Six-month mortality risks in long-term care residents with chronic ulcers

Chronic ulcers are a common problem in long-term care. Residents with ongoing ulcers are often frail and at risk for mortality. This study evaluated the relationship between wound characteristics and other health predictors with 6-month mortality in nursing home residents. The subjects included were nursing home residents seen by the wound consult service from 1998 to 2007 with an ongoing chronic ulcer. This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were manually and electronically abstracted for each resident. Six-month mortality was collected as the primary outcome. Statistical comparisons were made using logistic regression with a final multivariant model. Four hundred and forty residents were seen with 411 records reviewed. Ulcer area was not associated with mortality; however, chronic ulcer number was associated with 6-month mortality with an odds ratio of 1.32 (95% CI 1.07-1.63). Other significant risk factors included heart failure, dementia, cancer, depression and blindness with all factors having an odds ratio greater than 1.75. Higher haemoglobin and venous insufficiency were protective of 6-month mortality. Ulcer number is an important predictor for 6-month mortality. The presence of multiple ulcers and comorbid health concerns may influence discussion of prognosis for healing and for potential end of life discussions.