Full-thickness pressure ulcers: patient and wound healing characteristics

To investigate the patient and healing characteristics related to full-thickness pressure ulcers, 119 consecutive patients admitted with ulcers in three acute care, four longterm care, and one rehabilitation agency were studied. Of the 119 patients with 153 pressure ulcers, only 48 (40%) had full-thickness ulcers. Compared to patients with partial-thickness ulcers, patients with full-thickness ulcers were more likely to have multiple ulcers, occasional incontinence of urine and feces, a compromised overall skin condition, and a less than optimal nutritional status at baseline. Full-thickness ulcers treated with a hydrocolloid dressing (DuoDERM Hydroactive) did not develop adverse reactions; clinicians perceived the dressing to be efficacious. Ulcers that healed during the study decreased 47% in area in two weeks. This distinguished ulcers that healed from those that did not heal. The findings suggest that ulcers that do not decrease in size within two weeks should be reevaluated for additional or alternate treatments.