Lesiones cutáneas relacionadas con la dependencia en el paciente crítico pronado. Estudio de incidencia / Dependency-related skin lesions in the prone critical patient. Incidence study

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de las lesiones cutáneas relacionadas con la dependencia (LCRD) en los pacientes en decúbito prono (DP) e identificar los factores predisponentes. Método: Estudio descriptivo-longitudinal en 2 unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) polivalentes. Se incluyeron pacientes con ventilación mecánica invasiva y DP, sin lesiones al ingreso. Se registraron 3 tipos de LCRD: (lesiones por presión [LPP], lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la humedad [LESCAH] y lesiones por fricción [LF]), variables demográficas, diagnóstico, estancia, episodios en DP, cambios posturales, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System), prealbúmina al ingreso, índice de masa corporal (IMC), diabetes, hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, enfermedad vascular periférica (EVP), fármacos vasoactivos, escala de Braden y mortalidad. Análisis bivariante: prueba de χ2, t-Student o U de Mann-Whitney. Multivariante: regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 49 pacientes. Se realizaron 170 DP. Aparecieron 41 LCRD en 22 pacientes con una incidencia acumulada del 44,9% (IC 95%: 31,6-58,7). El 63,4% LPP (73,1% faciales; 76,9% categoría II), el 12,2% LESCAH (60% inguinales; 60% categoría II) y el 24,4% LF (50% torácicas; 70% categoría III). La mediana de edad del grupo con lesiones (GCL) fue de 66,5 (61,8-71,3) frente al 64 (43-71) años del grupo sin lesiones (GSL); p=0,04. El 80% del GCL tenía EVP frente al 20% del GSL; p=0,03. La mediana de horas totales en DP del GCL fue de 96,9 (56,1-149,4) frente a 38,2 (18,8-57) del GSL; p<0,001. El análisis multivariante seleccionó horas totales DP (OR: 1,03; IC 95%: 1,01-1,05) y la EVP (OR: 8,9; IC 95%: 1,3-58,9) como factores predisponentes para desarrollar LCRD. Conclusiones: Existe una elevada incidencia de LCRD en DP, mayoritariamente lesiones por presión, aunque de baja severidad. Las horas acumuladas en DP y la enfermedad vascular periférica favorecen su desarrollo.(AU)

Objective: To determine the incidence of dependence-related skin lesions (DRSL) in patients in prone position (PP) and to identify the predisposing factors. Method: Follow-up study in two polyvalent intensive care units. Patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and PP with no skin lesions on admission were included. We recorded the 3 types of DRSL:(pressure ulcers (PU), moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and friction injuries (FI)), demographic variables, diagnosis, length of stay, PP episodes, postural changes, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System), prealbumin level on admission, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, smoking, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), vasoactive drugs, Braden scale and mortality. Bivariate analysis: Chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate analysis: logistic regression. Results: Forty nine patients were included and 170 PP were performed. Forty-one DRSL appeared in 22 patients with a cumulative incidence of 44.9% (95% CI: 31.6-58.7). PU accounted for 63.4% (73.1% facial; 76.9% stage II), 12.2% were MASD (60% inguinal; 60% stage II) and 24.4% were FI (50% thoracic; 70% stage III). The median age of the lesion group (LG) was 66.5 (61.8-71.3) vs 64 (43-71) years old in the non-lesion group (NLG), P=.04. Eighty percent of the LG had PVD vs 20% of the NLG, p=0.03. The median total hours on PP of the LG was 96.9 (56.1-149.4) vs 38.2 (18.8-57) of the NIG, P<.001. Multivariate analysis selected total PP hours (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) and PVD (OR: 8.9; 95% CI: 1.3-58.9) as predisposing factors for developing DRSL. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of skin lesions related to prone decubitus dependence, mostly pressure lesions, although of low severity. The accumulated hours in probe position and peripheral vascular disease favor their development.(AU)

