Pressure Ulcer Development In Patients Research Articles

The association between acupuncture therapy and the risk of reduced pressure ulcers in dementia patients: A retrospective matched cohort study

BackgroundThe pressure ulcer is a complication developed from dementia. The aim of this study is to study the association between the development of pressure ulcers and the use of acupuncture therapy in patients with dementia. MethodsWe performed a retrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study to investigate the association between acupuncture therapy and the risk of pressure ulcers in patients with dementia. ResultsA total of 8,994 patients were identified, 237 patients in the acupuncture cohort and 362 patients in the no-acupuncture cohort developed pressure ulcers. A reduced cumulative incidence of pressure ulcers was observed in the acupuncture cohort (P<0.001). The association between acupuncture and reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers was not affected by sex, age, residence, income, or comorbidities. The variables of etiologies to cause dementia did not change the final result. In the subgroups analyses, the patients without medication for dementia control had a significantly lower rate of pressure ulcers development when they had accepted acupuncture therapy (log-rank test, P<0.001). ConclusionOur results revealed the association between acupuncture therapy and a reduced incidence of pressure ulcer development in patients with dementia. This finding offers important ideas for further research.

High-Intensity Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Is Associated with Lower Risk of Pressure Ulcer Development in Patients with Stroke: Real-World Evidence from a Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Multiple factors are associated with pressure ulcer (PU) development, including limited mobility following stroke. We performed a nationwide cohort study to investigate the impact of rehabilitation intensity on the incidence of post-stroke PU. Materials and Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with stroke between 2000 and 2012 were collected from the 2000 Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (Taiwan). Based on the number of rehabilitation sessions attended within 90 days of discharge, the rehabilitation intensity was classified as low, medium, or high. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, the Cox proportional hazards model evaluated the risk of PU development during the 12-year follow-up period. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate the cumulative incidence of PUs. Results: Our study included 18,971 patients who had their first episode of stroke. Of these, 9829 (51.8%) underwent rehabilitation therapy after discharge. Female patients and patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score >13 points, who commenced high-intensity post-stroke rehabilitation after discharge had a significantly lower risk of PU development than those who underwent low-intensity post-stroke rehabilitation after discharge. Cumulative survival analysis showed a significantly lower cumulative incidence of PU during the 12-year follow-up period in the high-intensity rehabilitation group. Conclusion: Compared with low-intensity post-stroke rehabilitation, high-intensity post-stroke rehabilitation after discharge from hospital is associated with a lower risk of post-stroke PU development, especially in female stroke patients and patients with a NIHSS score >13 points. High-intensity rehabilitation is also associated with a significantly lower cumulative incidence of PU events during the 12-year follow-up period.

Prevention of pressure ulcers among individuals cared for in the prone position: lessons for the COVID-19 emergency.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) involve the destruction of skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure and shear forces. These ulcers are painful and significantly reduce a person's quality of life. PUs are also expensive to manage and impact negatively on the achievement of cost-effective, efficient care delivery. Prone positioning is a postural therapy that aims to enhance respiratory function through increasing oxygenation levels. In contemporary clinical practice, ventilation in the prone position is indicated for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, despite its advantages in terms of respiratory function, several studies have examined complications of prone position ventilation and have identified PUs (facial PUs as well as PUs on other weight-bearing areas of the body) as a frequent complication in patients who are already in a precarious medical situation. International data suggest that up to 57% of patients nursed in the prone position develop a PU. The aim of this clinical review is to identify and review evidence-based recommendations developed to facilitate the selection and application of preventive interventions aimed at reducing PU development in patients ventilated in the prone position. Given the current COVID-19 crisis, this review is timely as intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19 require ventilation in the prone position at a level that is disproportionate to the general intensive care population. Up to 28% of patients admitted to the ICU with confirmed infection due to severe COVID-19 are cared for in the prone position. The scope of this review is limited to adult individuals only. The skin assessment should be undertaken before proning and following positioning the patient back into the supine position. Although it is essential to keep the skin clean and moisturised, using pH-balanced cleansers, there is inconsistency in terms of the evidence to support the type of moisturiser. Use of positioning devices in addition to repositioning is recommended to offload pressure points on the face and body. Further, using dressings such as hydrocolloids, transparent film and silicone may be of benefit in decreasing facial skin breakdown. Given the importance of PU prevention in this cohort of patients, adopting a focused prevention strategy, including skin assessment and care, offloading and pressure redistribution, and dressings for prevention may contribute to a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of these largely preventable wounds.

