Other conditions that might have Bedsores as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Bedsores. Our database lists the following as having Bedsores as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Bedsores as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Bedsores. Our database lists the following as having Bedsores as a symptom of that condition:
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Bedsores:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Bedsores may be found in:
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Most pressure ulcers are caused by pressure, particularly over bony prominences, that interrupts normal circulatory function, leading to ischemia of the underlying structures of skin, fat, and muscles. (See Pressure points: Common sites of pressure ulcers.) The intensity and duration of such pressure govern the severity of the ulcer; pressure exerted over an area for a moderate period (1 to 2 hours) produces tissue ischemia and increased capillary pressure, leading to edema and multiple small-vessel thromboses. An inflammatory reaction gives way to ulceration and necrosis of ischemic cells. In turn, necrotic tissue predisposes to bacterial invasion and subsequent infection.
The patient’s position determines the pressure exerted on the tissues. For example, if the head of the bed is elevated, or the patient assumes a slumped position, gravity pulls his weight downward and forward. This shearing force causes deep ulcers due to ischemic changes in the muscles and subcutaneous tissues, and occurs most often over the sacrum and ischial tuberosities.
Predisposing conditions for pressure ulcers include altered mobility, inadequate nutrition (leading to weight loss, subsequent reduction of subcutaneous tissue and muscle bulk and, possibly, a poorly functioning immune system), and a breakdown in skin or subcutaneous tissue (as a result of edema, incontinence, fever, pathologic conditions, or obesity).
Pressure ulcers occur in 10% to 17% of all hospitalized patients and 20% to 40% of all nursing home patients. Patients living at home aren’t free from risk, either: 20% of all pressure ulcers occur in the home. In the United States, there are approximately 2 million new cases of pressure ulcers diagnosed every year.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Most pressure ulcers are caused by unrelieved pressure, particularly over bony prominences, that interrupts normal circulatory function, leading to ischemia of the underlying structures of skin, fat, and muscles. The intensity and duration of such pressure govern the severity of the ulcer; pressure exerted over an area for a moderate period (1 to 2 hours) produces tissue ischemia and increased capillary pressure, leading to edema and multiple small-vessel thromboses. An inflammatory reaction gives way to ulceration and necrosis of ischemic cells. In turn, necrotic tissue predisposes the patient to bacterial invasion and subsequent infection.
The patient’s position determines the pressure exerted on the tissues. For example, if the head of the bed is elevated or the patient assumes a slumped position, gravity pulls his weight downward and forward. This shearing force causes deep ulcers due to ische-mic changes in the muscles and subcutaneous tissues and most commonly affects the sacrum and ischial tuberosities.
Predisposing conditions for pressure ulcers include altered mobility, inadequate nutrition (leading to weight loss and subsequent reduction of subcutaneous tissue and muscle bulk), and a breakdown in skin or subcutaneous tissue (as a result of edema, incontinence, fever, pathologic conditions, or obesity).
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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