Dependency-related skin lesions in the prone critical patient. Incidence study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of dependence-related skin lesions (DRSL) in patients in prone position (PP) and to identify the predisposing factors. METHOD: Follow-up study in two polyvalent intensive care units. Patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and PP with no skin lesions on admission were included. We recorded the 3 types of DRSL: (pressure ulcers [PU], moisture-associated skin damage [MASD] and friction injuries [FI]), demographic variables, diagnosis, length of stay, PP episodes, postural changes, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System), prealbumin level on admission, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, smoking, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), vasoactive drugs, Braden scale and mortality. Bivariate analysis: chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate analysis: logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty nine patients were included and 170PP were performed.Forty-one DRSL appeared in 22 patients with a cumulative incidence of 44.9% (95%CI: 31.6-58.7). PU accounted for 63.4% (73.1% facial; 76.9% stage II), 12.2% were MASD (60% inguinal; 60% stage II) and 24.4% were FI (50% thoracic; 70% stage III). The median age of the lesion group (LG) was 66.5 [61.8-71.3] vs. 64 [43-71] years old in the non-lesion group (NLG), p=0.04. Eighty percent of the LG had PVD vs. 20% of the NLG, p=0.03. The median total hours on PP of the LG was 96.9 [56.1-149.4] vs. 38.2 [18.8-57] of the NIG, p<0.001. Multivariate analysis selected total PP hours (OR=1.03; 95%CI:1.01-1.05) and PVD (OR=8.9; 95%CI:1.3-58.9) as predisposing factors for developing DRSL. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of skin lesions related to prone decubitus dependence, mostly pressure lesions, although of low severity.The accumulated hours in probe position and peripheral vascular disease favor their development.

Utilidad de la fotografía como herramienta evaluadora para la interpretación de las presiones del circuito de terapia de depuración extracorpórea renal en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Photography as an assessment tool for the interpretation of pressures of the extracorporeal renal clearance therapy in an intensive care unit

Objetivo: Identificar las dificultades del personal sanitario de una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en la interpretación de las presiones del circuito extracorpóreo renal mediante el uso de fotografías.Metodología: Estudio descriptivo-transversal, en dos UCI polivalentes de 20 camas y 82 profesionales sanitarios (médicos/ enfermeras) en noviembre de 2020.Se utilizaron 15 fotografías validadas por dos expertos de la pantalla de Prismaflex®, con cuatro opciones de respuesta: problemas línea entrada, problemas línea retorno, coagulación, filtro y funcionamiento correcto. Una era la correcta.Resultados: Participaron 66 profesionales (80,5% muestra). Se clasificaron correctamente el 71,7% (IC95% 68,8-74,4) de las fotografías. La media de respuestas correctas fue de 9,9 (DE=2,4). Las fotografías interpretadas con más dificultad fueron las de la línea de retorno con porcentajes de aciertos del 50%.Los profesionales con formación obtuvieron una media de aciertos de 10,8 (DE=2,5) frente al 9,1 (DE=2,1) de los sin formación (p<0,01).Se estableció una asociación lineal positiva entre años de experiencia profesional y aciertos r= 0,5 p= 0,01.La media de aciertos de las enfermeras fue de 10,1 (DE=2,2), frente al 9,4 (DE= 3) de los médicos (p=0,4).Conclusiones: Una cuarta parte de las fotografías son clasificadas erróneamente, especialmente las referentes al acceso venoso. Los profesionales con formación y más experiencia tienen menos dificultades. Aunque la enfermera es la encargada del control del circuito no existen diferencias entre médicos y enfermeras.Es necesario formar especialmente a las nuevas incorporaciones ya que conocer la hemodinamia del circuito contribuye a mejorar la eficacia del tratamiento. (AU)