Pressure Ulcer Prevalence, Incidence, Risk, Clinical Features, and Outcomes Among Patients in a Turkish Hospital: A Cross-sectional, Retrospective Study

This study was conducted to assess PU prevalence, incidence, clinical features, nursing care measures, and patient variables and outcomes among inpatients admitted to 13 internal medicine departments at a university hospital in Turkey between 2010 and 2014. Using a cross-sectional, retrospective design, records of all hospitalized patients were reviewed and records from patients with a PU abstracted. Patient demographics, diagnosis, Braden Scale score, and PU information were abstracted from patient files/electronic records. Data were collected to an electronic data collection form between January and December 2015 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared, one-way analysis of variance, and Student's t test. From a population of 20 175 patients, the records of 664 patients showed the presence of a PU; the total PU prevalence rate was 3.3% and the overall PU incidence rate for 5 years was 1.8%. Ulcers were most often Stage 1 (326. 49.1%), located at the sacrum (364, 54.8%), and hospital-acquired (370, 55.7%; 175 (56%) of PU patients were oncology patients, followed by dementia/Alzheimer's patients (31, 9.2%). A significant relationship between Braden scores and general diagnoses was found (P <.01). PU incidence was highest in patients with cancer and patients >65 years old, and patients with a diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimer's were at highest risk. Many patients outside of acute care settings have a PU. Risk assessments should be conducted and appropriate nursing interventions should be provided during facility admission and follow-up care. Prospective studies on the prevention of PU development in patients at risk are warranted.

The effect of indirect admission via hospital transfer on hip fracture patients in Ireland.

Current best practice states that hip fracture patients should undergo surgery within 48 hours to minimise perioperative complications. There are 10 emergency departments (EDs) in Ireland that receive hip fracture patients without a trauma and orthopaedic surgery unit on site. Idle periods and duplicated preoperative investigations can lead to a prolonged time to surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of admission route on the time to surgery, length of stay and pressure ulcer development in patients who sustain a hip fracture in Ireland. A retrospective cohort study was performed, using 2013 and 2014 data from the Irish Hip Fracture Database. Age, gender and ASA grade were identified as confounders and adjusted for accordingly. Of the 3893 hip fractures identified, indirect admissions via hospital transfer occurred in 8.6% of cases. Surgery was performed within 48 h in 72.0% of indirect admission and 73.7% of direct admission cases (p = 0.502). The length of stay was significantly prolonged for patients admitted via hospital transfer (25.6 compared to 19.6 days, p < 0.001). Delayed discharges post hip fracture have been shown to expose patients to increased perioperative morbidity and mortality rates, as well as reduced rehabilitation potential and less chance of returning home on discharge. This has significant cost implications for the health service and justifies the introduction of hospital bypass protocols for patients with hip fractures.

Relationship between Oxygenation Status and the Risk of Pressure Ulcer Development in Patients after Open Heart Surgery

Relationship between Oxygenation Status and the Risk of Pressure Ulcer Development in Patients after Open Heart Surgery

Hemodynamic Status and Its Relationship with the Risk of Pressure Ulcers Development in Patients After Open Heart Surgery

Hemodynamic Status and Its Relationship with the Risk of Pressure Ulcers Development in Patients After Open Heart Surgery

