A new predictive indicator for development of pressure ulcers in bedridden patients based on common laboratory tests results

Abstract

The new indicator may become a more useful clinical tool for predicting presser ulcers than Braden score. The new indicator warrants verification studies to facilitate its clinical implementation in the future.

Do risk assessment scales for pressure ulcers work?

“…This has been independently confirmed [15] who found haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin, age and gender gave the best model for prediction of pressure ulcers, and outperformed the Braden scale. We have confirmed this is also true for the Waterlow scale with hypoalbuminaemia alone as a binary variable outperforming the Waterlow scale.…”

An evaluation of serum albumin and the sub-scores of the Waterlow score in pressure ulcer risk assessment

“…Our paper shows similar results to a recent Japanese study [41]. It had a different client group (149 patients in Japan with respiratory disorder, of whom 38 developed nosocomial pressure ulcers), a different risk assessment scale (Braden) but a similar statistical approach (logistic regression).…”

“…The remaining two [38,41] were larger (N ¼ 109 and 149) than all bar Bergstrom & Braden. One of these papers additionally found haemoglobin and C-reactive protein were predictive over and above albumin alone [41].…”

“…This system allows clinical records to be entered, including Waterlow scores, pressure ulcer presence and laboratory results. While our main interest was in exploring albumin, a recent paper showed haemoglobin and C-reactive protein were also predictive [41]. As we also had access to haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin we included these in our analyses.…”

Relationship Between Morphological Characteristics and Etiology of Pressure Ulcers in Intensive Care Unit Patients

“…An association between elevated CRP levels and increased likelihood of PU development was also reported in a comparison cohort study of 149 hospitalized patients. 28 Categorization of morphologic characteristics of the skin adjacent to PU suggests that skin deformation is a second possible etiologic factor. Several previous studies have reported on an association between skin deformation seen with position changes and an increased likelihood of pressure ulcerations.…”