Objective: To identify the difficulties of intensive care unit (ICU) staff in interpreting renal extracorporeal circuit pressures using photographsMaterial and Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in two multi-purpose intensive care units with 20 beds and 82 healthcare professionals (doctors/nurses) during November 2020. Fifteen photographs validated by two experts of the Prismaflex® screen were used, with four response options: line-in problems, line-out problems, coagulation, filter and correct operation. One was correct Results: A total of 66 professionals participated (80.5% sample). A total of 71.7% (95%CI 68.8-74.4) of the photographs were correctly classified. The mean number of correct answers was 9.9 (SD=2.4). Photographs interpreted with the greatest difficulty were those of the return line, with a correctness rate of 50%. Trained professionals obtained a mean number of correct answers of 10.8 (SD=2.5) compared to 9.1 (SD=2.1) for untrained professionals (p<0.01). A positive linear association was established between seniority and number of correct answers (r=0.5, p=0.01). The mean number of correct answers for nurses was 10.1 (SD=2.2), compared to 9.4 (SD=3) for physicians (p=0.4). Conclusions: A quarter of the photographs were misclassified, especially those concerning venous access. Trained and more experienced professionals have fewer difficulties. While the nurse is in charge of circuit control, there are no differences between physicians and nurses. Especially junior nurses need to be trained to know the haemodynamic of the extracorporeal circuit, thus contributing to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. (AU)

Efficacy of a comprehensive strategy to reduce moisture-associated skin damage in an intensive care unit: A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the impact of a bundle of interventions to reduce the incidence of moisture-associated skin damage in an intensive care unit. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study with pre-post comparison carried out in a general intensive care unit. The intervention consisted of an online training on skin lesions and implementation of a skin care program. In the pre-post intervention period, the skin of the pelvic area was assessed daily until the appearance of a moisture-related lesion or intensive care unit discharge. Demographic and clinical variables, type of moisture lesion and severity were collected. To assess the impact of the intervention the odds ratio (OR) adjusted for the confounding variables was used. RESULTS: Trained nurses accounted for 87.7%. In each phase 145 patients were studied. The incidence of moisture-associated skin damage in the pre-phase was of 29% and 14.5% in the post phase. The OR adjusted for the confounding variables (ICU length of stay, obesity, faecal incontinence and non-communicative patients) was 0.44 (95%CI:0.23-0.82). The reduction of incontinence-associated dermatitis presented an OR of 0.81 (95%CI:0.30-2.16) and intertriginous dermatitis of 0.39 (95%CI:0.17-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Online training for nurses and the introduction of structured skin care reduced by half the moisture-associated skin damage, especially intertriginous dermatitis.

Diferenciación entre lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la humedad y úlceras por presión mediante el uso de fotografías en un área de críticos / Differentiation between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers using photographs in a critical area

OBJETIVOS: Determinar las dificultades de la enfermera en la diferenciación entre lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la humedad (LESCAH) y úlceras por presión (UPP), la adecuada clasificación de las UPP según la escala del Grupo Nacional para el Estudio y Asesoramiento de Úlceras por Presión y Heridas Crónicas (GNEAUPP) y el grado de concordancia en la valoración correcta según el tipo y la categoría de la lesión. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal en un área de críticos durante 2014. Se incluyeron todas las enfermeras que aceptaron participar. Se les realizó un cuestionario con 14 fotografías validadas por expertos de LESCAH o UPP en la zona sacra y/o glútea, con 6 opciones de respuesta: UPP categoría I, II, III, IV, LESCAH y no se sabe. Se recogieron datos demográficos y conocimiento del sistema de clasificación de las UPP según el GNEAUPP. RESULTADOS: Participó un 98% de la población (n=56). El 98,2% conocía el sistema de clasificación del GNEAUPP. De las fotografías que mostraban LESCAH, el 35,2% fueron consideradas como UPP, la mayor parte de ellas como categoría II (18,9%). El 14,8% de las fotografías con UPP fueron valoradas como LESCAH y el 16,1% se clasificó en otra categoría. La concordancia entre enfermeras obtuvo un índice Kappa global de 0,38 (IC 95%:0,29-0,57). CONCLUSIÓN: Existen dificultades en la diferenciación entre LESCAH y UPP, sobre todo en categorías iniciales. Las enfermeras tienen la percepción de conocer la clasificación de las UPP, pero no las clasifican correctamente. El grado de concordancia en el diagnóstico de lesiones cutáneas fue bajo

