Labeau et al reported risk factors for pressure injuries in an adult in the intensive care unit (ICU). These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from multiple institutions in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia.
Patient selection: adult in the ICU
Most pressure injuries were on the sacrum and heals.
Risk factors for ICU-acquired pressure injuries:
(1) older age (OR 1.005 per year)
(2) male sex (OR 1.2)
(3) low body mass index less than 18.5 kg per square meter (underweight; OR 1.6)
(4) emergency surgery (OR 1.3)
(5) highs SAPS II score (OR 1.006 per point)
(6) Braden score < 19 (OR 2.9, increasing with lower Braden score)
(7) ICU stay > 3 days (OR 2.3, increasing with longer stay)
(8) low or lower middle economic status (OR 1.8)
(9) COPD (OR 1.2)
(10) immunocompromised status (OR 1.3)
(11) mechanical ventilation (OR 1.3)
(12) renal replacement (OR 1.3)
The risk of pressure injury increased with the number of risk factors present.
A low Braden score and prolonged ICU stay were associated with the greatest odds ratios.
