474,692 new cases of decubitus ulcer occurred in the US 2000-2002 (Patient Safety in American Hospitals, Health Grades 2004) ... see also overview of Bedsores.
approx 1 in 573 or 0.17% or 474,692 people in USA [Source statistic for calcuation: "474,692 new cases of decubitus ulcer occurred in the US 2000-2002 (Patient Safety in American Hospitals, Health Grades 2004)" -- see also general information about data sources]
474,692 per year, 39,557 per month, 9,128 per week, 1,300 per day, 54 per hour, 0 per minute, 0 per second. [Source statistic for calculation: "474,692 new cases of decubitus ulcer occurred in the US 2000-2002 (Patient Safety in American Hospitals, Health Grades 2004)" -- see also general information about data sources]
The following statistics relate to the incidence of Bedsores:
The following statistics relate to deaths and Bedsores:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Bedsores.
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
The term 'prevalence' of Bedsores usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Bedsores at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Bedsores refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Bedsores diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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