In this review, we compare the characteristics of newborn and elderly skin in order to determine common features that may explain their fragility, especially regarding PI risk. Newborn skin evolution has been less studied, but some data also report a higher PI prevalence in this population compared to older children, and several authors also consider this skin as physiologically fragile.

A higher PI prevalence is correlated with an elderly population. Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a significant problem worldwide and their prevalence remains too high.

For example, prolonged and/or high-intensity pressure may suppress local blood flow more easily, disturbing cell metabolism and inducing pressure injury (PI) formation. Skin ageing has been well studied and it is well known that physiological changes in the elderly result in higher skin fragility favouring the onset of skin diseases. Skin is a key organ maintaining internal homeostasis by performing many functions such as water loss prevention, body temperature regulation and protection from noxious substance absorption, microorganism intrusion and physical trauma. Therefore, our model will be a valuable tool for further understanding the developmental and molecular attributes of this rare disease, along with providing novel insights into the role of genome maintenance proteins in somatic DNA repair and fertility. Unlike fanc genes and rad51, however, blm appears to affect its function independent of tp53. Moreover, similarly to other factors involved in DNA repair, some functions of zebrafish Blm bear additional importance in germ line development, and consequently in sex differentiation. We show that zebrafish blm mutants recapitulate major hallmarks of the human disease, such as shortened lifespan and reduced fertility. In humans, this syndrome is characterized by short stature, skin rashes, reduced fertility, increased risk of carcinogenesis, and shortened life expectancy brought on by genomic instability. Our aim was to create and characterize a zebrafish (Danio rerio) disease model for Bloom syndrome, a recessive autosomal disorder. Aside from being conserved from bacteria to vertebrates, their importance is also reflected in the fact that in humans impaired function of multiple RecQ helicase orthologs are known to cause severe sets of problems, including Bloom, Werner, or Rothmund-Thomson syndromes.

RecQ helicases-also known as the 'guardians of the genome'-play crucial roles in genome integrity maintenance through their involvement in various DNA metabolic pathways. The overall percentage of skin breakdown surrounding central lines was reduced by over 80%. A retrospective chart review compared the rate of skin breakdown and central line associated blood stream infections pre- and postpractice change. Bone marrow transplant staff nurses were educated prior to the practice change, and compliance was monitored through observation and review of documentation in the electronic medical record. The protocol utilized gauze and a self-adherent wrap instead of tape to secure central lines. A new protocol for changing central line dressings was developed to decrease the rate of skin breakdown. A staff nurse turned to expert opinion and consensus revealed the use of nonocclusive dressings for central lines. Although there is a wealth of information surrounding routine care of central venous access devices, there is little evidence surrounding care with impaired skin integrity. A staff nurse on an inpatient pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant unit noted an increased incidence of skin breakdown around central line dressings in patients receiving Thiotepa prior to bone marrow transplantation. The risk is magnified when experienced in pediatric patients receiving marrow-ablative therapy. Skin breakdown occurring around central line dressings increases the risk for infection and bacteremia in all patients.

Risk for impaired skin integrity