Skin injuries in newborns hospitalized in neonatal intensive care: a cross-sectional study*

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the skin injuries of hospitalized newborns and identify factors related to the number of lesions. Method: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out over a period of one year in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the west of Paraná. The study included 74 newborns with a score ≥5 on the Newborn Skin Condition Scale. Data analysis by chi-square and Pearson’s test (p < 0.05). Results: The frequency was 25.4%, 59.4% had more than one lesion, mainly dermatitis and pressure injury. Birth characteristics were not related to the number of lesions. Not using antibiotics and parenteral nutrition, hemoglobin >11g/dl, phototherapy, pain score <4 and hospitalization >30 days were related to the number of lesions. The presence of two injuries led to longer healing time and three to longer hospitalization. A higher score on the Skin Condition Scale was related to healing time and late start of the diet. Conclusion: Skin injuries were found to be infrequent among newborns, but there is still a need to improve practices to prevent and maintain skin integrity.