Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcer by Electrodes in Long-term Electroencephalography Monitoring

Abstract

Background: Although electroencephalography is known as non-invasive, long-term electroencephalography monitoring has a significant risk of pressure ulcers caused by electrodes. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of pressure ulcers in long-term electroencephalography monitoring for more than 24 hours.Methods: All patients who underwent long-term electroencephalography monitoring for more than 24 hours from January 2020 to December 2021 were reviewed. Their medical records were reviewed to evaluate the risk factors for pressure ulcers by electroencephalography electrodes. All patients were divided into the presence (lesion positive) and absence (lesion negative) of pressure ulcers confirmed by a clinician.Results: A total of 541 patients were analyzed in this study. Their mean age was 56.0±21.5, and the average duration of the long-term electroencephalography monitoring was 118.0±68.6 hours. Pressure ulcers were identified in 49 patients (9.1%). The odds ratios of age and recording time were 1.032 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.008-1.056, <i>p</i>=0.009) and 1.022 (95% CI, 1.015-1.029, <i>p</i><0.001), respectively. The odds ratio of pressure ulcer was 2.702 (95% CI, 1.461-4.999, <i>p</i>=0.002) in patients with comatose mentality (1 point for eye response of Glasgow coma scale).Conclusions: The pressure ulcers caused by electrodes in long-term electroencephalography monitoring can be preventable with due diligence in clinical settings. Risk factor control to prevent pressure ulcers due to electroencephalography electrodes is needed.