Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries in Patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal intensive care
• Dermatology
• Medical device management

Background:

• Neonates in the NICU have fragile skin, increasing vulnerability to medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs).
• Limited research exists on MARSI incidence and risk factors in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and characteristics of MARSIs in neonates.
• To identify clinical risk factors associated with MARSIs in NICU patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 129 neonates in a university hospital NICU.
• Utilized the Neonatal Skin Condition Scale and Three-Item Severity score.
• Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors.

Main Results:

• MARSIs occurred in 51.9% of neonates, with the head and face being the most affected sites (60.3%).
• Gastric and endotracheal tube fixation were primary causes.
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was an independent risk factor (OR = 4.279, P = .020).

Conclusions:

• Gastric and endotracheal tube fixation are common MARSI causes in neonates.
• TPN use is a significant risk factor for MARSI development.
• Prioritize nursing strategies for infants receiving TPN and requiring head/face fixation to mitigate MARSI.