Frequency of pressure ulcers in the paediatric population: a literature review and new empirical data.

Background: Published pressure ulcer incidence and prevalence figures in the paediatric population vary widely. The frequency of pressure ulcers in the German paediatric population is unknown. Currently, a systematic synthesis of PU incidence and prevalence studies in paediatric settings is missing.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers in the paediatric population and the anatomic sites that are most often affected; and whether pressure ulcer occurrence in German paediatric hospital samples is comparable to international figures.

Design: A systematic literature review and a secondary data analysis were conducted.

Methods: The MEDLINE und CINAHL databases were searched. Methodological quality of relevant studies was systematically evaluated, relevant data extracted and synthesised. Data from five German-wide pressure ulcer prevalence studies were analysed.

Results: In total, 19 studies were identified containing any information about pressure ulcer frequency in the paediatric population. Methodological quality of many studies was low. Taking only higher quality studies into account, pressure ulcer incidence was approximately 7% in the total paediatric population and 26% in the ICU setting. Prevalence estimates varied between 2% and 28%. Excluding grade 1 pressure ulcers, prevalence ranged from 1% to 5%. Especially in newborns and infants, the head was most often affected by pressure injuries. Many pressure ulcers were caused by medical devices. In Germany, pressure ulcer prevalence grade 1-4 in the general paediatric population was 2.3% (95% CI 1.4-3.6%). Excluding grade 1 pressure ulcer, prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI 0.4-1.8%).

Conclusions: Due to considerable methodological limitations and insufficient reporting there is a dearth of sound empirical evidence about pressure ulcer frequency in the paediatric population. Conducting and reporting of future studies must be improved. Pressure ulcer prevalence in German hospital samples was comparable to international figures. Newborns, infants, and small children are at higher risk to develop pressure ulcers at the occipital region as compared to other anatomic locations. The likelihood of developing sacral and heel pressure ulcers increases with increasing age and growth.