Development and progression of pressure ulcers in relation to the nutritional status of hospitalised overweight and obese patients older than 65 years: A longitudinal study

Aim. The present study focuses on the connection between the development of pressure ulcers (PU) and selected risk factors in overweight or obese patients aged ≥ 65 years. Material and methods. A longitudinal study included 102 patients (59 males, 43 females; mean age 78.43±7.3 years). The monitoring occurred at admission, discharge, and 5±1 weeks post-hospitalisation and included the measurement of somatometric indicators and clinical-nutritional variables. Results. The prevalence of pressure ulcers ranged between 31.37% and 43.13%, and Stage 2 pressure ulcers in the area of the sacrum were recorded most frequently. Age and nutritional score have proved to be the most signifi cant predictors of pressure ulcer development. The other factors analysed between the phases indicated some correlations but their signifi cance has proved to be inconsistent. The Braden score has proved to be a highly sensitive tool. Conclusions. The development of pressure ulcers in these patients is conditioned by multiple factors. Older age, the nutritional score and a low score of the Braden scale have proved to be the key indicators. The study results may help medical staff in identifying at-risk patients in a timely manner and contribute to reducing the prevalence of pressure ulcers.