OBJECTIVES: To identify difficulties for nurses in differentiating between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers, proper classification of pressure ulcers to assess the adequate classification of the Grupo Nacional para el Estudio y Asesoramiento de Úlceras por Presión y Heridas Crónicas(GNEAUPP) and the degree of agreement in the correct assessment by type and category of injury. Method: Cross-sectional study in a critical area during 2014. All nurses who agreed to participate were included. They performed a questionnaire with 14 photographs validated by experts of moisture lesions or pressure ulcers in the sacral area and buttocks, with 6 possible answers: Pressure ulcer category I, II, III, IV, moisture lesions and unknown. Demographics and knowledge of the classification system of the pressure ulcers were collected according to GNEAUPP. RESULTS: It involved 98% of the population (n=56); 98.2% knew the classification system of the GNEAUPP; 35.2% of moisture lesions were considered as pressure ulcers, most of them as a category II (18.9%). The 14.8% of the pressure ulcers photographs were identified as moisture lesions and 16.1% were classified in another category. The agreement between nurses earned a global Kappa index of .38 (95% CI: .29-.57). CONCLUSIONS: There are difficulties differentiating between pressure ulcers and moisture lesions, especially within initial categories. Nurses have the perception they know the pressure ulcers classification, but they do not classify them correctly. The degree of concordance in the diagnosis of skin lesions was low (AU)

[Differentiation between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers using photographs in a critical area]. / Diferenciación entre lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la humedad y úlceras por presión mediante el uso de fotografías en un área de críticos.

OBJECTIVES: To identify difficulties for nurses in differentiating between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers, proper classification of pressure ulcers to assess the adequate classification of the Grupo Nacional para el Estudio y Asesoramiento de Úlceras por Presión y Heridas Crónicas (GNEAUPP) and the degree of agreement in the correct assessment by type and category of injury. METHOD: Cross-sectional study in a critical area during 2014. All nurses who agreed to participate were included. They performed a questionnaire with 14 photographs validated by experts of moisture lesions or pressure ulcers in the sacral area and buttocks, with 6 possible answers: Pressure ulcer category I, II, III, IV, moisture lesions and unknown. Demographics and knowledge of the classification system of the pressure ulcers were collected according to GNEAUPP. RESULTS: It involved 98% of the population (n=56); 98.2% knew the classification system of the GNEAUPP; 35.2% of moisture lesions were considered as pressure ulcers, most of them as a category II (18.9%). The 14.8% of the pressure ulcers photographs were identified as moisture lesions and 16.1% were classified in another category. The agreement between nurses earned a global Kappa index of .38 (95% CI: .29-.57). CONCLUSION: There are difficulties differentiating between pressure ulcers and moisture lesions, especially within initial categories. Nurses have the perception they know the pressure ulcers classification, but they do not classify them correctly. The degree of concordance in the diagnosis of skin lesions was low.

Registros de enfermería de la dieta administrada a los pacientes ingresados en una unidad de semicríticos / Diet nursery registrations for patients at semicritics care unit

Introducción: Evaluar los registros enfermeros, permite conocer la actividad realizada para detectar precozmente problemas nutricionales. Objetivo: Valorar y cuantificar los registros enfermeros respecto a la ingesta oral del paciente. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo longitudinal en una unidad de semicríticos de 21 camas. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, con estancias superiores a 24 horas y con dieta oral. Se excluyeron pacientes con nutrición enteral o parenteral. Se recogieron datos demográficos, diagnóstico médico, tipo de dieta, número de registros de peso, talla, estado de conciencia, cantidad de ingesta y anotaciones en la gráfica. Resultados: Se valoraron 495 gráficas (184 pacientes), la media de edad fue 64,6 (14,1) años, constaba el tipo de dieta en el 92,7% y en el 62,5% peso y talla. El 84,4% de los registros no incluía ni cantidad ni anotaciones sobre la ingesta. Existió un registro superior en pacientes postquirúrgicos (p<0,037) y según la consistencia de la dieta siendo superior en dietas líquidas (p<0,001). Discusión: Existe una falta de información sobre la evaluación de la ingesta tanto en cantidad como en la descripción de problemas ya que la mayoría de registros son puntuales sin describir ninguna planificación o intervención. Conclusiones: Los resultados son mejorables y enfermería debe revisar su práctica y desarrollar estrategias para asegurar un correcto seguimiento de la ingesta del paciente (AU)