Saudi Arabian adult intensive care unit pressure ulcer incidence and risk factors: a prospective cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to identify pressure ulcer (PU) incidence and risk factors that are associated with PU development in patients in two adult intensive care units (ICU) in Saudi Arabia. A prospective cohort study design was used. A total of 84 participants were screened second daily basis until discharge or death, over a consecutive 30-day period, out of which 33 participants with new PUs were identified giving a cumulative hospital-acquired PU incidence of 39·3% (33/84 participants). The incidence of medical devices-related PUs was 8·3% (7/84). Age, length of stay in the ICU, history of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, infrequent repositioning, time of operation, emergency admission, mechanical ventilation and lower Braden Scale scores independently predicted the development of a PU. According to binary logistic regression analyses, age, longer stay in ICU and infrequent repositioning were significant predictors of all stages of PUs, while the length of stay in the ICU and infrequent repositioning were associated with the development of stages II-IV PUs. In conclusion, PU incidence rate was higher than that reported in other international studies. This indicates that urgent attention is required for PU prevention strategies in this setting.

Polyurethane film dressings and ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressing reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development in high-risk patients undergoing surgery: a matched case-control study

pBackground: Numerous clinical challenges regarding adhesive dressings have shown that using an adhesive dressing could minimize or prevent superficial skin loss in patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. However, evidence that polyurethane film dressings and ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressing can reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development in highrisk patients undergoing surgery is limited. Therefore, we assessed the effects of application of these dressings for reducing the risk of pressure ulcer development in these patients and identified other risk factors. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted involving 254 patients at high risk for pressure ulcer development at one acute care hospital in Japan. No patients in this study had a pressure ulcer at the start of the study. Thirty-one patients developed a pressure ulcer during surgery, and these patients were defined as cases. Controls were randomly matched for sex and age (±4 years), from which 62 patients were selected. Medical records were obtained for preoperative factors, including age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, albumin, total protein, C-reactive protein, white cell count, red cell count, and hemoglobin, and for intraoperative factors, including dressing application, operation time, body position, and surgery type. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined to identify risk factors for pressure ulcer development in patients undergoing surgery. Results: By multiple logistic regression analysis, there was a significantly reduced risk of pres sure ulcer development for patients who had dressing applications as compared with those without dressing applications (OR 0.063; 95% CI 0.012–0.343; P=0.001). Prone position (OR 8.791; 95% CI 1.630–47.400; P=0.01), prolonged operation time (OR 1.684; 95% CI 1.189–2.385, P=0.003), and reduced body mass index (OR 0.774; 95% CI 0.584–0.948; P=0.02) were also significant predictive risk factors for development of a pressure ulcer. Conclusion: Application of film dressing and ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressing reduced the risk of pressure ulcer development in high-risk patients undergoing surgery.

Predictors of pressure ulcer development in patients with vascular disease

Although pressure ulcer (PU) risk factors are well known in the general population, little research is available in hospitalized surgical patients admitted with vascular diseases. Using a retrospective medical records review, characteristics of hospitalized surgical patients with vascular diseases were assessed. Variables were based on literature review of PUs and availability of medical records and administrative data. Trained registered nurses collected data. Analyses included descriptive and comparative statistics, and multivariable modeling was used to determine predictors of PU. In 849 adult admissions, 18.9% had a PU; 11.8% were hospital-acquired PU (HAPU). Patients were more likely to be elderly, male (n=575; 67.7%), and Caucasian (n=704; 83.3%). Common diagnoses were aneurysms/embolisms (43.2%) and atherosclerosis (31.2%). Patients with HAPU were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing or other facility compared with home (P<.001). In univariate analyses, 12 patient characteristics were associated with HAPU presence: Female gender, non-married status, current smoker, non-Caucasian race, non-intensive care unit (ICU) stay, primary diagnosis of atherosclerosis, higher analgesic use, higher right ankle brachial index (ABI), lower Braden score, higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) higher serum creatinine and higher total protein levels. In multivariate analyses, nine factors predicted HAPU: Lower right ABI and Braden score, an ICU stay, low and high hematocrit values, female gender, non-White race, atherosclerosis history, and higher BUN and body mass index (BMI). The concordance index for the nine-item model was 0.854. The rate of HAPU in hospitalized surgical patients with vascular diseases was greater than expected. Assessment of important HAPU factors and implementation of interventions are needed to decrease risk and improve clinical outcomes.

