Pressure Injury Incidence and Risk Factors in Neonates Undergoing Surgical Intervention: A Prospective Study
Aynur Kocakap1, Gülten Sucu Dag2
1Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research HospitalNeonatal Intensive Care Unit, İstanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Neonatal intensive care unit patients undergoing surgery have a high incidence of pressure injuries (PI), with 21.9% developing PI. Key risk factors include prolonged cardiopulmonary surgery and medical devices, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
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.
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of pressure injuries (PI) and risk factors in neonatal patients followed up in the intensive care unit undergoing surgical intervention. Neonates are recognised as a patient population at high risk of pressure injury. Although the incidence of PI in hospitalised neonates is high, epidemiological studies on postoperative PI and affecting factors in hospitalised infants are scarce. A prospective, descriptive study. This study report follows the STROBE checklist. This study was conducted with 105 patients who received postoperative care in the neonatal intensive care unit of the gynaecology and obstetrics hospital of a province in XXX between November 2023 and January 2024. The Neonatal Descriptive Characteristics Form, Neonatal Q Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, and the NPUAP Pressure Injury Classification System were used to collect data. The mean Neonatal Q Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale risk score of patients included in the research was 18.42, and 87% of those who developed PI had a risk of skin disorders. 21.9% of the neonatal patients developed PI, and 14.3% of them had Stage II PI. The majority of PI developed in the back region, and the rate of pressure injury was higher in those who underwent cardiopulmonary surgery longer than 3 h. It was determined that the use of medical equipment such as a central venous catheter, urinary catheter, drainage tube, and vasoactive drugs affected the rate of postoperative pressure injury development in neonates. The neonatals admitted in intensive care unit undergoing surgery suffered PIs. In the case of intensive care units, the incidence is even higher. The risk increases with cardiopulmonary surgery while the presence of medical devices is the main risk factor.
