Úlceras de pressão na face em doentes submetidos a ventilação não invasiva hospitalizados em cuidados intermédios

Background: Facial pressure ulcers are one of the most common complications associated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Objectives: To determine the frequency of facial pressure ulcers in patients admitted to an intermediate care unit (ICU) and submitted to NIV, as well as to identify the associated factors. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted between September and December 2015. Inclusion criteria: age [amp]#8805; 18 years, admitted to ICU, submitted to NIV and without facial ulcers at time of admission. A sample of 30 participants was obtained. Data were collected through a questionnaire, the Braden Scale and the Glasgow Scale. Results: The frequency of facial pressure ulcers was 26.7%, 16.7% of stage II and with a mean onset of 3.3 days. Most participants were male (70.0%), and the mean age was 74.2 years. Patients undergoing more hours of VNI per day, more days of NIV and more days of hospitalization had a higher frequency of facial pressure ulcers. Conclusion: Given that the number of hours of NIV increased the frequency of Facial pressure ulcers, we suggest periods of interruption of NIV use.