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.     

Implementing local cooling to increase skin tolerance to ischemia during normal seating in people with spinal cord injury

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of local cooling in reducing reactive hyperemia after ischemia at the ischial tuberosities for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) during normal seating. The degree of the reactive hyperemic response is indicative of the extent of cellular stress caused by the ischemia. We hypothesized that reactive hyperemic skin blood flow (SBF) responses will be lower when local cooling is implemented by the wheelchair seat cushion. This study used a repeated measures design, and each subject underwent two conditions: normal seating with temperature control ‘on’ (cooling) and ‘off’ (non-cooling) for 30 min. Twenty-three participants with traumatic SCI were recruited. SBF and skin temperature were collected before, during and after seating. SBF signals were processed with short-time Fourier analyses to examine the underlying vascular control mechanisms, including the following (corresponding frequency bands): metabolic (0.0095–0.02 Hz), neurogenic (0.02–0.05 Hz), and myogenic (0.05–0.15 Hz) spectral densities. Our results showed that with cooling, skin temperature decreased (range −0.4 ~ −3.1 °C, p = 0.002), and reactive hyperemia parameters (normalized peak SBF and perfusion area) were reduced (p = 0.02, p = 0.033, respectively). In addition, changes in normalized peak SBF (non-cooling – cooling) was moderately correlated with changes in normalized metabolic and neurogenic spectral densities. Our findings suggested that local cooling has a positive effect on reducing the cellular stress caused by ischemia during normal seating. Metabolic and neurogenic SBF control mechanisms may play a minor role. Further exploration of the effect of temperature control on pressure injury prevention is warranted.     

Sacral interface pressure can be alleviated by repositioning with a small-angle change using an automated bed in patients with spinal cord injury

Aim of the studyThis study aimed to compare interface pressure and total contact area of the sacral region in different positions, including small-angle changes, in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Furthermore, we analyzed the clinical factors influencing pressure to identify the pressure injury (PI) high-risk group.Materials and methodsAn intervention was conducted for patients with paraplegia (n = 30) with SCI. In the first and second trials, interface pressure and total contact area of the sacral region were recorded from large- and small-angled positions using the automatic repositioning bed, which can change the angle of the back, lateral tilt, and knee.ResultsPositions with back raised ≥45° showed significantly higher pressure on the sacrum than most other positions. The pressure and contact area differences were statistically insignificant for combinations of small-angled changes <30°.Additionally, the duration of injury (β = 0.51, p = 0.010) and neurological level of injury (NLI) (β = −0.47, p = 0.020) were significant independent predictors of average pressure. Similarly, the duration of injury (β = 0.64, p = 0.001), the Korean version of the spinal cord independence measure-III (β = −0.52, p = 0.017), and body mass index (BMI; β = −0.34, p = 0.041) were significant independent predictors of peak pressure.ConclusionsFor repositioning, combinations of small-angle changes <30° effectively reduce pressure on the sacral region in patients with SCI. Lower BMI, longer duration of injury, lower functioning score, and NLI ≥ T7 are predictors of high sacral pressures, which increase the risk for PI. Therefore, patients with these predictors require strict management.     

The effect of therapeutic footwear on the recurrence and new formation of foot ulcers in previously affected diabetic patients in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia

AimDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a common serious complication of diabetes mellitus, (lifetime occurrence, 19%–34%) account for at least 85% of all lower-limb amputations in diabetic patients. Special footwear (therapeutic footwear) is frequently recommended for such patients to adapt to changes in their foot structure. We aimed to, measure the effect of therapeutic footwear on DFU development and recurrence among previously affected patients in Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed between June and September 2022. The study targeted patients aged ≥18 years previously diagnosed with DFU. Participants were contacted by telephone to complete a questionnaire assessing footwear use and foot care.ResultsThis study included 115 participants with a mean age of 61.9 ± 11.63; overall, 47% of participants used therapeutic footwear and 46% were adherent with wearing it. The DFU recurrence rate among patients who used therapeutic footwear was 27.8% versus 52.5% among patients who did not (p = 0.013). While using therapeutic footwear, patients with foot deformities reported a lower ulcer healing rate than those who did not (50% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.04). Patients who examined their feet had a lower recurrence rate than those who did not (38.5% vs. 50%, p = 0.43).ConclusionTherapeutic footwear use was significantly associated with decreased DFU recurrence. Further investigation to enhance the evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in DFUs is warranted.     

