Topical therapy for pain management in malignant fungating wounds: A scoping review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To map and synthesise the existing literature on topical therapies for malignant fungating wounds pain management and the gaps involved. BACKGROUND: Most cancer patients with malignant fungating wounds suffer from wound-related pain, affecting their quality of life. Unfortunately, even though pain is a relevant symptom in cancer and palliative care, little is currently known about topical treatments' availability and impact on pain management. DESIGN: A scoping review following JBI® methodology METHODS: Searches were performed in CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, NICE, Scopus, JBISRIR and grey literature, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, with no time limit. Two authors independently reviewed all citations and a third was called in case of divergence, and studies in adults with malignant fungal wounds reporting topical pain interventions were included. In addition, a data extraction tool for synthesis and thematic analysis was developed. This study followed the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. RESULTS: Seventy publications were selected from 796 records retrieved from databases. The studies mainly included non-systematic reviews and case studies with only six clinical trials. According to the narrative synthesis, twenty therapies were identified, including the use of wound dressings (58.6%), analgesic drugs (55.7%), topical antimicrobials (25.7%), skin barriers (15.7%), cryotherapy (5.7%) and negative pressure wound therapy (4.3%). Therapies were recommended to be applied to the wound bed or the periwound skin. In 68.5% of the studies, a standardised assessment for pain was not described. CONCLUSIONS: Topical therapies applied to malignant fungating wounds or periwound areas had been examined for pain management. However, their effectiveness was analysed in a few interventional studies, indicating the need for further primary studies to inform evidence-based practice. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Highlighted topical therapies for clinical practice consideration are opioids, anaesthetics and antimicrobials, with positive results described in randomised clinical trials. This study did not include patients.

Topical application of a cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E for radiodermatitis prevention in women with breast cancer: A randomized, triple-blind, controlled pilot trial.

PURPOSE: Most topical agents for radiodermatitis prevention are not based on its pathophysiology, mainly caused by the indirect effects of radiation from reactive oxygen species release. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin E-containing nanoparticle cream as an antioxidant for radiodermatitis prevention. METHOD: A randomized, triple-blind, parallel pilot study conducted in an Oncology Hospital including 40 adult women with breast cancer, and healthy skin, submitted to radiotherapy, divided into three groups: Intervention (12; 30%) receiving cream with nanoparticles containing vitamin E; Control 1 (14; 35%) cream without nanoparticles or vitamin E; Control 2 (14; 35%) cream with nanoparticles without vitamin E. Incidence, grade and time to onset of radiodermatitis were primary outcomes; health-related quality of life, reported symptoms, and breast temperature were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: All patients were followed until the end of the study. All had radiodermatitis. There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding radiodermatitis grade, health-related quality of life, and breast temperatures. A protective effect of vitamin E-containing nanoparticle cream was identified regarding the onset time of radiodermatitis in patients who did not receive a boosted radiation dose (p = .03) and the occurrence of mild inframammary erythema (p = .04). Itching was reported by 90% of the women. The definitive calculated sample is 108 volunteers. There were no identified side effects. CONCLUSIONS: A potential protective effect of a cream containing vitamin E nanoparticles was observed. This pilot study presents initial evidence about the role of a nanoencapsulated antioxidant in preventing radiodermatitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No. RBR-784F3Y; UTN-U1111-1201-5923.

Effectiveness of topical treatment for pain control of malignant fungating wound in adults compared to systemic treatment: a systematic review protocol

Objective: To synthesize the evidence of the effectiveness of topical treatment compared to the systemic treatment for pain control in Malignant Fungating Wounds (MFWs) in adults. Introduction: Approximately 14.5% of cancer patients present MFWs due to the increased survival rate of oncology treatments, and 85% report pain in the wound. Previous systematic reviews on the subject have explored MFWs-related symptoms (bleeding, foul odor, and exudate) but without results concerning the pain. A recently published scoping review mapped 20 proposals for topical treatment of MFWs-related pain, originated in different studies designs. Currently, there is a need to carry out an effectiveness review in order to facilitate clinical evidence-based decision-making. Inclusion criteria: Quantitative studies on the effects of topical therapies for pain control in MFWs compared to systemic treatments in adult patients in English, Portuguese, and Spanish without any time limits. Studies that do not meet 70% of the methodological quality threshold will be excluded. Methods: A review of effectiveness according to the JBI methodology. The titles and abstracts of identified records will be checked for the inclusion criteria, and the selected papers will be reviewed in their entirety for their relevance to the objective. The selection of the studies will be carried out according to the defined threshold of the assessment of the methodological quality using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist instruments, and the data of interest will be extracted by two reviewers. Finally, the data synthesis will be presented in a narrative and/or statistical summary. Systematic review registration number: CRD42022351715

Prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and related factors among adults hospitalized in public hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and its related factors in hospitalized adults. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, information from 251 patients hospitalized in seven public hospitals in Manaus, Brazil, and at risk of suffering surgical site complications after undergoing surgery was analyzed. Data were collected via interviews, physical examinations, and a medical record review from March to June 2015. Prevalence rate was estimated as the ratio between individuals with complications and patients at risk. To explore associated variables, individuals with and without complications were compared via 5% significant logistic regression and bivariate analyses. This study was approved by a research ethics committee. RESULTS: Overall, 15 patients (6%) showed complicated surgical wounds. General hospitalization (p < 0.003), presence of ecchymosis, (p < 0.001), and men (p = 0.047) increased patients' probability of developing complications in 13.9, 10.1, and 8.2 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: Assessing the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and its associated factors in adults contributes to their epidemiological understanding, highlighting prevention targets and making data available for scientific comparisons.

Topical therapy for pain management in malignant fungating wounds: a scoping review / Terapia Tópica para el manejo del dolor en heridas neoplásicas malignas: revisión de alcance / Terapia tópica para controle da dor em feridas neoplásicas malignas: revisão de escopo

Aims and objectives: To map and synthesize the existing literature on topical therapies for Malignant Fungating Wounds  pain management and the gaps involved. Background: Most cancer patients with Malignant Fungating Wounds suffer from wound-related pain, affecting their quality of life. Unfortunately, even though pain is a relevant symptom in cancer and palliative care, little is currently known about topical treatments' availability and impact on pain management. Design: A scoping review following JBI® methodology Methods: Searches were performed in CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, NICE, Scopus, JBISRIR, and gray literature, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, with no time limit. Two authors independently reviewed all citations and a third was called in case of divergence, and studies in adults with Malignant Fungal Wounds reporting topical pain interventions were included. In addition, a data extraction tool for synthesis and thematic analysis was developed. This study followed the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Results: 70 publications were selected from 796 records retrieved from databases. The studies mainly included non-systematic reviews and case studies with only six clinical trials. According to the narrative synthesis, twenty therapies were identified, including the use of wound dressings (58.6%), analgesic drugs (55.7%), topical antimicrobials (25.7%), skin barriers (15.7%), cryotherapy (5.7%), and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (4.3%). Therapies were recommended to be applied to the wound bed or the periwound skin. In 68.5% of the studies, a standardized assessment for pain was not described.  Conclusions: Topical therapies applied to Malignant Fungating Wounds or periwound areas had been examined for pain management. However, their effectiveness was analyzed in a few interventional studies, indicating the need for further primary studies to inform evidence-based practice.  Implication for Practice: Highlighted topical therapies for clinical practice consideration are opioids, anesthetics, and antimicrobials, with positive results described in randomized clinical trials. This study did not include patients. 

