الفهرس 
Pressure Ulcers among the Elderly PopulationOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 90 |  |  |
| | | from | 90 | | |
Abstract
Pressure ulcers (PUs) are localized injuries to the skin and/or underlying tissue that usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of pressure. Moisture, friction, and shear contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. The most common areas for pressure ulcers include the sacrum, coccyx, heels, and ear. Other sites such as the elbows, knees, ankles or the back of the cranium can be affected also.
The study aim was to assess the risk factors for pressure ulcer development among hospitalized elderly patients.
A case control study was conducted recruited 100 male and female patients ≥ 60 years old. The study was performed in Ain Shams University Hospitals and in Suez Canal University Hospitals. 47 Patients were collected from intensive care units (34 from Ain Shams University and 13 patients from Suez Canal University Hospitals) and 53 from wards (including 26 patients from Ain Shams University and 27 patients from Suez Canal University Hospitals). The study showed that reduced mobility is one of the risk factors for pressure ulcer development among elderly people. Braden scale is a good predictor for pressure ulcer occurrence, as lower Braden scores indicate higher risk of developing a PU. Braden Scale cut-off point was < 17 with sensitivity of 97.96%, specificity of 72%, positive predictive value of 77.4%, and negative predictive value of 97.3% with diagnostic accuracy of 92.1%.
There was a significant relation between pressure ulcer development and increasing the length of hospital stay. Pressure ulcer had prolonged the length of hospital stay in cases by 2-13 days compared to controls.
The study revealed a relation between level of serum albumin and onset of pressure ulcers. Our study showed a significant inverse correlation between magnesium levels and PU development.
The study showed that the use of pressure-reducing support surfaces (air mattress beds) had a significant role in prevention or reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers among the hospitalized patients.
Cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence are common risk factors for pressure ulcers development, as they are more common among cases.
Keywords: Assessment of Risk Factors, Pressure Ulcers, Elderly Patients.