Closure of pressure injury and mortality in internal medicine wards

• Published in: European geriatric medicine 2023-04, Vol.14 (2), p.373-380
• Main Authors: Gurun, Pinar, Ceylan, Serdar, Guner, Merve, Bas, Arzu Okyar, Halil, Meltem Gulhan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Female; Geriatrics/Gerontology; Hospitalization; Hospitals; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pressure Ulcer - epidemiology; Pressure Ulcer - therapy; Research Paper; Risk Assessment
• ISSN: 1878-7649; 1878-7657; 1878-7657
• DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00757-2

Key summary points Aim It is aimed to determine the characteristics of pressure injuries and its relationship with mortality in hospitalized patients in the internal medicine wards of a university hospital. Findings Independent of other parameters, complete closure of pressure injuries influenced death rates. Message Complete closure of pressure injuries in hospitalized patients decreases mortality risk. Purpose The prevalence of pressure injury (PI) in hospitalized patients ranges from 5 to 15%, and is significantly greater in critical care and palliative care units. Prevalence of PI is considered an indicator of health care quality and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The study aims to determine the features of PI and its association with mortality among hospitalized patients in the inpatient service of a university hospital. Methods The present study comprised 89 patients hospitalized on the internal medicine inpatient service who had PI at the time of hospitalization and or who developed PI during hospitalization. Patients were categorized based on the state of PI closure (complete/incomplete). Mortality rates for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were computed. Results The median age was 74. (IQR: 62–82). Forty-eight patients were female, and 15.7% of hospitalized patients had PI. A third of patients died during their index hospitalization. Patients with completely closed PI had decreased one-month, three-month, six-month, and one-year mortality rates. Complete closure of PI influenced all four mortality rates independently of other parameters, as determined by Cox regression analysis of the factors impacting mortality. Conclusion As life expectancy rises, the frequency of PI increases, resulting in a rise in health care expenses. To reduce these expenses, prevention, early identification, and treatment of PI are essential. The primary finding of the study is that complete closure of PI in hospitalized patients reduces the risk of death.