Objetivos: Mapear y sintetizar la literatura existente sobre las terapias tópicas para el manejo del dolor en heridas neoplásicas malignas y los vacíos en investigación. Introducción: La mayoría de los pacientes con heridas neoplásicas malignas sienten dolor relacionado con la herida, que afecta su calidad de vida. Desafortunadamente, apesar de que el dolor es un síntoma relevante tanto en el cuidado de personas con cancer como en cuidados paliativos, poco se sabe actualmente sobre la disponibilidad de tratamientos tópicos y su impacto en el manejo del dolor. Diseño: Revisión de escopo según la metodología de la JBI®. Métodos: fueron realizada búsquedas en las bases de datos CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, NICE, Scopus, JBISRIR, y literatura gris; en inglés, español y portugués, sin límite de tiempo. Dos autores revisaron todas las citaciones independientemente. Estudios en adultos con heridas neoplásicas malignas que reportaran intervenciones tópicas para el dolor fueron incluidos. Adicionalmente, un instrumento para extracción de datos fue desarrollado para la síntesis y análisis del tema. Este estudio siguió la lista de chequeo para el reporte de revisiones de alcance PRISMA-ScR de la red Equator. Resultados: 70 Publicaciones fueron seleccionadas de 796 identificadas en las bases de datos. Los estudios incluyeron principalmente revisiones no sistemáticas y estudios de caso; solo seis fueron ensayos clínicos. Según la síntesis narrativa realizada, fueron identificadas veinte terapias, que incluyeron el uso de apósitos (58.6%), drogas analgésicas (55.7%), antimicrobianos tópicos (25.7%), protectores de piel (15.7%), crioterapia (5.7%), y terapia por presión negativa (4.3%). Las diversas terapias tópicas fueron recomendadas para el el lecho de la herida y el área perilesional. En el 68.5% de los estudios, no fue descrita la aplicación de instrumentos para la valoración del dolor. Conclusiones: fueron identificadas terapias tópicas aplicadas al lecho de las heridas neoplásicas malignas o al área perilesionar, para el manejo del dolor. Sin embargo, la efectividad de las intervenciones fue analizada por pocos estudios clínicos, indicando la necesidad por más estudios primarios que informen la prácica clínica basada en la evidencia. Implicaciones para la práctica: se destacan para aplicación clínica, el uso de opioides, anestésicos y antimicrobianos, con resultados positivos en ensayos clínicos randomizados. Este estudio no incluyó pacientes. 

Objetivos: Mapear e sintetizar a literatura existente sobre terapias tópicas para o manejo da dor em feridas neoplásicas malignas e as lacunas de pesquisa. Introdução: A maioria dos pacientes com feridas neoplásicas malignas sente dor relacionada à ferida, o que afeta sua qualidade de vida. Infelizmente, apesar da dor ser um sintoma relevante tanto no tratamento oncológico quanto nos cuidados paliativos, pouco se sabe atualmente sobre a disponibilidade de tratamentos tópicos e seu impacto no controle da dor. Desenho: Revisão do escopo de acordo com a metodologia JBI®. Métodos: CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, NICE, Scopus, JBISRIR e bases de dados de literatura cinzenta foram pesquisados; em inglês, espanhol e português, sem limite de tempo. Dois autores revisaram todas as citações de forma independente. Estudos em adultos com feridas neoplásicas malignas relatando intervenções tópicas para dor foram incluídos. Adicionalmente, foi desenvolvido um instrumento de extração de dados para a síntese e análise do tema. Este estudo seguiu a lista de verificação do relatório de revisão de escopo PRISMA-ScR da rede Equator. Resultados: Foram selecionadas 70 publicações dentre 796 identificadas nas bases de dados. Os estudos incluíram principalmente revisões não sistemáticas e estudos de caso; apenas seis eram ensaios clínicos. De acordo com a síntese narrativa realizada, foram identificadas vinte terapias, que incluíram o uso de curativos (58,6%), analgésicos (55,7%), antimicrobianos tópicos (25,7%), protetores cutâneos (15,7%), crioterapia (5,7%). , e terapia com pressão negativa (4,3%). Várias terapias tópicas foram recomendadas para o leito da ferida e a área periferida. Em 68,5% dos estudos não foi descrita a aplicação de instrumentos para avaliação da dor. Conclusões: foram identificadas terapias tópicas aplicadas no leito de feridas neoplásicas malignas ou na área perilesional, para controle da dor. No entanto, a eficácia das intervenções foi analisada por poucos estudos clínicos, indicando a necessidade de mais estudos primários que informem a prática clínica baseada em evidências. Implicações para a prática: o uso de opioides, anestésicos e antimicrobianos se destaca pela aplicação clínica, com resultados positivos em ensaios clínicos randomizados. Este estudo não incluiu pacientes.

