Iatrogenic skin damage in NICUs – linked to medical devices

Neonates in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are at high risk for skin damage – medical devices being a common cause. Other contributing factors include immobility-related pressure ulcers and diaper dermatitis.

A recent cross-sectional point prevalence and prospective cohort incidence study was undertaken in two large NICUs, examining all types of skin damage.

Overall, 39% (n = 21) of neonates experienced skin damage, with an incidence rate of 71% (n = 36). Most cases were superficial, with only 7% in the prevalence study and 14% in the incidence study involving broken skin. The results depicted that skin damage was often linked to diagnostic and interventional medical devices. Notably, premature infants were at greater risk for skin damage––highlighting the vulnerability of this population.

The findings suggested that improved collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry is necessary to ensure that medical devices are safe for neonatal skin. There is also a need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect neonates from skin damage in NICUs.

This is the first comprehensive study to evaluate all types of skin damage in NICUs rather than focusing on a single category, like pressure ulcers. The results underscore the high prevalence and incidence of skin damage with a significant portion linked to medical devices.

Source: Liversedge HL, Schoonhoven L, Bader DL, et al. Journal of Neonatal Nursing. 2024 Jun 11.