Experiences of internet-based treatment for vulvodynia: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe women's experiences before, under, and after a guided internet-based intervention for vulvodynia.MethodsThe design was qualitative, based on content analysis. Participants were women who had undergone guided internet-based treatment for vulvodynia based on acceptance and commitment therapy principles (n = 13). Data were collected through in-depth interviews approximately-one month after participants completed treatment.ResultsThe analysis revealed the women’s experiences of internet-based treatment for vulvodynia. Three themes emerged: “dealing with pain alone,” which was related to experiences of living with vulvodynia before internet-based treatment; “finding new ways,” which described the experiences of undergoing an internet-based treatment for vulvodynia and “feeling empowered to take control,” referring to the experiences of living with vulvodynia after the internet-based treatment. The women described a long search for a diagnosis, revealing a negative experience of healthcare. The internet-based treatment helped them find new ways to manage vulvodynia, but difficulties with the treatment were also experienced. After the intervention, the women reported improvements in wellbeing and having better strategies to manage pain, but also stated that the treatment was insufficient to perceive changes in vulvar pain.ConclusionsThe guided internet-based treatment program for vulvodynia based on acceptance and commitment therapy principles was perceived as credible, helpful to manage vulvodynia, and could serve as a complement to regular care. Questions regarding the need for more support and optimal length of treatment need to be further evaluated.     

“Doctor,how long will it take?” Results from an historical cohort on surgical pressure ulcer healing delay and related factors in persons with spinal cord injury

BackgroundFlap surgery for deep pelvic pressure ulcers has already shown its effectiveness. Most studies relating to the postoperative period assessed complications rates and associated risk factors, but none focused on delayed wound healing. The objective of this study was to describe wound healing delay after primary flap surgery in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to assess associated risk factors.MethodsThis observational retrospective study based on medical charts included all persons with SCI operated for primary flap surgery for pelvic PU in the Hérault department of France between 2006 and 2014. Overall, 100 biomedical, psychological, socioeconomics and care management factors were studied. The primary outcome was wound healing delay, defined as time from surgery to complete cutaneous closure.Results85 patients were included. Median healing time was 48 days (R: 20–406). Healing rate was 70% at 3 months and 90% at 4 months. After a multivariate analysis three factors were significantly associated with delayed wound healing: duration of hospitalization in the acute care unit (HR = 2.68; p = 0.004), local post-operative complication (HR = 10.75; p = 0.02), and post-operative sepsis (HR = 2.18; p = 0.02).ConclusionAfter primary skin flap surgery for PU in persons with SCI, delayed wound healing is related to local or general complications as well as care management organization. The risk of delayed wound healing justifies the implementation of a coordinated pre-operative management to prevent complications and a structured care network for an earlier transfer to a SCI rehabilitation center.     

Women’s negative childbirth experiences and socioeconomic factors: Results from the Babies Born Better survey

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between women's socioeconomic status and overall childbirth experience and to explore how women reporting an overall negative birth experience describe their experiences of intrapartum care.MethodsWe used both quantitative and qualitative data from the Babies Born Better (B3) survey version 2, including a total of 8317 women. First, we performed regression analyses to explore the association between women’s socioeconomic status and labour and birth experience, and then a thematic analysis of three open-ended questions from women reporting a negative childbirth experience (n = 917).ResultsIn total 11.7% reported an overall negative labour and birth experience. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of a negative childbirth experience was elevated for women with non-tertiary education, for unemployed, students and not married or cohabiting. Women with lower subjective living standard had an adjusted OR of 1.70 (95% CI 1.44–2.00) for a negative birth experience, compared with those with average subjective living standard. The qualitative analysis generated three themes: 1) Uncompassionate care: lack of sensitivity and empathy, 2) Impersonal care: feeling objectified, and 3) Critical situations: feeling unsafe and loss of control.ConclusionImportant socioeconomic disparities in women’s childbirth experiences exist even in the Norwegian setting. Women reporting a negative childbirth experience described disrespect and mistreatment as well as experiences of insufficient attention and lack of awareness of individual and emotional needs during childbirth. The study shows that women with lower socioeconomic status are more exposed to these types of experiences during labour and birth.Tweetable abstractWomen with lower socioeconomic status are more exposed to negative experiences during labour and birth.     

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.     

