Abstract:

Objective: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common problem in intensive care units (ICUs) and lead to prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality and treatment cost. The Norton and Braden Risk Assessment scales (BRAS) were developed for this purpose. However, in recent years, it has been suggested that BRAS is insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between BRAS and risk factors of PU in patients treated in the ICU. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study was conducted between February and July 2017 and enrolled 200 patients with standardized PaO2/FiO2 ratio and BRAS scores, and all possible risk factors including age, sex, serum hemoglobin (Hb), albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, platelet, mechanical ventilation support, Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) scores, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS2002) scores, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) 2 scores, hypotension, and expected mortality were evaluated. Results: The ages of the patients included the study were between 18 and 95 years, with a mean age of 62.84±17.98 years [88 (44%) women and 112 (56%) men]. A positive correlation was noted between BRAS measurements and albumin, Hb, GCS, hypotension, and PaO2/FiO2 measurements. Also, a negative correlation was noted between BRAS measurements and NRS2002 values, direct bilirubin levels, APACHE 2, and expected mortality values. Conclusion: Low albumin and Hb values, GCS, and PaO2/FiO2 values, hypotension, and high indirect bilirubin levels, NRS2002, and APACHE 2 scores are risk factors for developing PU. It is inferred from our study that these symptoms and standard laboratory results should be used as additional indicators in determining the risk of PU, and BRAS should be modified by considering these risk factors.

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