Pressure ulcers and endothelial dysfunction: is there a link?

Pressure ulcers were first described in the medical literature in the mid-16th century. Today, in the 21st century, pressure ulcers continue to cause pain and suffering to patients and increase the cost of medical care. Researchers and clinicians have used significant time and money to develop prevention and treatment strategies for pressure ulcers. Accepted risk factors for pressure ulcer development include pressure, shear force, friction, moisture and malnutrition. Yet despite procedures to help minimize these risk factors, pressure ulcers are still problematic. Endothelial dysfunction, which is a well-documented cardiovascular risk factor, has been proposed as another risk factor for pressure ulcers. Yet little is known about how pressure ulcers and endothelial dysfunction are linked. In this article we explore the literature to build an argument that research into the role of endothelial function is a plausible line of translational investigation that would contribute greatly to the knowledge base that guides present-day practices in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.