RESUMEN
Objective: This study examines the dynamic changes of stress hormones, including insulin (INS), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucagon (Glu), and cortisol (Cort), in trauma patients. By monitoring these changes and observing acute pressure injury (API) occurrences on the skin, the research analyzes the influence of stress hormones on API development in trauma patients. Methods: A prospective analysis involved 218 trauma patients admitted to a grade III-A general hospital in Wenzhou from April 2021 to June 2023. Among them, 44 cases developed API (API group), and 174 cases did not (control group). Levels of INS, Cort, Glu, and FBG were measured in both groups. Additionally, Abbreviated Injury Scale-Injury Severity Score (AIS-ISS) surveys and API severity assessments were conducted. Correlations between stress hormone levels and AIS-ISS were discussed. The predictive effects of AIS-ISS and stress hormones on API occurrence in trauma patients were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The relationship between stress hormone levels and API severity was also observed. Results: Study's outcomes indicated distinct relationships between stress hormone levels and API occurrence in trauma patients. Specifically, INS demonstrated a negative correlation with AIS-ISS, highlighting its potential as a significant factor. Glu, Cort, and FBG revealed positive associations, emphasizing their roles in influencing API development (P < .05). The diagnostic efficacy of stress hormones in predicting API occurrence, as represented by the Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.8100. Notably, within the API group, INS levels demonstrated a decline with worsening API. Conversely, Glu, Cort, and FBG exhibited increases in tandem with the aggravation of API symptoms (P < .05). Conclusions: This research suggests that assessing stress hormone levels in clinical settings can effectively predict API occurrence. Early testing could aid in the development of preventive or intervention measures, reducing the incidence and harm of API in trauma patients.