Schindler CA, Mikhailov TA, Kuhn EM, Christopher J, Conway P, Ridling D, Scott AM, Simpson VS, et al.
American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-C.... Date of publication 2011 Jan 1;volume 20(1):26-34; quiz 35.
1. Am J Crit Care. 2011 Jan;20(1):26-34; quiz 35. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2011754.
Protecting fragile skin: nursing interventions to decrease development of
pressure ulcers in pediatric intensive care.
Schindler CA(1), Mikhailov TA, Kuhn EM, Christopher J, Conway P, Ridling D,
Scott AM, Simpson VS.
Author information:
(1)Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital
and Health System, Milwaukee, 53201-1997, USA. cschindl@mcw.edu
BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill infants
and children is 18% to 27%. Patients at risk for pressure ulcers and nursing
interventions to prevent the development of the ulcers have not been
established.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of pressure ulcers in critically ill
children, to compare the characteristics of patients in whom pressure ulcers do
and do not develop, and to identify prevention strategies associated with less
frequent development of pressure ulcers.
METHODS: Characteristics of 5346 patients in pediatric intensive care units in
whom pressure ulcers did and did not develop were compared. Multiple logistic
regression was used to determine which prevention strategies were associated
with less frequent development of pressure ulcers.
RESULTS: The overall incidence of pressure ulcers was 10.2%. Patients at
greatest risk were those who were more than 2 years old; who were in the
intensive care unit 4 days or longer; or who required mechanical ventilation,
noninvasive ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Strategies
associated with less frequent development of pressure ulcers included use of
specialty beds, egg crates, foam overlays, gel pads, dry-weave diapers, urinary
catheters, disposable under-pads, body lotion, nutrition consultations, change
in body position every 2 to 4 hours, blanket rolls, foam wedges, pillows, and
draw sheets.
CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of pressure ulcers among critically ill
infants and children is greater than 10%. Nursing interventions play an
important role in the prevention of pressure ulcers.
DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2011754
PMID: 21196569 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
