Pressure Ulcers as an Integral Marker of Patient Condition Severity

This study investigates the severity of pressure ulcer disease as an objective clinical and prognostic marker of patient condition. The article analyzes how the speed of onset, depth, and extent of pressure ulcers reflect systemic disturbances, microcirculatory status, tissue hypoxia, and the patient’s adaptive capacity. It emphasizes the distinction between pressure ulcers as a complication of care and pressure ulcer disease as an indicator of systemic decompensation. The study proposes a clinical grading of patient condition based on ulcer severity and demonstrates the potential utility of this marker in prognosis, treatment planning, and decision-making for intensive or palliative care. The approach is clinical-analytical and requires further prospective validation. Keywords: pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, severity criteria, microcirculation, prognosis