Examining Factors That Contribute to Delayed Wound Healing in Children with Tracheostomy Wounds

OBJECTIVE To identify variables that may contribute to delayed wound healing times in pediatric patients with tracheostomy wounds. DESIGN Researchers identified 134 charts spanning January 2013 to June 2017; 95 charts met the inclusion criteria. The study examined Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scores, pressure injury staging, and albumin levels. SETTING Arkansas Children’s Hospital. PATIENTS Patients (birth to 18 years) who developed or were admitted with a wound caused by a tracheostomy device. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Time in days to wound closure. MAIN RESULTS There was a moderate positive correlation between albumin and days to healing (r = 0.432, n = 22, P = .045) with higher albumin levels associated with shorter healing times. The PUSH scores and pressure injury stage were significant in explaining 14.1% of variance in days to healing (F77,2 = 7.458; P
Source: Advances in Skin and Wound Care - Category: Dermatology Tags: ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Source Type: research