Risk Factors of Endotracheal Intubation-Related Pressure Injury among Patients Admitted to the ICU

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of endotracheal intubation-related pressure injury (EIRPI) in patients admitted to the ICU and provide a basis for EIRPI prevention and treatment. METHODS A total of 156 patients with endotracheal intubation who were admitted to ICU at a first-class hospital from January to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. Investigators collected and analyzed data and outcomes such as patient characteristics (demographic and clinical), endotracheal catheter-related factors, and the assessment and features of pressure injuries. RESULTS The incidence of EIRPI was 23.7%. The most commonly affected site was the lip (76.7%). The incidence was affected by endotracheal intubation types, endotracheal catheter indwelling time, subglottic suction, catheter fixation, and fixator types (P < .05). In addition, the moisture, mobility, and friction/shear Braden subscale scores were also correlated with the incidence of pressure injury (P < .05). Long endotracheal catheter indwelling time, the use of catheters with subglottic suction, high Braden moisture subscale score, low Braden mobility subscale score, and low Braden friction and shear subscale scores were predictive factors for EIRPI (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Patients in the ICU are at higher risk of developing EIRPI. Early identification of risk factors and timely intervention are the keys to preventing EIRPI.