep layer fibroblasts. The immunocytochemical staining and western blotting showed that the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the cultured superficial dermal fibroblast was significantly higher than that of the deep layer cells. The immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the skin samples autografted with the superficial dermal fibroblast was significantly higher than that of the deep layer.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that similar to human dermal fibroblasts, dermal fibroblasts from different layers of pig skin exhibit distinct proliferative capacity, which increases the feasibility of using pigs as an animal model for future studies on the heterogeneity of dermal fibroblasts.     

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from an ischial pressure ulcer initially suspected to be necrotizing soft tissue infection: A case report

BackgroundPressure ulcers are the most common complications in bedridden patients or those with spinal cord injuries. Marjolin's ulcer refers to a malignant transformation arising from burn scars or chronic nonhealing wounds—such as pressure ulcers—over many years. Squamous cell carcinoma is the major histopathologic type of Marjolin's ulcer, and the gold standard for diagnosis is tissue biopsy. Medical professionals may have difficulty distinguishing pressure ulcers from Marjolin's ulcer, especially when the latter presents with invasive infections. Thus, malignant transformations arising from pressure ulcers are frequently overlooked. Herein, we describe a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from pressure ulcers on the left ischium, which was initially identified as a necrotizing soft tissue infection.Case reportA 59-year-old paraplegic patient presented with stage 3 left ischial pressure ulcer, which involves full-thickness skin loss and extends into deep subcutaneous tissue, and arrived at our hospital with suspected sepsis. Upon physical examination, the patient presented with fever and shivering. Initial examination and imaging findings revealed the presence of necrotizing soft tissue infections. Three weeks later, rapid increase in granulation in the deep part of the ulcer was observed. Samples from multiples ulcer sites were collected for tissue biopsy. Finally, histological examination revealed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received radiation therapy and chemotherapy and died 11 months after the diagnosis.ConclusionMalignant transformations arising from pressure ulcers may closely resemble pressure ulcer infections. In these cases, tissue biopsies should be performed during primary care for the infection to exclude malignant transformations.     

Methotrexate reduces keratinocyte proliferation,migration and induces apoptosis in HaCaT keratinocytes in vitro and reduces wound closure in Skh1 mice in vivo

The aim of the present work was to evaluate MTX treatment (0.1, 1 and 10 μg mL^?1) in vitro in order to characterize its effects on cell proliferation alterations in cell cycle of HaCaT keratinocytes and wound healing in a Skh1 mice treated with MTX (low doses 30 mg kg^?1, high doses 200 mg kg^?1 and repeated doses at 1.5 mg kg^?1). We analyzed the cytotoxic effect of methotrexate by a resazurin assay. The effects in the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of HaCaT cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of MTX on wound healing in vivo were also analyzed. A trend toward reduction in the resazurin assay was found (p > 0.05). Reduced proliferation was also identified in a clonogenic assay and a CFSE assay (p < 0.05) due to the MTX treatment. A reduction in the G₂/M and S phases was observed accompanied by apoptosis induction with increased sub G₀ phase and annexin V FITC staining. Effect of MTX was evidenced in vivo on the wound closure process after day 10 (p < 0.05) with alterations in tissue architecture and remodeling. There is a marked effect of MTX on wound healing in vivo in Skh1 mice with implications for long-term therapy and surgical interventions.     

Incidence of pressure injuries in fracture patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the incidence of pressure injuries (PIs) in hospitalized fracture patients and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of PIs.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), WanFang Database, Weipu Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) were searched to collect cross-sectional studies and cohort studies related to PIs among hospitalized fracture patients. All electronic literature sources were searched from inception to March 2022, and a hand-search through references was also conducted to find relevant articles. Studies were evaluated independently by two researchers and audited by a third researcher. The data were extracted and presented in tables. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. All data analysis used Stata14.0. The I² statistic and random-effects model were used to determine the heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 7906 articles were screened, and 18 studies with 8956 patients were ultimately involved in this review. The pooled incidence of PIs in the fracture patients was 20.4% (95%CI: 14.9 to 25.8), and the incidence of PIs only in spinal and hip fracture patients was 23.9% (95%CI: 19.6 to 28.2). The incidence of PIs in 65 years old or over was significantly high (23.3% [95%CI: 15.3 to 31.2]). The most affected body sites were sacrococcygeal regions (56.7%) and heels (19.9%). The most common stages were stage 2 (62.2%) and stage 1 (17.4%).ConclusionThe overall incidence of PIs in fracture patients was as high as 20.4%, significantly higher than the average incidence of adults. We found that the potential for PIs in fracture patients increases with age. Hence, our discoveries recommended that healthcare givers should consider reducing the occurrence of PIs. Additionally, more research may be conducted to improve the understanding of characteristics of PIs among fracture patients and to identify PIs risk factors to prevent and treat them effectively.     

