CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT PRESSURE INJURIES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593972327118

• Palavras-chave: Pressure Injuries; Risk factors; Epidemiology.

• Keywords: Pressure Injuries; Risk factors; Epidemiology.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: One of the main consequences of hospital stays, especially those that last for a long time, are pressure injuries (PPLs). LPPs are characterized by restricted damage to the skin and its underlying tissues, usually present on a bony prominence or related to the use of medical devices or artifacts. Objective: A bibliographical review was carried out on pressure injuries, highlighting their epidemiological, clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic aspects collected in field research. Materials and methods: To compose the Integrative Literature Review, data from the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and National Library of Medicine (PubMed) databases were used, from the crossing of the descriptors “pressure injuries”, “epidemiology”, and “therapeutics”, in order to answer the question formulated through the PICO strategy. Results and Discussion: The patient's positioning, locations of bone prominence and conditions related to the ICU are risk factors for LPPs, and these injuries can be classified into six stages. Infections and osteomyelitis can be possible complications of LPPs. Continuous pressure relief and the use of pressure distribution devices are important prevention factors, in addition to evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. Conclusion: Prolonged hospitalization is an important risk factor for LPPs, with stages varying in severity. Treatment involves daily assessment, nutrition and prevention. More multidisciplinary research and prospective and epidemiological studies are necessary for a better understanding, treatment, prevention and comprehensive care of these patients.