The Relationship of Nutrition and Pressure Ulcers

Abstract

A strong epidemiological association exists between nutritional status and the incidence, progression, and severity of pressure sores. The results of trials of prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers with nutritional interventions to date have been disappointing. While nutrient deficiencies are linked with poor wound healing, providing Supplements to patients who are not deficient has not been shown to be of benefit for pressure ulcers. This paradoxical finding could be explained by a mechanism of weight loss occurring in a cycle of anorexia and cachexia. Cytokine-induced cachexia is remarkably resistant to hypercaloric feeding. Acknowledging these ambivalent findings, it is still important that general nutritional support be provided to persons with pressure ulcers, consistent with medical goals and patient wishes.