Sanada H, Nakagami G, Koyano Y, Iizaka S, Sugama J, et al.
Geriatrics & gerontology international. Date of publication 2015 Aug 1;volume 15(8):1058-63.
1. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2015 Aug;15(8):1058-63. doi: 10.1111/ggi.12405. Epub 2014
Nov 19.
Incidence of skin tears in the extremities among elderly patients at a long-term
medical facility in Japan: A prospective cohort study.
Sanada H(1), Nakagami G(1), Koyano Y(1), Iizaka S(1), Sugama J(2).
Author information:
(1)Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Graduate School of
Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
(2)Wellness Promotion Science Center, Institute of Medical Pharmaceutical and
Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan.
AIM: There is a lack of data from cohort studies for the incidence of skin tears
among an elderly population in an Asian country. We estimated the cumulative
incidence of skin tear, and identify its risk factor.
METHODS: The present prospective cohort study was carried out at a long-term
medical facility in Japan. Participants included patients (n = 368) aged 65 years
or older receiving hospital care. The 3-month cumulative incidence of skin tears
was estimated by identifying them using direct inspection of the extremities. In
order to find the risk factors for the skin tear incidence, odds ratios and their
95% confidence intervals of skin tear development in association with the factors
were estimated using logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS: A total of 14 patients developed skin tears, and their cumulative
incidence was 3.8%. No patients with skin tears developed multiple wounds on
their extremities. Half of the skin tears occurred on the outside of the right
forearm, and just three skin tears were found in the lower legs. Multiple
logistic analyses showed that pre-existing skin tears (odds ratio 15.42, 95%
confidence interval 3.53-67.43, P < 0.001) and a 6-point decrease in the total
score of the Braden Scale (odds ratio 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.83,
P < 0.033) were significantly associated with skin tear development.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pre-existing skin tears and a low score of the Braden
Scale have a higher risk of skin tear development during 3 months. These factors
could be used to identify patients requiring prevention care for skin tears.
© 2014 Japan Geriatrics Society.
DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12405
PMID: 25407109 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
