Pressure ulcers in the critical patient: detection of risk factors

Introduction: Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are more vulnerable to the appearance of pressure ulcers. This is the reason why the highest rates of pressure ulcers (PU) incidence and prevalence are found in the ICU. This study has aimed to identify risk factors related to the appearance of PU in critically ill patients. Patients and method: This was a prospective and observational study that included all patients admitted for more than 24 h from October 2009 to June 2010. Dependent variable: Appearance of PU. Independent variables: APACHE II score, risk assessment score (EMINA), body mass index (BMI), support surface, nutrition, norepineprhine, sedation and care support devices. Data analyses: Kaplan-Meyer survival and Cox regression analysis. Significance p < 0.05. Results: A total of 236 patients were included. A significant association was found to BMI >= 30 (RR: 2.51), EMINA > 10 (RR: 2.96), hyperproteic nutrition (RR: 0.946), turning (RR: 0.88), sedation (RR: 0.95), polyurethane nasogastric feeding tube (RR: 0.94), dynamic support surface (RR: 0.88). Significant association of p < 0.1 for Norepinephrine (RR: 2.34). Conclusions: BMI= 30, EMINA and norepinephrine are predictive factors of risk for PU development. Sedation days, dynamic support surfaces, hyperproteic nutrition, turning, and polyurethane nasogastric feeding tube were established as protective factors against PU. (c) 2011 Elsevier Espana, S.L. and SEEIUC. All rights reserved.