Bedsores (pressure sores)

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Complications of pressure ulcers include:

  • Sepsis. Sepsis occurs when bacteria enters your bloodstream through the broken skin and spreads throughout your body — a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure.
  • Cellulitis. This acute infection of your skin's connective tissue causes pain, redness and swelling, all of which can be severe. Cellulitis can also lead to life-threatening complications, including sepsis and meningitis — an infection of the membrane and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
  • Bone and joint infections. These develop when the infection from a pressure sore burrows deep into your joints and bones. Joint infections (septic or infectious arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue, and bone infections (osteomyelitis) may reduce the function of your joints and limbs.
  • Cancer. Another complication is the development of a type of squamous cell carcinoma that develops in chronic, nonhealing wounds (Marjolin ulcer). This type of cancer is aggressive and usually requires surgical treatment.
Tests and diagnosis Risk factors

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
  • Sepsis

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References
  1. Bluestein D, et al. Pressure ulcers: Prevention, evaluation, and management. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1186.
  2. Dealey C. Skin care and pressure ulcers. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2009;22:421.
  3. Black J, et al. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel's updated pressure ulcer staging system. Dermatology Nursing/Dermatology Nurses' Association 2007;19:343.
  4. Pressure ulcers. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch126/ch126a.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
  5. Abrams GM. Chronic complications of spinal cord injury. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2011.
  6. Dorner B, et al. The role of nutrition in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment: National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel white paper. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2009;22:212.
  7. Langemo DK, et al. Pressure ulcers in individuals receiving palliative care: A National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel white paper. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2010;23:59.
  8. Jaul E. Assessment and management of pressure ulcers in the elderly: Current strategies. Drugs & Aging. 2010;27:311.
  9. Garcia AD. Assessment and management of chronic pressure ulcers in the elderly. The Medical Clinics of North America. 2006;90:928.
  10. Tleyjeh I. Infectious complications of pressure ulcers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 30, 2011.
  11. Berlowitz D. Treatment of pressure ulcers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 30, 2011.
  12. Berlowitz D. Prevention of pressure ulcers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 30, 2011.
DS00570 March 19, 2011

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