THE IMPORTANCE OF REPEATED RISK ASSESSMENT FOR PRESSURE SORES IN CARDIOVASCULAR-SURGERY

Background Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery are at high risk for sores because of impaired perfusion, the time spent on the operat ing room table, and restricted mobility in the immediate postoperative period. Objective. To identify risk factors for sores. Methods. In a 900-bed teaching hospital, 163 patients who underwent cardiovascular i nterventions were enrolled. Risk measurement included skin assessment, Braden and Norton scales, physic and biologic data and specific risk factors. The development of the most severe stages of pressure sores w as followed (Stages II and III). Results. Forty-eight (29.5%) patients totalized 75 pressure sores. In univariate analyses, Norton and Brade n scores, hemoglobin concentration, presence of ulcers at admission, u se of antihypertensive drugs, systemic use of corticosteroids, nosocom ial infection, re-intervention and readmission in intensive care units were associated with sores. In a logistic regression model, hemoglobi n concentration at admission (p=0.0007), postoperative Braden score (p =0.0002), and postoperative steroid therapy (p=0.020) were the only pr edictors of sores. Total length of stay was 6 days higher (p=0.03) for patients with pressure sores. Conclusions. The detection of risks is recommended during the entire stay. Identification of patients at risk is required to provide preventive resources appropriately, which can lessen the incidence of pressure sores and reduce patient discomfort, length and costs of hospital stay.