Risk factors for pressure sores in the critically ill

Pressure sore development in the critically ill is a well-recognised problem and several risk factors have been put forward as being relevant; however, none has been proved valid in this population. This study examines the effects of specific risk factors for the development of pressure sores in the critically ill. Data on 22 specific risk factors were recorded every 8h. Of 286 patients who were identified as having a minimum set of three predetermined risk factors, 77 developed pressure sores. Using univariate regression analysis, 18 of the 22 specific factors were identified as being significant (p<0.05) in the development of pressure sores. Multivariate analysis identified five of these 18 specific risk factors as being independently significant (p<0.05) in pressure sore development. These five factors were norepinephrine infusion, APACHE II score, faecal incontinence, anaemia and length of stay.