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Factors associated with skin and mucosal lesions caused by medical devices in newborns: Observational study
Maíla Fidalgo de Faria1, Maria Beatriz Guimarães Ferreira1, Márcia Marques Dos Santos Felix1
1Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
Insights
Most newborns in neonatal intensive care units develop skin lesions from medical devices. Increased device use and younger age predict lesion occurrence, highlighting the need for prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Dermatology
- Medical device-related injuries
Background:
- Neonatal skin and mucosa are immature and fragile, increasing vulnerability to injury.
- Medical device use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) poses a significant risk for skin and mucosal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of skin and mucosal lesions in newborns within a NICU.
- To identify factors associated with medical device use that contribute to these lesions.
Main Methods:
- An observational, longitudinal study was conducted with 85 newborns in a NICU.
- Data collection involved the Neonatal Skin Condition Score, sociodemographic/clinical variables, and device information.
- Statistical analysis included frequency, central tendency, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- 72.9% of newborns (62/85) experienced lesions related to medical devices, with excoriations being most common (64.7%).
- A positive correlation was found between the number of devices used and the number of lesions.
- Newborn age was inversely proportional to the number of lesions.
Conclusions:
- The high incidence (72.9%) of lesions underscores the impact of medical devices on neonatal skin integrity.
- The number of medical devices and newborn age are significant predictors of lesion development.
- Nurses must understand these factors to implement effective prevention measures, ensuring safe and high-quality neonatal care.
Aim And Objective:
To identify the occurrence of skin and mucosal lesions and factors related to the use of medical devices in newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.
Background:
The use of medical devices increases the risk of injury in newborns due to the immaturity and fragility of their skin and mucosa.
Design:
Observational and longitudinal study.
Methods:
The study included 85 newborns admitted to in a neonatal intensive care unit from a public teaching hospital. Data were collected from February-August 2018. For the evaluation, the Neonatal Skin Condition Score was used, as well as an instrument covering sociodemographic and clinical variables, medical devices in use and materials for skin protection. The study followed the recommendations STROBE. Simple frequency, measures of central tendency and variability, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis.
Results:
Of the n = 85 newborns evaluated, n = 62 (72.9%) presented skin or mucosal lesions caused using medical devices, excoriations being the most observed n = 55 (64.7%), and n = 32 (37.6%) had 1-3 lesions. As the number of devices increased, so did the number of lesions. On the other hand, the age of the newborn and the number of lesions were inversely proportional.
Conclusion:
Most participants, n = 62 (72.9%), had skin or mucosal lesions associated with medical devices. The number of medical devices used and the age of the newborn were predictors for this occurrence.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
The results show that it is fundamental that nurses know the factors that can interfere in the skin and mucosa conditions and, thus, promote the implementation of injury prevention measures in newborns, supporting safe and quality care.
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