Classification of dermatological disorders in critical care patients: a prospective observational study

The objective of this study was to identify dermatological disorders detected in the intensive care unit (ICU), to analyze their specific characteristics, and to define a useful classification for intensive care physicians.

This was a prospective, observational study over a 3-year period (2006-2009) in a mixed ICU. This included all patients presenting with dermatological disorders that were detected at the time of ICU admission or developed along the ICU stay. We recorded the specific characteristics of the disorders and its evolution and treatment, which enabled us to classify the different observed conditions. As general variables, we analyzed demographic factors, the principal diagnosis, ICU procedures, the severity score (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), length of stay, and mortality.

One hundred thirty-three patients showed at least one dermatological disorder (9.3%) and were classified into (1) preexisting dermatological disorders, (2) life-threatening dermatologic disorders, (3) systemic dermatological disorders, (4) infectious dermatological disorders, (5) reactive dermatological disorders, and (6) others.

Dermatological disorders are a frequent problem in the ICU, and their recognition is key to set up an appropriate care plan. We propose a classification and description of the different types of dermatological disorders that are most commonly found in ICUs.