title: Risk factors associated with pressure ulcer development in critically ill traumatic spinal cord injury patients.
abstract: Critically ill spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are at high risk for pressure ulcers. Research is needed to identify risk factors for pressure ulcers. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors and outcomes of pressure ulcers in critically ill SCI patients. This is a retrospective cohort study. Data were gathered from medical records of adult patients with SCI admitted to surgical intensive care units. Ninety-four SCI patients participated in this study. Clinical variables associated with pressure ulcers were as follows: fecal management systems, incontinence, acidosis, support surfaces, steroids, and additional equipment. Hypotension was the strongest predictor of pressure ulcers. Nursing interventions may address risk factors and improve patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Trauma, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wilczweski
authors.forename: Dawnetta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grimm
authors.forename: Anastasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gianakis
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gill
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sarver
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McNett
mesh_terms: D000138:Acidosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D055815:Young Adult