Global Dermatology Research Article ISSN: 2056-7863 Glob Dermatol, 2016 doi: 10.15761/GOD.1000183 Volume 3(3): 319-322 hospitalizations and altered consciousness are the most consistently reported risk factors for pressure ulcers [8]. Although previous studies have suggested that certain conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, hip fractures, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, increase the likelihood that a patient will develop a PU, the role of thecomorbidity status in the development of PUs in geriatric hospitals is rarely investigated. Te objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PUs in a geriatric hospitaland explore the possible connections between prevalence rate and comorbidity status. Material and method Te study was carried out at the Geriatric and Palliative Care Hospital in Skopje, an institution that serves the 1200000 population, ofering geriatric and palliative care. It is the largest specialized geriatric and palliative hospital in the country and exclusively attends to patients through the Public Health System. Te study design was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. Informed consent was waived because of the study’s observational nature. Background A pressure ulcer (PU) is localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear. It leads to ischemia, cell death, progressive destruction and necrosis of theunderlying sof tissues [1].  It is estimated that the prevalence of PU has doubled in recent years [2], andthe incidence has increased by 80% between 1995 and 2008 [3]. Pressure ulcers are among the most common conditions encountered in patients requiring institutional care. Te prevalence of PU ranges from 1 to 18% of in-patients, from 3 to 29% of those admitted to long-term settings,and 0% to 17% in home care settings [3-5].  Tey are a common problem among older adults in all health care settings, including acute hospitals, nursing homes and geriatric and palliative centers (3). In a study performed in Sweden, 97% of patients with PU were 65 years and more, 63% of them were older than 80 years [6]. Prevalence and incidence estimates of PU in the elderlyvary by setting, ulcerstage, and length of follow-up [3,7]. For example, many epidemiological studies have elected not to include stage 1 ulcers since they are difcult to reliably detect. A broad range of factors have an infuence ondevelopment of PUs in long-term care residents [5]. Mobility limitation, incontinence, nutritional status, pain, infectious complications, prolonged Te infuence of comorbidity on the prevalence of pressure ulcers in geriatric patients Neloska Lenche 1 *, Damevska Katerina 2 , Andjelka Nikolchev 1 , Pavleska Lidija 1 , Petreska-Zovic Biljana 1 and Kostov Milenko 3 1 PHI Gerontology Institute “13 November Skopje”, Skopje 2 University Clinic of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Skopje 3 University Clinic of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Skopje Abstract Background: Pressure ulcers are a common problem among older adults in all health care settings. A number of contributing factors are associated with pressure ulcers. Aim: Te aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of pressure ulcers in patients hospitalized in long term care facility, and to examine the infuence of comorbidity on the prevalence of pressure ulcers. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected, and included demographic characteristics and comorbidities. For each patient with PU we collected PU characteristics (location, number of PU per patient, and stage). Results: In the study period, 2099 patients were hospitalized; and 1289 patients (61.4%) were women. Median age was 76.32years. Te total pressure ulcer prevalence was 12.19%. Te number of comorbidities was higher in the patients with PU, compared with patients without PU (p<0.001). Te prevalence of PU was signifcantly infuenced by diabetes (p=0,021) and neurological disorders (p=0,051). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the comorbidities play an important role in the pathogenesis of the pressure sores. Correspondence to: Neloska Lenche, PHI Gerontology Institute “13 November Skopje”, Skopje, E-mail: neloskal@gmail.com Key words: pressure ulcer, comorbidities, prevalence, diabetes mellitus, neurologic diseases Received: May 10, 2016; Accepted: June 06, 2016; Published: June 10, 2016