Combination of ultrasonographic and thermographic assessments for predicting partial-thickness pressure ulcer healing

The ability to predict the prognosis of a pressure ulcer is required to establish appropriate management in the early phase. The present study reports the usefulness of a combined assessment technique using ultrasonography and thermography for predicting delayed wound healing. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 37 patients with Stage I or II pressure ulcers. The patients were followed up for at least 3 weeks. The ultrasonographic and thermographic assessments were conducted at the initial multidisciplinary team round. The presence of four ultrasonographic features (unclear layered structure, hypoechoic lesion, discontinuous fascia, and heterogeneous hypoechoic area) and one thermographic feature (increased temperature) were determined from within the wound bed. Wound healing was reassessed after 2 weeks and the rate of area reduction was calculated to determine whether the pressure ulcer was healing properly. A multivariate logistic analysis was used to assess the predictive values of the possible assessment features. Results. A comprehensive review of the ultrasonographic and thermographic assessments of the pressure ulcers found that the combination of unclear layered structure and increased temperature was beneficial for predicting wound healing. When a pressure ulcer presented with an unclear layered structure and increased temperature in the wound bed, the risk of delayed wound healing or wound deterioration was 6.85 times higher compared with a pressure ulcer that did not have these manifestations. Conclusion. The combination of ultrasonographic and thermographic assessments facilitates precise prediction of pressure ulcer outcomes.