Evaluation of risk factors for decubitus ulcers in intensive care unit patients

Objective: Pressure ulcers are common problems in intensive care units (ICU) that increase mortality, prolong length of hospital stays and increase treatment costs. The pressure ulcer risk should be evaluated when the patient is first admitted and a care plan should be established. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the pressure ulcers in our ICU and the risk factors that might predispose patients to them. Material and Methods: Patients who were admitted to the medical ICU between May 2009 and March 2010 and who stayed more than 72 hours were included in the study. Patients' demographic and clinical features, presence, location and degree of pressure ulcers at the time of admission, Braden risk scores,and risk factors for decubitus ulcers were recorded prospectively. Patients who developed decubitus ulcers were compared with those who did not. Results: One hundred and three patients were enrolled. The median APACHE II score was 23. Half of the patients needed mechanical ventilation. Twenty-seven patients already had pressure ulcers at the time of admission while seven patients developed new pressure ulcers. In multivariate analysis of the Braden score,obesity hypoalbuminemia were found to be risk factors for decubitus ulcers. Conclusion: Patients who are admitted to the ICU should be evaluated for decubitus ulcers. Possible risk factors should be determined and the necessary measures should be taken in a timely fashion in patients with a high Braden score, obesity and hypoalbuminemia.