Abstract

Objective: This study was planned to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pressure wounds in children who were followed up at pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after liver transplantation.

Methods: Patients who had been admitted to the unit after liver transplantation from the day the PICU started the first patient admission of a University Hospital until the date of the study, who were between 30 days - 18 years of age during treatment, and whose files in the archive could be accessed by the institution were included in the sample. The data were retrospectively analyzed and systematized using forms containing the child’s health history and assessment of pressure injury.

Results: It was determined that 14 patients who met the study criteria were followed in PICU. Mean duration of patient’s PICU stay is 6.6 days. Primary medical diagnosis of 50% is liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. When all patients were evaluated for pressure wound, there were 12 pressure wounds in 3 patients. When stage of the developed pressure wounds was examined; 58.3% of the patients were found to be in stage 2. The most common areas of pressure wound are coxis (33.3%). It was determined that 66.6% of the pressure wounds were developed due to the used catheters.

Conclusion: Although pressure wounds are preventable, it is still an important health problem that is common in pediatric population with risky characteristics.