The prognostic effect of lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts, mean platelet volume, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on different stages of pressure ulcers

Abstract

Background/Aim: Pressure ulcers (PU) pose a significant problem for patients in intensive care. Various factors contribute to the development of pressure sores. The primary focus of treatment is to implement measures that prevent factors such as nutrition and positioning, which can lead to PUs. Therefore, it is crucial to identify parameters that can serve as warning signals for the formation and progression of PU. This study investigates the potential use of hematological parameters as warning signals. Methods: Demographic data, co-morbidities, PU stages, and laboratory parameters of 158 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit who developed pressure ulcers during their hospital stay were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among the 158 cases included in the study, PUs were more prevalent in patients of advanced age, those with pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly higher in PU stages 2 and 3 compared to stage 1. However, age, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) did not exhibit significant differences among the stages of PU (P<0.05). Conclusion: Advanced age, pneumonia, COPD, coronary diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases are identified as risk factors for PU. Although MPV was initially considered a potential, stimulating parameter, the evidence was insufficient. Further research is required to explore this issue. The impact of parameters other than MPV did not show any excitatory signal in this study.