Graduated colour tape measure: Development and demonstration of this tool in a case series of neonatal skin injuries

AimThis study proposed to (1) develop a metric graduated colour tool and (2) demonstrate the effectiveness of the tool for use in the assessment of neonatal skin injuries.Materials/methodsFindings from wound literature informed the metric graduated colour tool's development. Tool development included consideration of colours, size (comparative to neonatal skin injuries), cost, materials, feasibility and suitability for the neonatal clinical setting. Assessment of the tool's applicability with clinical images was then tested using digital cameras with specific evaluation of image sharpness and colour. Further evaluation was conducted within a case series of neonatal skin injuries.ResultsThe metric graduated colour tool comprised of 15 colours, measures 60 mm, displays metric dimensions, and offers a discernible reference for clinical images and injury/wound bed comparison. Images collected appeared enhanced with clear wound edges compared to previous methods. Four neonates who acquired skin injuries were included in the case series for which the tool provided reliable metric and colour comparison of epidermal stripping, extravasation, birth injury, and pressure injury. When used to compare injury assessments for series subjects measurements of both increased and decreased severity were obtained.ConclusionA metric and colour tool can be used in conjunction with digital photographs to enhance objective assessment of neonatal skin injuries/wounds. The metric and colour tool provides the foundation for vital skin injury assessment and documentation essentials including injury bed colour, size and consideration of depth of damage.     

The economic impact of pressure ulcers among patients in intensive care units. A systematic review

BackgroundThe incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) remain high, despite the wealth of knowledge on appropriate prevention strategies currently available.MethodsThe primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the economic impact of pressure ulcers (PU) among adult intensive care patients. A systematic review was undertaken, and the following databases were searched; Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was used to formulate the review. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC)-list. Data were extracted using a pre-designed extraction tool, and a narrative analysis was undertaken.ResultsSeven studies met the inclusion criteria. Five reported costs associated with the prevention of pressure ulcers and three explored costs of treatment strategies. Four main PU prevention cost items were identified: support surfaces, dressing materials, staff costs, and costs associated with mobilisation. Seven main PU treatment cost items were reported: dressing materials, support surfaces, drugs, surgery, lab tests, imaging, additional stays and nursing care. The overall validities of the studies varied between 37 and 79%, meaning that there is potential for bias within all the included studies.ConclusionThere was a significant difference in the cost of PU prevention and treatment strategies between studies. This is problematic as it becomes difficult to accurately evaluate costs from the existing literature, thereby inhibiting the usefulness of the data to inform practice. Given the methodological heterogeneity among studies, future studies in this area are needed and these should use specific methodological guidelines to generate high-quality health economic studies.     

Polypoid granulation tissue in pressure ulcers: Significance of describing individual ulcers

Granulation tissue formation is required for the healing of deep pressure ulcers. The wound healing process is often delayed at the stage of granulation tissue formation. The pathogenesis of pressure ulcers showing granulation tissue may vary; however, no terminology has been defined to describe existing ulcers. Thus, we previously defined terminology for granulation tissue to describe individual ulcers. Based on these terms, we retrospectively evaluated the findings of deep pressure ulcers. In particular, we focused on polypoid granular tissue, a unique morphological feature. Polypoid granulation tissues were frequently observed in pressure ulcers over the sacrum compared with those over the foot. Chronological observation of a few cases indicated that external forces from specific directions during the healing process caused the development of polypoid granulation tissue. In addition, most pressure ulcers showing polypoid granulation tissue exhibited a trench-like appearance in individual wounds. Based on these observations, polypoid granulation tissue may generate from specific external forces, which lead to wound deformity. Morphological findings in an individual wound may be useful to predict the mechanical factors on existing pressure ulcers.     

Expression Profile of CD10, BCL-2, p63, and EMA in the Normal Skin and Basal Cell Carcinomas: An Immunohistochemical Reappraisal

BackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is common cutaneous malignancy.AimsTo examine the expression patterns of CD10, p63, BCL-2, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) proteins in BCC.Materials and methodsWe used immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression pattern of these proteins in 45 BCC specimens and their adjacent normal skin.ResultsWe found variations in the expression pattern of these proteins among normal skins and BCC. In normal skins, we found strong EMA cytoplasmic expression (adnexal structures). A strong nuclear p63 protein expression was found in basal and some suprabasal keratinocytes, external root sheath cells of the hair follicles, basal cells of the sebaceous glands, and in sweat glands.CD10 protein expression was seen in peri-adnexal mesenchymal spindle cells and myoepithelial cells of sweat glands.BCL-2 protein expression was confined to the basal cell keratinocytes, epidermal melanocytes, outer root sheath, and infundibulum of the hair follicle. In BCC, we found p63 (diffuse, strong nuclear staining), CD10 (focal, moderate cytoplasmic reactivity), and BCL-2 (focal, moderate cytoplasmic reactivity) protein expression in the neoplastic cells. BCC was consistently negative for EMA (except in areas of squamous differentiation).ConclusionsThere is an altered expression of these proteins in BCC. The underlying molecular mechanisms are open to further investigations.     