Pressure ulcer in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: significant factors and association with neurological outcome

To assess the factors associated with development of pressure ulcer in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and study its prognostic significance with respect to neurological outcome at three months. Patients with severe TBI are prone to develop pressure ulcer due to various factors, which have never been studied in detail. Prospective longitudinal study. Eighty-nine patients of TBI in age group 20-60 years admitted with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 4-8 without serious systemic disorder were enrolled for the study. Patient characteristics, haemoglobin, serum albumin levels at admission and their weekly changes till 21 days were noted along with daily assessment for presence of pressure ulcer. Mortality was assessed at 21 days and neurological outcome at three months through telephonic interview. Of 89 patients studied, pressure ulcer was observed in 6 (7%) and 14 (16%) at the end of two and three weeks, respectively. Pressure ulcer in univariate analysis was significantly associated with poorer GCS (p = 0·05), delayed enteral feeding (p = 0·005) and fall in haemoglobin at two weeks (p = 0·005). Only the latter two were found significant in multivariate analysis. Age, gender, surgical intervention, tracheostomy, prolonged fever and change in albumin had no significant association with pressure ulcer development. Presence of pressure ulcer was significantly associated with mortality at 21 days (p = 0·006) and unfavourable neurological outcome at three months (p = 0·01). The significant factors influencing pressure ulcer development in patients with TBI were delayed enteral feeding and fall in haemoglobin. Pressure ulcer had significant association with mortality at 21 days and recovery status at three months. Early nutritional supplementation and monitoring of haemoglobin should be an important part of nursing care interventions for patients at increased risk of developing pressure ulcer.

Fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de úlceras de pressão em UTI

Introdução: As úlceras por pressão (UP) representam um problema de saúde pública, necessitando maior investigação quanto à sua incidência e prevalência. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de UP em indivíduos internados em UTI. Método: Coorte prospectiva, desenvolvida nas UTIs e Unidade Semi-Intensiva de um hospital localizado no norte do RS. Participaram 97 indivíduos, sendo coletados dados de identificação, uso e tempo de ventilação mecânica, dados antropométricos, comorbidades, características e localização das UPs. Resultados: A localização mais frequente de UP foi na região dos calcâneos 39 (63,1%). Nas 108 ocorrências de UP, 36 (37,1%) indivíduos apresentaram 55 úlceras de grau I. Foi observada maior incidência de UP em relação à idade, tempo de internação e de ventilação mecânica e menor escore na escala de Glasgow. Conclusão: A incidência de UP foi significativamente associada à idade, sepse, tempo de internação e de ventilação mecânica e escala de Glasgow.

Relationship between Braden scale score and pressure ulcer development in patients admitted in trauma intensive care unit

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the scores of Braden scale and pressure ulcer development among critically ill patients. All patients who admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) in 3 months (during July-October 2010) were surveyed with Braden scale. Patients who gained higher score of Braden scale were at lower risk for pressure ulcer development compared with the other patients. Braden scale is a useful tool for predicting pressure ulcer development in trauma ICU patients. Also, factors such as age and level of consciousness may influence pressure ulcer development.

Studying factors related to pressure ulcers prevention: a marginal scale model for modelling heterogeneity among hospitals

The purpose of this study was to analyse risk factors associated with the presence of pressure ulcer development in patients referred to several Italian hospitals, taking properly into account the within-hospital outcome correlation. We analysed data from a prevalence survey coordinated by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel on 12,000 hospitalized patients in Italy, collecting information on patient's risk, presence of ulcers and prevention measures. The article describes the bases which generalized estimating equations rely on as well as their statistical properties. The article compares different model specifications in the light of background knowledge of the survey data and model assumptions, and discusses the potential for this modelling approach to apply in similar statistical situations. In accordance with existing literature, factors associated with pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients were identified as Braden scale, age and assistance-connected aspects. Between-hospital variability seemed to be explained by the adopted degree of prevention (use of preventive equipment combined with a repositioning strategy). Modelling the covariance matrix or the scale argument of the correlated binary responses (presence/absence of pressure ulcers) by using moment estimators based on generalized estimating equations prevents optimistic inference and provides an important insight into the role of structural differences among hospitals.