Introduction: To evaluate nursery records provides information about the activity performed to detect early nutritional problems. Objective: To evaluate and quantify the nursing records regarding the patient’s oral intake. Methodology: Retrospective longitudinal study in a semicrítical unit with 21beds. There were included patients over 18 years old with stays over 24 hours and oral diet. Patients with enteral or parental nutrition were excluded. There were compiled demographics data, medical diagnosis, type of diet, number of data registered linked to weight, size, consciousness, amount of the intake and notes in the graphic. Results: 495 graphics were evaluated (184 patients), the mean age 64.6 (14.1) years. The type of diet were registered in 92.7% and 62.5% had the registrations of weight and size. 84.4% of the records did not include annotations or quantity or intake. There was a higher registration in post surgical patients (p<0,037) and according to the consistency of the diet. It was superior in the liquid intakes (p<.001). Discussion: There is a lack of information regarding to the evaluation of the intake; so as in the quantity as in the problems description, due to the fact that most of the records were taken isolated without describing any planification. Conclusions: The results need to be improved. Nursery needs to review its perform and develop its strategy in order to ensure a correct follow up of the patient’s intake (AU)

Grado de concordancia interevaluador de la escala «Nursing Activities Score» en cuidados intensivos / Inter-rater concordance of the «Nursing Activities Score» in intensive care

OBJETIVO: Determinar la concordancia entre evaluadores de la escala «Nursing Activities Score». MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado desde diciembre del 2012 a junio del 2013, en una unidad de cuidados intensivos polivalente de 12 camas. Tres enfermeras evaluadoras con diferentes años de experiencia profesional, de manera simultánea e independiente puntuaron, a través de la gráfica diaria del paciente, el trabajo enfermero utilizando la «Nursing Activities Score» en todos los pacientes ingresados mayores de 18 años. RESULTADOS: Se recogieron un total de 339 registros. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) entre los evaluadores fue del 0,92 (0,89-0,94). El 39,1% de los ítems tuvo una concordancia perfecta, el 52,2% alta y el 8,7% baja, correspondiendo a 2 de los ítems con varias opciones de puntuación. Se encontraron diferencias significativas de la puntuación obtenida en 2 de los evaluadores (p = 0,049). CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de que la concordancia interevaluadores de la escala es alta, serían necesarios unos registros enfermeros más precisos para reducir la variabilidad de los ítems con varias opciones de puntuación, y permitir una mayor precisión en la interpretación y medición de los datos sobre la carga de trabajo enfermera

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate inter-rater concordance in the valuation of the «Nursing Activities Score». METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from December 2012 until June 2013 in a general intensive care unit with twelve beds. Three evaluator nurses, simultaneously and independently, through the patient daily charts, scored the nursing workload using Nursing Activities Score scale in all patients admitted over 18 years old. RESULTS: Three hundreds and thirty-nine records were collected. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between evaluators was 0.92 (0.89-0.94). A perfect concordance was obtained in 39.1% of the items, with 52.2% having a high, and 8.7% having lower concordance, corresponding to two of the items with multiple scoring options. Significant differences between two of the evaluators (P=.049) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Although the inter-rater concordance was high, more accurate records are needed to reduce the variability of the items with multiple options and to allow more accuracy in the interpretation and measurement of the data regarding nursing workload

[Inter-rater concordance of the "Nursing Activities Score" in intensive care]. / Grado de concordancia interevaluador de la escala "Nursing Activities Score" en cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate inter-rater concordance in the valuation of the "Nursing Activities Score". METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from December 2012 until June 2013 in a general intensive care unit with twelve beds. Three evaluator nurses, simultaneously and independently, through the patient daily charts, scored the nursing workload using Nursing Activities Score scale in all patients admitted over 18 years old. RESULTS: Three hundreds and thirty-nine records were collected. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between evaluators was 0.92 (0.89-0.94). A perfect concordance was obtained in 39.1% of the items, with 52.2% having a high, and 8.7% having lower concordance, corresponding to two of the items with multiple scoring options. Significant differences between two of the evaluators (P=.049) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Although the inter-rater concordance was high, more accurate records are needed to reduce the variability of the items with multiple options and to allow more accuracy in the interpretation and measurement of the data regarding nursing workload.

