Association between presence of pneumonia and pressure ulcer formation following traumatic spinal cord injury

This study investigates the relationship between pneumonia and pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injuries during their initial hospitalization and rehabilitation. The study found that individuals with pneumonia were more likely to develop pressure ulcers compared to those without pneumonia, even when considering factors like injury severity and age. The results suggest that preventive measures for pressure ulcers should be intensified for spinal cord injury patients who also have pneumonia to improve patient outcomes.

• 1
  Individuals with pneumonia had a significantly higher presence of pressure ulcers compared to those without pneumonia in both acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings.
• 2
  The risk of developing pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI and pneumonia was 2.3 times higher in acute care and 2.2 times higher in inpatient rehabilitation.
• 3
  Factors such as mechanical ventilation, age, and the severity of spinal cord injury (AIS grades) were also significantly associated with the development of pressure ulcers.