The Development of a Pressure Ulcer Risk-Assessment Scale for Perioperative Patients

The high incidence of pressure ulcer development in patients in the perioperative setting indicates the need for improved risk assessment and the use of preventive measures. A clinical nurse specialist used Dever's Epidemiological Model as the theoretical framework to develop a perioperative pressure ulcer risk-assessment scale. The risk factors for the scale were based on findings from a review of the literature. The scale, along with a demographic questionnaire and an evaluation form, was distributed to 12 nurses and three anesthesiologists to obtain expert opinion to further the design of the scale. Twelve participants returned the forms. Only four of the participants had previous experience with a pressure ulcer risk-assessment scale. The results indicated that diabetes should be included as a risk factor category and that preexisting skin ulcerations, breakdowns, and conditions should be addressed within the scale. The participants unanimously agreed that moisture is an important factor to assess. Validation of each risk factor is essential to improve the reliability of the scale before its implementation.

Identification of Pre-Operative and Intra-Operative Variables Predictive of Pressure Ulcer Development in Patients Undergoing Urologic Surgical Procedures

This study examined variables predictive of pressure ulcers among patients undergoing urologic surgical procedures. Anesthesia duration and total time of the diastolic blood pressure was less than 50 Hgmm were statistically significant predictors. Dynamic pressure-relieving devices are recommended to reduce incidences of pressure ulcer incidence.

La escala APACHE III: un factor pronóstico en la aparición de úlceras por presión en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos

Objective To analyze total APACHE III score association to pressure ulcers development in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). Material and methods Prospective cohort study conducted in an intensive care unit of the Hospital General de VIC. All the patients hospitalized between January 2001 to December 2001 were enrolled. Age, gender, length of stay, total Norton and APACHE III score and pressure sore development were collected. Results Pressure sore incidence was 12.5% of the patients. The factors were significantly associated with the appearance of pressure sores in those patients with a length of stay in the intensive care unit, total Norton and severity of the disease measured by the APACHE III score. Patients having the greatest risk of pressure ulcers development were those whose Norton score was less than or equal to 14, and an APACHE III score higher than or equal to 50 (Odds Ratio: 37.9, 95% CI 11.16-128.47) Conclusion The severity of the diseases measured with the APACHE III scale showed a relationship with the appearance of in-hospital pressure ulcers. The joint use of the APACHE III and Norton scale could be a good strategy to detect patients with very high risk of suffering pressure sores.

Hip fracture and pressure ulcers – the Pan‐European Pressure Ulcer Study – intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors*

Pressure ulcers (PU) in patients with hip fracture remain a problem. Incidence of between 8.8% and 55% have been reported. There are few studies focusing on the specific patient-, surgery- and care-related risk indicators in this group. The aims of the study were: - to investigate prevalence and incidence of PU upon arrival and at discharge from hospital and to identify potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for development of PU in patients admitted for hip fracture surgery, - to illuminate potential differences in patient logistics, surgery, PU prevalence and incidence and care between Northern and Southern Europe. Consecutive patients with hip fracture in six countries, Sweden, Finland, UK (North) and Spain, Italy and Portugal (South), were included. The patients were followed from Accident and Emergency Department and until discharge or 7 days. Prevalence, PU at discharge and incidence were investigated, and intrinsic and extrinsic risk indicators, including waiting time for surgery and duration of surgery were recorded. Of the 635 patients, 10% had PU upon arrival and 22% at discharge (26% North and 16% South). The majority of ulcers were grade 1 and none was grade 4. Cervical fractures were more common in the North and trochanteric in the South. Waiting time for surgery and duration of surgery were significantly longer in the South. Traction was more common in the South and perioperative warming in the North. Risk factors of statistical significance correlated to PU at discharge were age >or=71 (P = 0.020), dehydration (P = 0.005), moist skin (P = 0.004) and total Braden score (P = 0.050) as well as subscores for friction (P = 0.020), nutrition (P = 0.020) and sensory perception (P = 0.040). Comorbid conditions of statistical significance for development of PU were diabetes (P = 0.005) and pulmonary disease (P = 0.006). Waiting time for surgery, duration of surgery, warming or non warming perioperatively, type of anaesthesia, traction and type of fracture were not significantly correlated with development of PU.

