Medical Device-related Pressure Injuries Associated With Electroencephalogram Leads in a Tertiary Care Children’s Hospital

Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) present a substantial safety risk for children who are hospitalized. PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe patient and clinical characteristics of children who develop MDRPIs related to electroencephalogram (EEG) leads, determine risk factors associated with their development, and determine if there are common risk factors that can lead to actionable strategies to reduce MDRPIs related to EEG leads. METHODS: A retrospective review was completed of the electronic health records of all 3136 children who had EEG lead placements between January 1, 2014, and April 16, 2018, at a large tertiary care children’s hospital. Data abstracted included demographic variables, patient and pressure injury characteristics, as well as length of stay. RESULTS: Twenty-four (24) of the 3136 children (0.8%) developed an MDRPI. Most were stage 2 pressure injuries. Patients who developed a pressure injury were significantly younger than patients who did not (median age, 0.9 and 5.2 years … read more