The risk of developing Pressure Ulcer and its relation to the patient`s Status and treatment received in na intensive care Unit in Angola

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure ulcers (PU) are common in patients in intensive care unit (ICU). Many factors contribute to this which include the patient´s status and the characteristics and type of the treatment applied in this level of care1-3. In Angola, a low-middle-income country, the study of this topic is still incipient, which makes it relevant to know whether the Braden scale score differs significantly in different groups of critical care patient. Aims: To determine if there is a statistically significant difference between the risk of developing pressure ulcers, and the groups of patients sorted by the severity of their disease, organ function/ rate of failure and type of the treatment applied in the ICU. On this behalf the following variables were established: patients treated with sedatives, vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation, haemodialysis; Braden Scale average score, the APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) score, the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score and the length of stay (days) in ICU. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a quantitative nature was developed in an ICU ward in a hospital in Angola. Results: The sample was composed of 123 patients; the average value of the Braden scale was 14.15 points. Patients being treated with sedatives showed statistically significant difference in the average Braden scale score compared to those who did not. This difference was also verified in relation to the patients who were treated with vasopressors and mechanical ventilation. Negative, moderate to weak, but statistically significant correlations were found between the Braden scale score and the APACHE score, SOFA score and duration of ICU stay. Conclusion: The patients have a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers when exposed to risk factors that are already known and specifically associated with some treatments implemented in the ICU. Higher rates of disease severity, mortality risk and longer duration of stay in ICU are associated with a higher risk of PU.