Induction of labor in twin pregnancies – A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate outcomes in spontaneous and induced twin deliveries. Secondary aims were to study impact of delivery interval and breech presentation of the first twin.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study comprised 354 twin deliveries at a tertiary Norwegian hospital. Spontaneous labor onset and induction of labor were compared in women with planned vaginal delivery and gestational age ≥ 34 weeks. The main outcome was intrapartum cesarean section. Secondary outcomes were umbilical arterial pH and five-minute Apgar scores.ResultsAmong the induced labors, 63/229 (27.5%) women underwent intrapartum cesarean section, compared to 45/125 (36%) in spontaneous labors (P = 0.10). Odds ratio for intrapartum cesarean section in induced labors was 0.65 (95% CI 0.40–1.04) after adjusting for maternal age and parity.Median umbilical arterial pH was significantly lower in the second twins in both spontaneous and induced labors, 7.28 (6.94–7.43) vs. 7.32 (7.16–7.42), and 7.27 (6.90–7.48) vs. 7.29 (7.08–7.45), respectively. pH < 7.00 rarely occurred. Second twins born after a delivery interval > 30 min had a significantly higher frequency of pH < 7.10 than those with a shorter interval, P < 0.01. No significant difference was found in frequency of pH < 7.10 between breech-presenting and cephalic-presenting first twins (P = 0.65). One unexpected intrapartum fetal death occurred after labor induction.ConclusionOur results support spontaneous onset and induction of labor as safe. Intrapartum cesarean section rates did not differ significantly between spontaneous and induced labors. Delivery interval > 30 min was associated with a lower pH in the second twin.     

Adaptation of a MR imaging protocol into a real-time clinical biometric ultrasound protocol for persons with spinal cord injury at risk for deep tissue injury: A reliability study

BackgroundHigh strain in soft tissues that overly bony prominences are considered a risk factor for pressure ulcers (PUs) following spinal cord impairment (SCI) and have been computed using Finite Element methods (FEM). The aim of this study was to translate a MRI protocol into ultrasound (US) and determine between-operator reliability of expert sonographers measuring diameter of the inferior curvature of the ischial tuberosity (IT) and the thickness of the overlying soft tissue layers on able-bodied (AB) and SCI using real-time ultrasound.Material and methodsPart 1: Fourteen AB participants with a mean age of 36.7 ± 12.09 years with 7 males and 7 females had their 3 soft tissue layers in loaded and unloaded sitting measured independently by 2 sonographers: tendon/muscle, skin/fat and total soft tissue and the diameter of the IT in its short and long axis. Part 2: Nineteen participants with SCI were screened, three were excluded due to abnormal skin signs, and eight participants (42%) were excluded for abnormal US signs with normal skin. Eight SCI participants with a mean age of 31.6 ± 13.6 years and all male with 4 paraplegics and 4 tetraplegics were measured by the same sonographers for skin, fat, tendon, muscle and total. Skin/fat and tendon/muscle were computed.ResultsAB between-operator reliability was good (ICC = 0.81–0.90) for 3 soft tissues layers in unloaded and loaded sitting and poor for both IT short and long axis (ICC = −0.028 and −0.01). SCI between-operator reliability was good in unloaded and loaded for total, muscle, fat, skin/fat, tendon/muscle (ICC = 0.75–0.97) and poor for tendon (ICC = 0.26 unloaded and ICC = −0.71 loaded) and skin (ICC = 0.37 unloaded and ICC = 0.10).ConclusionA MRI protocol was successfully adapted for a reliable 3 soft tissue layer model and could be used in a 2-D FEM model designed to estimate soft tissue strain as a novel risk factor for the development of a PU.     

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.     

Assessing the Unmet Preconception Care Needs of Men in the United States by Race/Ethnicity and Nativity

ObjectiveTo estimate the percentage of men in the U.S. in need of preconception care and to assess gaps in utilization of services by race/ethnicity and nativity, irrespective of intention for children, via cross-sectional analysis of 2017–2019 National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG). Methods: The need for preconception care was defined as non-sterile men who had sexual experience and were with female partner(s) who were not sterile. Thirteen preconception care services were assessed across six domains: family planning, blood pressure, HIV, STD, weight management, and smoking cessation. Multivariable weighted analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios to assess differences in preconception care utilization among participants. Results: Approximately 64% of men were estimated to need preconception care. Substantial disparities in need and service use were found across sociodemographic characteristics. Foreign-born men had significantly higher odds of not receiving three of the thirteen preconception care services, including condom use screening (aOR = 1.67; CI = 1.23–2.26), HIV advice (aOR = 1.76; CI = 1.35–2.29), and STD testing (aOR = 1.66; CI = 1.13–2.44), than U.S.-born. Hispanic men had higher odds of not receiving blood pressure (aOR = 1.39; CI = 1.09–1.79) and smoking screenings (aOR = 1.33; CI = 1.02–1.73) than White men. Black men had the highest use in six of the thirteen preconception care services. Conclusion: Gaps in preconception care utilization suggest a need to further explore potential drivers of disparities, specifically for Hispanic and foreign-born men. Additional research into the timing and quality of care received by men are needed to assess the scope, severity, and prevalence of unmet needs within medically underserved communities.     

