Retrospective study on the factors influencing the severity of pressure injuries among intensive care unit patients

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.