Pressure injuries during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A retrospective, case-control study

Abstract

Aim of study The main objective of this study was to ascertain whether severe alterations in hypoxemic, inflammatory, and nutritional parameters in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with the occurrence and severity of developed dependency-related injuries. The secondary objective was to determine whether there were prognostic factors associated with the occurrence and severity of developed dependency-related injuries during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Material and Methods A retrospective, single-centre, case-control study was conducted to compare SARS-CoV-2 patients who developed dependency-related injuries after the first 48 hours after admission with a control group made up of SARS-CoV-2 patients without dependency-related injuries. The cases of the 1,987 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period were reviewed. Data from 94 patients who developed dependency-related injuries and from 190 patients who did not develop them during hospital admission were analysed. Results High baseline dependency levels, prolonged hospital stays, and low oxygen saturation levels on arrival in emergency department triage were associated with the occurrence of dependency-related injuries among patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to complications such as dependency-related injuries. Although there are several non-modifiable variables associated with the occurrence of dependency-related injuries in these patients, it is essential to conduct further research and introduce consensus guidelines to reduce their incidence and prevalence.

Influencing factors of medical device-related pressure ulcers in medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…So far, it has caused more than 150 million cases and 3 million deaths [ 1 ]. It is well known that the virus is highly infectious and can be transmitted from SARS CoV-2 infected persons to others by coughing, sneezing and speaking or by contacting saliva droplets [ 2 ]. The front-line medical staff are considered to be the population with high infection risk, because they have been in close contact with infected patients for a long time [ 3 ].…”

The performance of gelling fibre wound dressings under clinically relevant robotic laboratory tests

“…With the social distancing brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic still in force, access to preventive wound care became more difficult and less frequent (particularly in the community), which is expected to worsen the problem going forward. Enduring factors, including the ageing of the population and the spread of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity, have contributed to the global escalation in the occurrence rates of chronic wounds; it also appears that the breakout of the coronavirus 2019 disease has increased the prevalence of chronic wounds (likely as a result of less effective preventative care and shift of health resources to fight the pandemic, as well as because prone patient positioning, causing anterior PUs, became more common) 6‐12 . Overall, hard‐to‐heal wounds are typically associated with considerable suffering, loss of quality of life for patients and family members and, sometimes, with severe and chronic pain, risk of infections, osteomyelitis, sepsis and the development of multiple organ failure leading to death 1,13 .…”

“…Enduring factors, including the ageing of the population and the spread of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity, have contributed to the global escalation in the occurrence rates of chronic wounds; it also appears that the breakout of the coronavirus 2019 disease has increased the prevalence of chronic wounds (likely as a result of less effective preventative care and shift of health resources to fight the pandemic, as well as because prone patient positioning, causing anterior PUs, became more common). 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 Overall, hard‐to‐heal wounds are typically associated with considerable suffering, loss of quality of life for patients and family members and, sometimes, with severe and chronic pain, risk of infections, osteomyelitis, sepsis and the development of multiple organ failure leading to death. 1 , 13 For example, the 5 year mortality rate for people with DFUs and associated (minor/major amputation) complications is comparable to those of common cancers (e.g., breast or lung).…”

How the COVID-19 pandemic influences the prevalence of pressure injuries in the Czech Republic: A nationwide analysis of a health registry in 2020

“…As the COVID-19 could cause exceptional health emergencies, increase patient dependency, and require special interventions (e.g., artificial pulmonary ventilation – APV, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – ECMO and related unique positioning or use of extraordinary devices), patients may more often and quickly develop skin injuries. Another related problem is the infection's severity and prolonged stays in healthcare facilities [ 18 ]. On the other hand, it is also a fact that at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was increased pressure on hospitals, increased numbers of patients, and a reduced number of health care staff, which affected the quality of patient care and the possibility to prevent complications, including PIs.…”