Prevalence of surgical complicated wound and associated factors in adults treated at public hospitals / Prevalencia de herida operatoria complicada y factores asociados en adultos internados en hospitales públicos / Prevalência de Ferida Operatória Complicada e fatores associados em adultos internados em hospitais públicos

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and their associated factors in hospitalized adults. Method: Cross-sectional study, approved by the ethics committee. We analyzed information from 251 patients undergoing surgery, at risk of surgical site complications, and admitted to seven public hospitals in Manaus (Brazil); information was collected through interviews, physical examination, and review of medical records from March to June 2015. The prevalence rate was calculated as the ratio between individuals with complications and patients at risk. To explore associated variables, individuals with and without complications were compared using bivariate analyzes and logistic regression, with a significance level of 5%. Results: 15 patients (6%) had a complicated surgical wound. The presence of ecchymosis (p<0.001), adjusted for male sex (p=0.047), and admission to the general practice (p<0.003) increased the probability of developing the complication by 10.1; 8.2, and 13.9 times, respectively. Conclusion: Identifying the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds in adults and its associated factors contributes to its epidemiological understanding, highlighting prevention targets and providing data for scientific comparison.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de heridas operatórias complicadas y sus factores asociados, en adultos hospitalizados. Método: Estudio transversal, aprobado por comité de ética. Fueron analizadas informaciones de 251 pacientes sometidos a cirugía, con riesgo de complicación del sitio quirúrgico, internados en siete hospitales públicos en Manaus (Brasil); cuyos datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevista, exame físico e revisión de historias clínicas en el período de marzo a junio de 2015. La tasa de prevalencia fue calculada como la raz´ón entre los individuos con complicación y los pacientes en riesgo. Para exploración de variábles asociadas, fueron comparados individuos con y sin complicación por meio de análisis bivariados y regresión logística, con significancia de 5%. Resultados: 15 pacientes (6%) presentaron heridas operatorias complicadas. La presencia de equimosis (p<0,001), ajustada por el sexo masculino (p=0,047), y la hospitalización en servicios generales (p<0,003) aumentaron la probabilidad de desarrollar la complicación en 10,1; 8,2 e 13,9 veces, respectivamente. Conclusión: la identificación de la prevalencia de la herida operatoria complicada en adultos y sus factores asociados contribuyen para a su comprensión epidemiológica, destacando blancos de prevención y disponibilizando datos para comparación científica.

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de ferida operatória complicada e seus fatores associados, em adultos hospitalizados. Método: Estudo transversal, aprovado por comitê de ética. Foram analisadas informações de 251 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia, com risco de complicação do sítio cirúrgico, internados em sete hospitais públicos em Manaus (Brasil); cujos dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista, exame físico e revisão de prontuários, no período de março a junho de 2015. A taxa de prevalência foi calculada como a razão entre os indivíduos com complicação e os pacientes em risco. Para exploração de variáveis associadas, foram comparados indivíduos com e sem complicação por meio de análises bivariadas e regressão logística, com significância de 5%. Resultados: 15 pacientes (6%) apresentaram ferida operatória complicada. A presença de equimose (p<0,001), ajustada pelo sexo masculino (p=0,047), e a internação na clínica geral (p<0,003) aumentaram a probabilidade de desenvolver a complicação em 10,1; 8,2 e 13,9 vezes, respectivamente. Conclusão: A identificação da prevalência da ferida operatória complicada em adultos e seus fatores associados contribuem para a sua compreensão epidemiológica, destacando alvos de prevenção e disponibilizando dados para comparação científica.

Incidence of Recurrent Venous Ulcer in Patients Treated at an Outpatient Clinic: Historical Cohort.

The recurrence of venous ulcers is the wound reopening after a period of completed epithelisation of a previous ulcer due to exposure to causal factors and lack of prevention. Venous ulcers have a high recurrence rate that may increase through the years. Epidemiological evidence on its incidence and risk factors is scarce due to the lack of patient follow-up in outpatient clinics and adherence to treatment after healing. The objective was to analyze the incidence of venous ulcers recurrency in outpatients and the risk factors for its occurrence. It is an observational historical cohort with retrospective data collection, performed through electronic medical records. Setting: private health insurance outpatient clinic. The participants were adult patients with healed venous ulcers. Incidence of venous ulcer recurrence was calculated within individuals with healed ulcers from 2014 and 2018 with a follow-up of at least one year. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to explore risk factors considering demographic, clinical, and wound-related variables. As a result, sixty-five (65) of the 134 patients with healed venous ulcers had a recurrence, leading to an incidence of 48.5%, with a mean onset time of 230.1 (SD 267) days. Patients with recurrent venous ulcers were primarily women (39/48.1%), with a mean age of 64 (SD 15.5) years, 57 (50.8%) had some comorbidity, with systemic arterial hypertension as the most frequent (47/51%). Obesity (15/88.2%) increased the risk of venous ulcers recurrence by 8.7 (OR 95% CI 2.1-60.8; P = .009) times. In conclusion, venous ulcers recurrence incidence was 48.5%, with obesity as a risk factor. This study demonstrates that the clinical approach of people with venous ulcers should not finish when the wound is healed. For ulcer recurrence prevention interventions addressing systemic factors, besides topical management of the wound, are essential.

Prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and related factors among adults hospitalized in public hospitals / Prevalencia de heridas operatorias complicadas y sus factores asociados en adultos hospitalizados en instituciones públicas de salud / Prevalência de ferida operatória complicada e fatores associados em adultos internados em hospitais públicos

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and its related factors in hospitalized adults. Method: In this cross-sectional study, information from 251 patients hospitalized in seven public hospitals in Manaus, Brazil, and at risk of suffering surgical site complications after undergoing surgery was analyzed. Data were collected via interviews, physical examinations, and a medical record review from March to June 2015. Prevalence rate was estimated as the ratio between individuals with complications and patients at risk. To explore associated variables, individuals with and without complications were compared via 5% significant logistic regression and bivariate analyses. This study was approved by a research ethics committee. Results: Overall, 15 patients (6%) showed complicated surgical wounds. General hospitalization (p < 0.003), presence of ecchymosis, (p < 0.001), and men (p = 0.047) increased patients' probability of developing complications in 13.9, 10.1, and 8.2 times, respectively. Conclusion: Assessing the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and its associated factors in adults contributes to their epidemiological understanding, highlighting prevention targets and making data available for scientific comparisons.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de herida quirúrgica complicada y sus factores asociados en adultos hospitalizados. Método: Estudio transversal, aprobado por el comité de ética. Se analizaron los datos de 251 pacientes, sometidos a cirugía y con riesgo de complicación del sitio quirúrgico, hospitalizados en siete hospitales públicos de Manaos (Brasil); la recolección de datos se dio por entrevistas, examen físico y revisión de historias clínicas, en el periodo de marzo a junio de 2015. La tasa de prevalencia se calculó como la razón entre los individuos con complicaciones y los pacientes de riesgo. Para explorar las variables asociadas, se compararon individuos con y sin complicaciones mediante análisis bivariado y regresión logística, con un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Fue identificada herida operatoria complicada en quince pacientes (6%). La presencia de equimosis (p < 0,001), ajustada por sexo masculino (p = 0,047) y la hospitalización en clínica general (p < 0,003) aumentaron en 10,1; 8,2 y 13,9 veces, respectivamente, la probabilidad de desarrollar complicaciones. Conclusión: La identificación de la prevalencia de herida quirúrgica complicada en adultos y sus factores asociados contribuye a su comprensión epidemiológica, destacando focos potenciales de prevención y proporcionando datos para la comparación científica.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de Ferida Operatória Complicada e seus fatores associados, em adultos hospitalizados. Método: Estudo transversal, aprovado por comitê de ética. Foram analisadas informações de 251 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia e com risco de complicação do sítio cirúrgico, internados em sete hospitais públicos em Manaus (Brasil); cujos dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista, exame físico e revisão de prontuários, no período de março a junho de 2015. A taxa de prevalência foi calculada como a razão entre os indivíduos com complicação e os pacientes em risco. Para exploração de variáveis associadas, foram comparados indivíduos com e sem complicação por meio de análises bivariadas e regressão logística, com significância de 5%. Resultados: 15 pacientes (6%) apresentaram ferida operatória complicada. A presença de equimose (p < 0,001), ajustada pelo sexo masculino (p = 0,047) e a internação na clínica geral (p < 0,003) aumentaram a probabilidade de desenvolver a complicação em 10,1; 8,2 e 13,9 vezes, respectivamente. Conclusão A identificação da prevalência da ferida operatória complicada em adultos e seus fatores associados contribuem para a sua compreensão epidemiológica, destacando alvos de prevenção e disponibilizando dados para comparação científica.

