Evaluation of pressure ulcer development and follow-up in Covid-19 patients followed in pandemic intensive care units

Introduction: Pressure ulcers occur in areas with bony protrusions exposed to pressure. Its incidence is between 1.6% and 49%. Due to respiratory failure in Covid-19, patients are frequently followed up in intensive care units. Some of the patients are intubated, and respiratory support is provided with a ventilator. The risk of developing pressure sores increases in patients followed for a long time on a ventilator. This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of pressure ulcers in Covid-19 patients.Methods: Patients followed up in Covid-19 intensive care (ICU) units in Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital between March and November 2020 and developed pressure ulcers were included in the study. Patient data were collected retrospectively using electronic health records.Results: A total of 4922 patients were followed up in intensive care units, 2010 patients were intubated, and 1332 patients died. Only 51 patients had pressure ulcers at various stages.Conclusion: Pressure ulcers in Covid-19 patients are seen mainly in the elderly and people with underlying chronic diseases. Besides, the probability of pressure ulcers in this group was less than in other patients. Furthermore, nursing care is critical in intensive care units