Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of selected biochemical parameters in venous blood and their potential effects on the development of pressure ulcers in patients treated in intensive care settings. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients hospitalised in an intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled for the study. The methods used included controlled observation, literature review and medical record analysis. The observation protocol applied in the study consisted of two parts comprising the basic information, sociodemographic data, results of laboratory tests (CRP, PCT, albumin, protein and haemoglobin concentrations) as well as the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk. Results: The subjects presented moderate to high risk of pressure ulcers, reflected by the mean score of 8.18 ± 1.3 points, with minimum and maximum scores of 6 and 12 points, respectively. Normal albumin level was identified in only five subjects (10.0%) while 45 subjects (90.0%) were found with results below the norm. A statistical relationship was observed between such variables as albumin concentration (p < 0.01) and total protein level (p = 0.007). The findings show a strong correlation between the score in the Braden Scale and the level of albumins (R = 0.55). Conclusions: In our study, lower concentrations of albumins and total proteins correspond to a greater risk of pressure ulcers.
Highlights
Patients hospitalised at intensive care units (ICU) are at risk of adverse health-related consequences and systemic complications [1]
Treatments based on advanced invasive methods, such as mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy or vasopressors, despite their clinical importance, should not replace activities aimed at reducing the risk of malnutrition and the related consequences [2]
Most subjects were hospitalised in the ICU due to conditions resulting from extensive neurosurgical procedures within the skull (42%), injuries of multiple organs (22%), conditions following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) (14%), as well as inefficiency of organs, including respiratory failure due to pneumonia (24%)
Summary
Patients hospitalised at intensive care units (ICU) are at risk of adverse health-related consequences and systemic complications [1]. Clinical consequences of metabolic response in the acute phase include loss of muscle mass and the resultant sarcopenia and hyperglycaemia [3]. Nonintentional loss of body mass resulting from metabolic response is a major risk factor for malnutrition and the subsequent onset of pressure ulcers. This study aimed to assess the level of selected biochemical parameters in venous blood and their potential effects on the development of pressure ulcers in patients treated in intensive care settings. The observation protocol applied in the study consisted of two parts comprising the basic information, sociodemographic data, results of laboratory tests (CRP, PCT, albumin, protein and haemoglobin concentrations) as well as the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk. Conclusions: In our study, lower concentrations of albumins and total proteins correspond to a greater risk of pressure ulcers
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