Abstract:

Aims: In this study it was aimed to evaluate the causes of pressure ulcer development in COVID-19 patients followed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, treatment modalities and mortality rates of the patients were reviewed retrospectively from hospital records. In addition, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and modified NUTRIC scores were calculated. Braden scale was used for pressure ulcer evaluation. Results: Eighty COVID-19 patients were included in the study. Pressure ulcers (PU) were detected in 29 (36.25%) of the cases, and no pressure ulcer was detected in 51 (63.75%) cases. 54 (69.7%) of the patients were male, 26 (32.5%) were female, and the mean age was 69 (61-77). The cases were divided into two groups according to the development of pressure ulcers. The APACHE II score was 24 (17-29) in the PU group and 18 (12-23) in the non-PU group (p=0.01), the mNUTRIC score was 4 (3-5) in the PU group and 3 (2-4) in the non-PU group.) (p=0.023), the Braden scale calculated at admission to the ICU was 11(10-13) in the PU group and 14(12-15) (p<0.001) in the non-PU group. A Braden scale score of <13 was found to be 22 (75.9) in the PU group and 14 (27.5) in the non-PU group, and 36 (45) patients in total (p<0.001). Conclusion: The Braden Scale can be used in COVID-19 patients, since they are first admitted to the ICU, both for scoring the wound and predicting the (making a) prognosis quickly.

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