Assessment of risk factors and clinical profile of patients with pressure ulcers

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers are localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence. The present study was conducted to determine clinical profile of patients with pressure ulcers. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 140 chronic hospitalized patients of both genders. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 70 each. In group I, surgical patients and in group II, non- surgical patients were taken. Results: It was found that common risk factors in group I was age >50 years seen 45 in group I and 21 in group II, diabetes mellitus 24 in group I and 14 in group II, hypertension seen 18 in group I and 15 in group II, both DM & HTN seen 32 in group I and 35 in group II and depression 18 in group I and 7 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Common risk factors were diabetes, hypertension, depression and advancing age for the development of pressure ulcers.