Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Pressure ulcers, sometimes referred to as decubitus ulcers or bed sores, are small, localized skin lesions that occur when soft tissue is crushed for an extended length of time between a bony prominence and an external surface. The present study was conducted to assess clinical profile of patients with pressure ulcers. Materials & Methods:135 patients with pressure ulcers of both genders were included in the study. Parameters such as education, marital status, length of stay in hospital, grade of ulcers (EPUAP grading), change of position, sensory perception, present diet etc. were recorded. Results: Out of 135 patients, males were 65 and females were 70.28 patients were illiterate, 52 had primary and 55 had secondary and above education. Marital status was unmarried42, married68 and divorced25. The length of stay in hospital was <7days in 45 and >7days in 90 patients. Grade of ulcers was grade 1-4 in 12, grade 5-8 in 25, grade 9-10 in 46 and grade > 10 in 52 patients. The change of position was seen in 62. Sensory perceptionfound to be completely limited in 42, very limited in 63 and no impairment in 30 patients. The present diet was NPO-IV fluid in 53, a high protein diet in 45, diabetic diet in 20 and normal diet in 17 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: To reduce the occurrence, patients must receive appropriate monitoring. Strategies for preventing and reducing bed sores in hospitals must be developed.