ASSOCIATION OF INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS WITH EARLIER PRESSURE ULCER DEVELOPMENT IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS
Öz
Objective: Pressure ulcers are a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. While traditional risk assessment tools primarily focus on mechanical and functional factors, the role of systemic inflammation in determining the timing of ulcer development remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between inflammation-based markers, particularly the C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (CAR), and time to pressure ulcer development.
Material and Methods: Seventy-four ICU patients who developed pressure ulcers were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was defined as the time (in days) from ICU admission to pressure ulcer occurrence. Associations between variables were assessed using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of earlier pressure ulcer development. Due to potential collinearity, separate multivariable models were constructed for CAR and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare time to ulcer development between groups, and differences were assessed using the log-rank test.
Results: CAR was strongly and negatively correlated with time to pressure ulcer development (rho=−0.599, p<0.001). Age and body mass index showed weaker negative correlations, while the Braden score was not significantly associated with time to ulcer development. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, CAR was independently associated with earlier pressure ulcer development (HR=1.41, 95% CI 1.24-1.60, p<0.001). In a separate model, mGPS was also independently associated with earlier pressure ulcer development (HR=5.20, 95% CI 2.86-9.43, p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly shorter time to ulcer development in patients with higher CAR levels (log-rank p<0.001).
Conclusion: Inflammation-based markers, particularly CAR, are associated with earlier pressure ulcer development and may improve risk stratification beyond conventional assessment tools.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Plastik, Rekonstrüktif ve Estetik Cerrahi, Yoğun Bakım
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Emrah Işıktekin
*
0000-0001-6068-9899
Türkiye
Yayımlanma Tarihi
15 Haziran 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
1 Nisan 2026
Kabul Tarihi
27 Mayıs 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 16 Sayı: 2