Ultrasound assessment of deep tissue on the wound bed and periwound skin: A classification system using ultrasound images

AimsGiven the utility of ultrasonography in assessing pressure injury, some ultrasonographic findings have already been used as indicators of deep tissue pressure injury. Despite reports showing that a cloud-like ultrasonographic pattern reflected the presence of deep tissue necrosis, identifying cloud-like patterns was difficult given the presence of similar findings, such as a cobblestone-like pattern. This case series reports patients with pressure injuries who presented with a cloud-like (five cases) and cobblestone-like (four cases) pattern during ultrasonography.MethodsThis study was conducted at a Japanese university hospital. Participants included patients who underwent routine examination by an interdisciplinary pressure injury team. Pressure injury severity was assessed using the DESIGN-R® scoring system and the wound size were measured using ImageJ software based on the wound photograph.ResultsAmong the five cases showing a cloud-like pattern upon ultrasonography, all exhibited an increase in the total DESIGN-R® score, while three exhibited an increase in wound size. On the other hand, all four cases showing a cobblestone-like pattern displayed no increase in the total DESIGN-R® score and a decrease in wound size.ConclusionThis study suggested that distinguishing between cloud-like and cobblestone-like ultrasonography patterns is necessary for determining the presence or absence of deep tissue pressure injury. In order to comprehensively assess pressure injuries with ultrasonography, future studies should be conducted in a large number of participants.     

Clinical outcomes of high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas treated with Mohs surgery alone: An analysis of local recurrence,regional nodal metastases,progression-free survival,and disease-specific death

BackgroundThe incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) continues to increase, and it is now predicted that the number of deaths from cSCC will surpass that of melanoma within the next 5 years. Although most cSCCs are successfully treated, there exists an important subset of high-risk tumors that have the highest propensity for local recurrence (LR), nodal metastasis (NM), and disease-specific death (DSD).ObjectiveWe investigated the clinical outcomes of high-risk cSCCs treated with Mohs surgery (MS) alone, analyzing LR, NM, distant metastasis, and DSD. In addition, we analyzed progression-free survival and DSD in patients who underwent salvage head/neck dissection for regional NMs.MethodsRetrospective review of all high-risk cSCC treated in our clinics between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2020, with follow-up through April 1, 2020.SettingTwo university-affiliated, private-practice MS referral centers.ResultsIn total, 581 high-risk primary cSCCs were identified in 527 patients, of which follow-up data were obtained for 579 tumors. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 95.7%, with a mean survival time of 18.6 years. The 5-year LR-free survival was 96.9%, the regional NM-free survival was 93.8%, and the distant metastasis–free survival was 97.3%. The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival rates from metastatic disease were 92.6 and 90.0%, respectively. In patients who experienced regional NMs and underwent salvage head and neck dissection with or without radiation, the 2-year disease-specific survival was 90.5%.ConclusionOur cohort, which is the largest high-risk cSCC cohort treated with MS to date, experienced lower rates of LR, NM, and DSD than those reported with historical reference controls using both the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and American Joint Committee on Cancer, Eighth Edition, staging systems. We demonstrated that MS confers a disease-specific survival advantage over historical wide local excision for high-risk tumors. Moreover, by improving local tumor control, MS appears to reduce the frequency of regional metastatic disease and may confer a survival advantage even for patients who develop regional metastases.     

