Frequency of Pressure Ulcers and Related Risk Factors in Patients Transferred From the Intensive Care Unit to the Internal Diseases Clinic

Abstract

Purpose: Determination of pressure ulcer frequency and pressure ulcer-related clinical features in patients transferred from intensive care units (ICU) to internal medicine clinics. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study included 100 consecutive patients aged 18 years and older. Nutritional risk score (NRS-2002) and BRADEN scale at admission to the intensive care unit were calculated. During the transfer to the internal medicine clinic, the frequency, localization and stage of pressure ulcers were determined. Patients with and without pressure ulcers were compared according to clinical and laboratory characteristics. Results: Of the 100 patients included in the study, 52 (52%) were women. The mean age was 69.8±16.5 years. The frequency of pressure ulcer was 50%, the most common location and stage was sacrum (88%), and stage 2 (58%). The mean age (74±13, 66±18 respectively, p=0.022) and length of stay in ICU (p<0.001) were higher in patients with pressure ulcer. Those with cerebrovascular disease and dementia (p=0.016 and p<0.001 respectively), using invasive mechanical ventilation, positive inotropic agents and antibiotics (p<0.001, p=0.005, and p=0.008, respectively), with pressure ulcer before ICU (p<0.001), high risk of malnutrition and pressure ulcer (p<0.001) were more common in patients with pressure ulcer. It was seen that 1 day increase in ICU length of stay increased the risk of pressure ulcer 1.42 times. Conclusion: This study revealed that half of the patients transferred from the ICU to the internal medicine clinics had pressure ulcer, and the risk of developing pressure ulcers increases as the length of stay in the ICU is prolonged.

Keywords

• nrs-2002 score
• braden scale
• immobilization