[Incidence of pressure injuries associated with oxygen therapy devices in the neonatal intensive care unit]

The administration of oxygen therapy (O₂) in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) increases the risk of developing pressure injuries (PBI). The aims of the study were to describe the incidence of PBI associated with O₂ devices in the NICU, to identify, analyze and relate risk factors and the application of their preventive measures.

A retrospective, observational and analytical study of hospitalized neonates who developed PPL secondary to O2 devices in the NICU of the Miguel Servet University Hospital of Zaragoza was carried out. Socio-demographical, clinical, type of cot, humidity, temperature, type of oxygen therapy, ventilation mode, device and presence of ulcer (number, degree, location), and preventive measures were recorded. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Autonomous Community of Aragon. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi 2.3.13®.

A total of 191 neonates were included, of whom 158 (82.7%) received O₂. Of those who received oxygen therapy, 64.10% (25) were infants, mean total age 5.20±8.46 days and mean weight 1,460.03±777.57 grams. 24.68% presented with device-associated PPL, with a mean number of days of admission at the time of onset of 3.98±5.03 days. 94.74% (36) of the lesions were grade I and 84.62% (33) were located in the nasal septum.

The incidence of pressure injuries associated with different oxygen therapy devices increases with decreasing gestational age. The risk increases with hospital stay, with the presence of medical devices, in particular non-invasive mechanical ventilation, being the main causal relationship.