Infrared Thermography-Assisted Identification of Intraoperative-Acquired Pressure Injuries Risk and Analysis of Risk Factors.

Abstract

Objective: To use infrared thermography (IRT) to identify the risk of intraoperative-acquired pressure injuries (IAPIs) and analyze the factors influencing both the occurrence and high risk of IAPIs.

Methods: A prospective observational study design was employed. The authors recruited 323 patients who underwent general anesthesia with intraoperative sacral compression for an estimated operative time of >3 hours. Infrared thermal images of the sacrum were captured before entering the operating room, after admission to the postanesthesia care unit, and daily for 3 days postoperatively. Sacral skin assessments were conducted based on the International Staging Criteria for Pressure Injuries. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze IAPI risk factors and factors associated with the high risk of IAPIs identified by infrared thermography.

Results: There were 12 cases of IAPIs (3.72%), all classified as stage 1 PIs. IRT identified 45 cases (13.9%) at high risk for IAPIs. Preoperative hospitalization days and intraoperative SpO2 ≤93% were independent risk factors for IAPIs. Age, body mass index, and intraoperative SpO2 ≤93% were independent risk factors for high-risk IAPIs. Intraoperative SpO2 ≤93% emerged as a common independent risk factor for both IAPI occurrence and high-risk IAPIs.

Conclusions: IRT is an effective tool for identifying the risk of IAPIs. Maintaining intraoperative SpO2 above 93% is beneficial in reducing both the occurrence and risk of IAPIs.