Retrospective study on the factors influencing the severity of pressure injuries among intensive care unit patients
- 16 January 2022
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Clinical Nursing
- Vol. 32 (1-2), 243-252
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16213
Abstract
Aims and objectives This study investigated the factors of pressure injuries in patients in intensive care units (ICU). Background Pressure injuries among patients in ICUs can be prevented by the early assessment of risk factors and taking appropriate preventative measures. Design A retrospective study. Methods ICU patients who suffered from pressure injuries between January 2016 and August 2018 at a hospital in Taiwan were selected. Patient medical histories and data associated with pressure injuries and medical treatment were collected from electronic medical records. A total of 256 patients were included in our analysis. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist. Results A multivariate model of multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that when compared to Stage 1 pressure injuries, Stage 2–4 pressure injuries were associated with albumin levels. Patients with lower albumin levels were at greater odds of Stage 2–4 pressure injuries than Stage 1 pressure injuries. In addition, when compared to unstageable pressure injuries or deep tissue injuries, Stage 1 pressure injuries were associated with the use of fentanyl and haemoglobin levels. Patients using fentanyl were more likely to suffer from unstageable pressure injuries, and those with lower haemoglobin levels were more likely to suffer from unstageable pressure injuries or deep tissue injuries. Conclusion When patients were simultaneously on ventilators and taking midazolam or fentanyl, the incidence of pressure injuries with greater severity became higher. Furthermore, ICU patients with lower albumin and haemoglobin levels were more likely to suffer from pressure injuries of greater severity. Relevance to clinical practice For critically ill patients on ventilators, it is recommended to devise a means of assessing each patient daily as well as systematically reduce their dosage of midazolam or fentanyl. Furthermore, regularly monitoring albumin and haemoglobin levels to understand their nutritional status is necessary.Keywords
This publication has 33 references indexed in Scilit:
- Albumin administration prevents the onset of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patientsInternational Wound Journal, 2013
- Patient risk factors for pressure ulcer development: Systematic reviewInternational Journal of Nursing Studies, 2013
- Low serum albumin level as an independent risk factor for the onset of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patientsInternational Wound Journal, 2012
- All At-Risk Patients Are Not Created EqualJournal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing, 2012
- Pressure ulcers: Back to the basicsIndian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 2012
- Association of Anemia with Pressure Ulcers, Falls, and Hospital Admissions among Long-term Care ResidentsHealth Outcomes Research in Medicine, 2011
- Hypoalbuminaemia in the perioperative period: Clinical significance and management optionsBest Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 2011
- Phagocytic Activity Is Impaired in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Increases after Metabolic ImprovementPLOS ONE, 2011
- Factors Affecting the Healing of Pressure Ulcers in a Korean Acute Care HospitalJournal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing, 2011
- Plasma albumin levels correlate with decreased microcirculation and the development of skin defects in hemodialyzed patientsNutrition, 2010