Development and preliminary validation of a tool measuring concordance and belief about performing pressure-relieving activities for pressure ulcer prevention in spinal cord injury

ObjectiveTo develop and examine the reliability, and validity of a questionnaire measuring concordance for performing pressure-relief for pressure ulcer (PrU) prevention in people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).MethodsPhase I included item development, content and face validity testing. In phase II, the questionnaire was evaluated for preliminary acceptability, reliability and validity among 48 wheelchair users with SCI.ResultsThirty-seven items were initially explored. Item and factor analysis resulted in a final 26-item questionnaire with four factors reflecting concordance, perceived benefits, perceived negative consequences, and personal practical barriers to performing pressure-relief activities. The internal consistency reliability for four domains were very good (Cronbach's α = 0.75-.89). Pearson correlation coefficient on a test-retest of the same subjects yielded significant correlations in concordance (r² = 0.91, p = .005), perceived benefit (r² = 0.71, p < .04), perceived negative consequences (r² = 0.98, p < .0001), personal barriers (r² = 0.93, p= .002). Participants with higher levels of concordance reported a greater amount of pressure-relieving performed. Individuals viewing PrU as a threatening illness were associated with higher scores of concordance and tended to report a greater amount of pressure-relieving performance which provides evidence of criterion related validity.ConclusionThe new questionnaire demonstrated good preliminary reliability and validity in people with SCI. Further evaluation is necessary to confirm these findings using larger samples with follow-up data for predictive validity. Such a questionnaire could be used by clinicians to identify high risk of patients and to design individualised education programme for PrU prevention.     

Not just quantity: Gluteus maximus muscle characteristics in able-bodied and SCI individuals – Implications for tissue viability

Study aimSome individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) remain pressure ulcer (PU) free whilst others experience a recurring cycle of tissue breakdown. Detailed analysis of gluteal muscle characteristics may provide insights to local tissue viability variability. The study hypothesis was that SCI individuals have altered muscle composition compared to able-bodied (AB).MaterialsTen AB and ten SCI received a supine pelvic CT scan, with contrast.MethodsCross-sectional area (CSA) and overall muscle volume were derived using image analysis. Gluteal muscle tissue type was classified at the S2/S3 sacral vertebrae midpoint, the superior greater trochanters margin (GT) and the inferior ischial tuberosities margin (IT) using the linear transformation Hounsfield Unit scale.ResultsSCI gluteal CSA was less than for AB throughout the muscle, with the greatest relative atrophy at the IT (48%). Average AB gluteal volume was nearly double SCI. Eight SCI had over 20% infiltrative adipose tissue, three with over 50%. SCI gluteal CSA and intramuscular fat infiltration were significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.05). SCI IT axial slices showed less lean muscle and higher intramuscular fat infiltration than more proximally (p < 0.05).ConclusionSCI gluteal muscle characteristics were indicative of impaired tissue viability. SCI disuse muscle atrophy was anticipated; the analytic approach further indicated that intramuscular atrophy was not uniform. SCI muscle composition showed increased proportions of both low density muscle and adipose tissue. CT scan with contrast is effective for gluteal muscle characterization. This assessment technique may contribute to determination of personalized risk for PU development and other secondary complications.     

Community acquired pressure injuries in a work-related spinal cord injury population: Problem characterization and assessment of a working solution

BackgroundTo characterize the problem of community-acquired pressure injuries (CAPIs) in a work-related spinal cord injury (SCI) population in Canada and assess the benefits of a person-centered solution. Characterization of the problem and a solution, albeit in an insured Worker's Compensation Board of British Columbia (WorkSafeBC) cohort, may inform the supply of solutions in the larger SCI population with disparate access to healthcare.MethodsFor this observational study, data on 244 WorkSafeBC clients, who received an intervention featuring pressure injury (PI) assessment between 2011 and 2015, were used to characterize the problem. Data on observed injuries, risk, referrals, and outcomes were linked to healthcare service claims. Employing an activity-based costing methodology, total expenditures on attributed services were calculated for clients with 1 or more PIs. Intervention cost and benefits from the insurer's perspective are considered.Results84 of 244 clients had 1 or more PIs at assessment, with attributed mean cost of $56,092 in 2015 Canadian dollars (CAD). Mean cost by PI severity range from $9580 to $238,736. At an intervention cost of $820,618, detection of less severe injuries provided an opportunity to prevent progression and achieve $3 million in cost avoidance. Follow-up data suggest reasonable returns. Reductions in the incidence, number, and risk of pressure injuries were also observed.ConclusionsThe analysis establishes the cost of CAPIs in a Canadian-based work-related SCI population and suggests preventative and early intervention is not only feasible but also practical. Results are relevant to decisions regarding the use of proactive prevention-based treatment models as opposed to reactive, solutions in the larger SCI population.