Factors associated with cesarean delivery in Bangladesh: A multilevel modeling

BackgroundIn recent decades, the number of C-section deliveries has increased over the world, including Bangladesh. The study aimed to identify individual- and community-level factors associated with C-section childbirth in Bangladesh and investigate the annual average increase rate of C-section childbirth. C-section.MethodsData were derived from four waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted between 2007 and 2017–18. Chi-square test of association was run to check the bivariate association between dependent and independent factors. For the individual- and community-level factors deliveries among Bangladeshi married women, a multilevel logistic regression model was carried out.ResultOver the last ten years, the average annual increase of C-section rates during delivery was 13.09% in Bangladesh, while this rate was 33.25%according to 2017–18 BDHS.C-section 33.25% of women have access to C-section birth. Women who had four or more than four ANC visits, women and their husbands with secondary and above education, middle and rich-wealth households, and community-level factors such as high media access, secondary and above educational experience women used C-sectionC-section delivery compared to their respective counterpart.ConclusionThe findings of the study revealed the association of some individual and community-level factors that need to be taken into account to minimize the rising rate of C-section deliveries in Bangladesh, which has increased drastically over the survey years.     

The development of a nomogram model for the individualized prediction of diaper dermatitis risk in pediatric hospitalized children aged 1–36 months

Aims and objectiveTo develop a nomogram model for individualized prediction of diaper dermatitis in pediatric hospitalized infants and toddlers aged 1–36 months.BackgroundDiaper dermatitis is a common skin health problem in pediatrics, which brings pain and discomfort to the child. However, there is a scarcity of risk prediction tools for diaper dermatitis in infants and toddlers hospitalized in pediatrics.DesignA cross-sectional study.Methods210 cases each for caregivers and hospitalized children aged 1–36 months were selected as the research objects. A prediction nomogram model was established based on the risk factors according to the results of univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance of the nomogram model was evaluated by discrimination and calibration. The clinical utility of the model was evaluated by decision curve analysis. This study was reported using the TRIPOD checklist.Results41 hospitalized children with diaper dermatitis with a prevalence of 19.52%. The risk factors included: age in months, diarrhea, history of diaper dermatitis, without prophylactic application of buttock protection products, frequency of diaper change per day ≤6.6 times, and the level of caregivers’ knowledge of infantile diaper dermatitis. The results showed that the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.891(95% CI: 0.832, 0.950), the calibration curve manifested a satisfactory consistency, and the net benefit was satisfactory.ConclusionsThe nomogram has a good predictive ability and satisfactory clinical utility, which is useful for pediatric medical staff screening high-risk patients with diaper dermatitis.Relevance to clinical practiceThe prediction nomogram model can help pediatric medical staff to calculate the risk probability of diaper dermatitis in pediatrics, formulate interventions timely, and optimize pediatric DD standardized care protocols.No patient or public contributionthe children's caregivers enrolled in this study only for the data collection.     

Determination of medical device-related pressure injury in COVID-19 patients: A prospective descriptive study

BackgroundCOVID-19 patients are at risk for the development of pressure injuries (PI).AimThe aim of this study was to determine the incidence of medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) in patients treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)s.MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of 132 patients, and each with a maximum follow-up of 7 days. Data were collected in the COVID-19 ICU of a university hospital between January and May 2021 by using a Patient Characteristics Form, the MDRPI Follow-up Form, the Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, and the Pressure Ulcer Staging Form.ResultsOf the patients, 59.1% (n = 78) developed at least one MDRPI. MRDPI was observed in those with a mean age of 65.45 ± 2.462 years who were invasively ventilated (51.3%), enterally fed (46.2%), placed in the prone position (78.2%), and had a Braden score ≤12 (50%). The most common medical devices that caused MDRPIs included endotracheal tube (ET) (31.2% n = 44), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIVM) (23.4% n = 33), nasal high-flow (11.3% n = 16), nasogastric tube (10.6% n = 15), the ET connection (8.5% n = 12), respectively. The most common sites for pressure injuries were the nose (28.8% n = 34), mouth (25.8% n = 34), ear (12.9% n = 17), lip (9.1% n = 12), and cheek (8.3% n = 11). The most common gradings of MDRPIs were stage 2 (28.8% n = 38), stage 1 (19.7% n = 26), stage 3 (9.1% n = 12) mucous membrane injuries (12.9% n = 17) and suspected deep tissue injuries (9.1% n = 12), respectively. The time to PI was 3 days (25.7% n = 36).ConclusionsMDRPI was common among COVID-19 patients. It was found that the most common cause of pressure injury was ventilators, and PI developed in the mouth and lip sites most frequently in patients in prone position, stage 2 and suspected deep tissue damage was the most common grade. It is important to evaluate the skin in contact with medical devices in COVID-19 patients and to take the necessary interventions to prevent PI.