Pressure Injury Incidence and Risk Factors in Neonates Undergoing Surgical Intervention: A Prospective Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Neonatal Care
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Neonates are a high-risk population for pressure injuries (PI).
• Epidemiological data on postoperative PI in hospitalized neonates is limited.
• Understanding PI incidence and risk factors in this population is crucial for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of pressure injuries (PI) in neonatal patients undergoing surgical intervention in the intensive care unit.
• To identify risk factors associated with the development of postoperative PI in this vulnerable group.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, descriptive study adhering to the STROBE checklist.
• Data collected from 105 neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit (November 2023 - January 2024).
• Utilized the Neonatal Descriptive Characteristics Form, Neonatal Q Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, and NPUAP Pressure Injury Classification System.

Main Results:

• 21.9% of neonatal patients developed pressure injuries (PI), with 14.3% being Stage II.
• The majority of PI occurred on the back.
• Higher PI rates were observed in neonates undergoing cardiopulmonary surgery exceeding 3 hours.

Conclusions:

• Neonates in intensive care units undergoing surgery are susceptible to pressure injuries.
• Prolonged cardiopulmonary surgery and the presence of medical devices (e.g., central venous catheters, urinary catheters, drainage tubes) are significant risk factors.
• Targeted interventions are needed to mitigate PI risk in surgical neonates.