High cost of stage IV pressure ulcers.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to calculate and analyze the cost of treatment for stage IV pressure ulcers.


METHODS
A retrospective chart analysis of patients with stage IV pressure ulcers was conducted. Hospital records and treatment outcomes of these patients were followed up for a maximum of 29 months and analyzed. Costs directly related to the treatment of pressure ulcers and their associated complications were calculated.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients with stage IV pressure ulcers (11 hospital-acquired and 8 community-acquired) were identified and their charts were reviewed. The average hospital treatment cost associated with stage IV pressure ulcers and related complications was $129,248 for hospital-acquired ulcers during 1 admission, and $124,327 for community-acquired ulcers over an average of 4 admissions.


CONCLUSIONS
The costs incurred from stage IV pressure ulcers are much greater than previously estimated. Halting the progression of early stage pressure ulcers has the potential to eradicate enormous pain and suffering, save thousands of lives, and reduce health care expenditures by millions of dollars.
Brem
Harold
H
Division of Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine, Helen and Martin Kimmel Wound Center, Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. harold.brem@nyumc.org
Maggi
Jason
J
Nierman
David
D
Rolnitzky
Linda
L
Bell
David
D
Rennert
Robert
R
Golinko
Michael
M
Yan
Alan
A
Lyder
Courtney
C
Vladeck
Bruce
B
D017281:Cost of Illness; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States