Interface pressure, pressure gradient with pressure ulcer development in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

The pressure gradient can predict skin breakdown when combined with high pressure. We investigate the relationships between Peak Interface Pressure (PIP) and peak pressure gradient (PPG) for predicting and understanding the causes of pressure ulcers. Design of this research was a prospective cohort design. Pressure ulcers were identified and classified using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Interface pressure was measured at the patient’s sacrum three times once every three days until pressure ulcers develop. The assessment was measured after the 24-hours monitoring period had expired for a newly admitted patient to the intensive care unit (ICU). The locations of the pressure ulcers were found using trace sheets. The 87 patients were obtained from two hospitals. The incidence of pressure ulcers was 12.6%. The PIP was 66.2 mmHg and PPG was 12.1 mmHg for a pressure ulcer compared to without a pressure ulcer (p < .01). The cut-off value for PIP was 50.0 mmHg and PPG was 8.0mmHg/cm. The PIP > 50.0 mmHg and PPG > 8.0 mmHg/cm were risk pressure ulcers. The correlation between the PIP and PPG were high correlation (r = 0.925). The PIP and PPG may be a useful indicator for the development of pressure ulcers.