Skin Integrity in Patients Undergoing Prolonged Operations

In Brief Objective The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors contributing to pressure ulcer development in patients undergoing scheduled, prolonged operative procedures. Design A descriptive study was conducted. Setting and subjects A large university teaching facility provided the setting. Thirty-three subjects who underwent operative procedures lasting longer than 10 hours, as determined from the daily operating room schedule through a 6-month period, were included in the study. Instruments Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk was used before the operation. Visual skin inspection, preoperative interventions, and demographic information were documented with a data-collection tool. Postoperative skin breakdown and its severity were assessed as stage I through IV according to the Pressure Ulcer Classification System recommended by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Methods Visual preoperative skin assessment was performed and the Braden Scale was completed in the operating room holding area. Demographic information was collected from patient interviews and the medical record. Patient positioning and the placement of all positioning and thermal devices were observed and recorded in the operating room. Within 48 hours after the surgical procedure, the patients' skin was visually inspected. Pressure ulcers were noted, staged, and recorded. Main outcome measures The χ2 analyses compared those who did and those who did not acquire pressure ulcers for differences in gender, type of operation, position used in the operating room, and types of positioning devices. Student's t tests compared those who did and did not acquire pressure ulcers for differences in age, Braden Scale score, number of positioning devices, and length of operation. Results Of the 33 patients studied, 15 (45%) were found to acquire stage I or II pressure ulcers within 48 hours after their procedure. Of the 15 patients who acquired pressure ulcers, 75% were placed on a warming blanket during the procedure. This was the only significant finding among the risk factors investigated in the comparison of those who did and did not acquire pressure ulcers (χ2 = 4.3, p < 0.05). Conclusions Removal of the warming blanket from routine intraoperative use with patients undergoing prolonged operations is indicated. Continued follow-up of this patient population will help to determine whether avoidance of warming blankets is sufficient to lower the incidence of pressure ulcer formation. A study of pressure ulcer risk and incidence after prolonged, elective surgical procedures.

Skin integrity in patients undergoing prolonged operations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors contributing to pressure ulcer development in patients undergoing scheduled, prolonged operative procedures. Design: A descriptive study was conducted. Setting and subjects: A large university teaching facility provided the setting. Thirty-three subjects who underwent operative procedures lasting longer than 10 hours, as determined from the daily operating room schedule through a 6-month period, were included in the study. Instruments: Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk was used before the operation. Visual skin inspection, preoperative interventions, and demographic information were documented with a data-collection tool. Postoperative skin breakdown and its severity were assessed as stage I through IV according to the Pressure Ulcer Classification System recommended by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Methods: Visual preoperative skin assessment was performed and the Braden Scale was completed in the operating room holding area. Demographic information was collected from patient interviews and the medical record. Patient positioning and the placement of all positioning and thermal devices were observed and recorded in the operating room. Within 48 hours after the surgical procedure, the patients' skin was visually inspected. Pressure ulcers were noted, staged, and recorded. Main outcome measures: The χ 2 analyses compared those who did and those who did not acquire pressure ulcers for differences in gender, type of operation, position used in the operating room, and types of positioning devices. Student's t tests compared those who did and did not acquire pressure ulcers for differences in age. Braden Scale score, number of positioning devices, and length of operation. Results: Of the 33 patients studied, 15 (45%) were found to acquire stage I or II pressure ulcers within 48 hours after their procedure. Of the 15 patients who acquired pressure ulcers, 75% were placed on a warming blanket during the procedure. This was the only significant finding among the risk factors investigated in the comparison of those who did and did not acquire pressure ulcers ( χ 2 = 4.3, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Removal of the warming blanket from routine intraoperative use with patients undergoing prolonged operations is indicated. Continued follow-up of this patient population will help to determine whether avoidance of warming blankets is sufficient to lower the incidence of pressure ulcer formation.