Intervenções para a prevenção e o tratamento de feridas cutâneas em pacientes com câncer

Os tratamentos oncológicos evoluíram nos últimos anos, possibilitando ao paciente com câncer maior chance de cura e sobrevida. Mas, também, trazendo desafios no cuidado oferecido a esse paciente. Compilamos nesse vídeo os resultados de três pesquisas sobre o cuidado de feridas cutâneas no paciente oncológico, desenvolvidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação na Saúde do Adulto-PROESA pela Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo-EEUSP sob a supervisão da Profa. Dra. Vera Lucia Conceição de Gouveia Santos.

Intervenções para a prevenção e o tratamento de feridas cutâneas em pacientes com câncer

Os tratamentos oncológicos evoluíram nos últimos anos, possibilitando ao paciente com câncer maior chance de cura e sobrevida. Mas, também, trazendo desafios no cuidado oferecido a esse paciente. Compilamos nesse vídeo os resultados de três pesquisas sobre o cuidado de feridas cutâneas no paciente oncológico, desenvolvidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação na Saúde do Adulto-PROESA pela Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo-EEUSP sob a supervisão da Profa. Dra. Vera Lucia Conceição de Gouveia Santos.

Webinar - Melhores práticas clínicas para o manejo da dor isquêmica na Doença Arterial Periférica

A Doença Arterial Periférica afeta perto de 4% de todos os canadenses com mais de 40 anos e até 20% dos indivíduos com mais de 75 anos, pondo as doenças arteriais de membros inferiores com o sem úlcera, no meio de uma preocupação crescente. Esta preocupação também se extende à dor de difícil manejo, que é um dos principais sintomas desta doença que impacta grandemente a Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde destes indivíduos e aumenta o custo de tratamento para a sociedade e o sistema de saúde. Neste webinar, o Dr. Kevin Woo da Queen’s University em Kingston (ON, Canadá) apresenta algumas das melhores prácticas clínicas para o manejo da dor isquêmica na Doença Arterial Periférica. O webinar é promovido pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem na Saúde do Adulto (PROESA) da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, e apoiado pelo programa Líderes Emergentes nas Américas (ELAP) do Governo Canadiense e pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) do Governo Brasileiro.

Complicated Surgical Wounds and Associated Factors in Oncology Patients.

The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence of complicated surgical wounds (CSWs) and to analyze the associated factors in hospitalized patients at an oncology institution. This was an epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study conducted in the intensive care and hospitalization units forming part of a large cancer hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from medical records and physical examinations of the skin. Associations between the dependent variable (presence of CSWs) and the independent variables were obtained by chi-square tests and odds ratio (OR) calculations with a 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression (LASSO) was used to verify the possible predictors of the outcome. The sample consisted of 341 patients, specifically individuals who are White (46.9%), married (53.4%), and men (58.1%) with an average age of 59.2 years. Complicated surgical wounds were present in 3.2% of patients, and the most frequent types of complications were dehiscence (40%), infection (26.7%), and fistula (20%) present in the abdominal (40%), cephalic (26.7%), and cervical (13.3%) regions. Senile purpura, diaper use, and infection were the clinical variables associated with the occurrence of CSWs (p = .044, p = .001, and p < .001, respectively). Based on the logistic regression, the presence of infection (p < .001; OR = 90.8; 95% CI [18.42, 538.79]) persisted as a predictor of the occurrence of CSWs. From these observations, recommendations regarding best practices for the prevention of CSWs are made, specifically for patients with cancer.

Pressure injuries in critical patients: Incidence, patient-associated factors, and nursing workload.

AIM: To estimate the incidence of pressure injury and its predictors including nursing workload in critical patients. BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the influence of the nursing workload on the occurrence of pressure injury in intensive care units. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 766 patients in nine intensive care units of two university hospitals was studied. The nursing workload was measured using the Nursing Activities Score. The predictors were identified by logistic regression. RESULTS: The pressure injury incidence was 18.7%. The odds ratio of the development of pressure injury, increased 3.5 times in mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), 7.8 times in palliative care (p = 0.004), 2.3 times in the 60-84 years old group (p = 0.005); it also increased 10% for each day of hospitalization (p < 0.001), and 1.5% for each registered point of the Nursing Activities Score (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Existing risks for the development of pressure injury have been confirmed and nursing workload identified as a new predictor. Much still needs to be done in the area of prevention, especially in groups at risk. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Increasing nursing resources in the intensive care unit may assist in reducing the pressure injury rate.