Diferencias de presión arterial entre brazos en el paciente crítico / The interarm blood pressure difference in the critically ill patient

Fundamento y objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de una diferencia de presión arterial sistólica (dPAS) ≥ 10 mmHg entre brazos en pacientes críticos y examinar las características clínicas asociadas a dicha diferencia. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se realizaron 2 determinaciones de presión arterial (PA) consecutivas en cada brazo al ingreso comenzando por el brazo elegido aleatoriamente. Resultados: Se estudiaron 168 pacientes, con una edad media (DE) de 61 (16) años. El 67,3% eran varones y un 45% tenían diagnóstico previo de hipertensión arterial (HTA). Al ingreso, el 27,4% presentaba dPAS ≥ 10 mmHg. De este grupo, el 54% presentaban una PAS superior en el brazo derecho y el 46% en el izquierdo. En el grupo con dPAS ≥ 10 mmHg se dio con mayor frecuencia el diagnóstico previo de HTA (67,4 frente a 36,9%, p < 0,001) y la presencia de alteraciones de la conciencia (76,1 frente a 52,5%, p = 0,006). Conclusiones: Más de una cuarta parte de los pacientes críticos tienen una dPAS ≥ 10 mmHg entre brazos. Esta característica se asocia al hecho de tener diagnóstico previo de HTA y a la presencia de trastornos de la conciencia. Debería evaluarse en un futuro si la elección de un brazo control ayudaría a mejorar su atención al suponer una guía más exacta en el abordaje hemodinámico (AU)

Background and objective: To evaluate the prevalence of a difference in systolic blood pressure (SBPd) ≥ 10 mmHg between arms in patients admitted in a Critical Care Unit and to examine the clinical characteristics associated with such blood pressure difference. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study. Two blood pressure measurements in each arm were carried out at unit admission. The firstly measured arm was chosen at random. Results: One-hundred and sixty-eight patients were studied, with a mean age of 61 (SD = 16), 67.3% male and 45% with a previous hypertension diagnosis. On admission, 27.4% presented SBPd ≥ 10 mmHg. Among them, 54% had higher SBP in the right arm and 46% in the left one. A SBPd ≥ 10 mmHg was associated with a previous hypertension diagnosis (67.4 versus 36.9%; P < .001) and with reduced consciousness (76.1 versus 52.5%; P = .006). Conclusions: Over a quarter of critically ill patients have a SBPd ≥ 10 mmHg between arms. This feature is associated with a previous hypertension diagnosis and reduced consciousness. It should be assessed in the future if the choice of a control arm would help improve patient's care as it would become a more accurate guide for hemodynamic management (AU)

[The interarm blood pressure difference in the critically ill patient]. / Diferencias de presión arterial entre brazos en el paciente crítico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of a difference in systolic blood pressure (SBPd) ≥ 10 mmHg between arms in patients admitted in a Critical Care Unit and to examine the clinical characteristics associated with such blood pressure difference. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study. Two blood pressure measurements in each arm were carried out at unit admission. The firstly measured arm was chosen at random. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixty-eight patients were studied, with a mean age of 61 (SD=16), 67.3% male and 45% with a previous hypertension diagnosis. On admission, 27.4% presented SBPd ≥ 10 mmHg. Among them, 54% had higher SBP in the right arm and 46% in the left one. A SBPd ≥ 10 mmHg was associated with a previous hypertension diagnosis (67.4 versus 36.9%; P<.001) and with reduced consciousness (76.1 versus 52.5%; P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: Over a quarter of critically ill patients have a SBPd ≥ 10 mmHg between arms. This feature is associated with a previous hypertension diagnosis and reduced consciousness. It should be assessed in the future if the choice of a control arm would help improve patient's care as it would become a more accurate guide for hemodynamic management.