Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat a pressure ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis: a case report.

The development of a pressure ulcer (PU) following hospitalisation and immobility can lead to more severe complications, such as osteomyelitis. We report the case of a 60-year-old female patient with a PU complicated with osteomyelitis who was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The patient was diagnosed with an unstageable PU according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification. A total of 35 HBOT sessions were administered to manage her condition. HBOT is considered a safe and effective treatment for osteomyelitis and decreases mortality rate.

Effect of oral nutritional supplementation on outcomes in older adults with hip fractures and factors influencing compliance.

Aims: Hip fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and malnutrition is a crucial determinant of these outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) improves postoperative outcomes in older patients with a hip fracture. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in August 2022. ONS was defined as high protein-based diet strategies containing (or not containing) carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Randomized trials documenting ONS in older patients with hip fracture (aged ≥ 50 years) were included. Two reviewers evaluated study eligibility, conducted data extraction, and assessed study quality. Results: There were 812 studies identified, of which 18 studies involving 1,522 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated that ONS was associated with significantly elevated albumin levels (weighted mean difference (WMD) 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 1.53)), as well as a significant risk reduction in infective complications (odds ratio (OR) 0.54 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.76)), pressure ulcers (OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.88)), and total complications (OR 0.57 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.79)). Length of hospital stay (LOS) was also significantly reduced (WMD -2.36 (95% CI -4.14 to -0.58)), particularly in rehabilitation LOS (WMD -4.17 (95% CI -7.08 to -1.26)). There was a tendency towards a lower mortality risk (OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.4)) and readmission (OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.16 to 1.73)), although statistical significance was not achieved (p = 0.741 and p = 0.285, respectively). The overall compliance with ONS ranged from 64.7% to 100%, but no factors influencing compliance were identified. Conclusion: This meta-analysis is the first to quantitatively demonstrate that ONS could nearly halve the risk of infective complications, pressure ulcers, total complications, as well as improve serum albumin and reduce LOS. ONS should be a regular and integrated part of the perioperative care of these patients, especially given that the compliance with ONS is acceptable.

Severe Sacral Region Pressure Ulcer Infection Treated in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwelling: A Case Report.

We report a case of severe sacral osteomyelitis and sepsis with pressure ulcer infection treated with negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwelling (NPWTi-d) V.A.C.ULTA® from an early stage. Case: A 76-year-old man, bedridden because of dementia and an old cerebral infarction, was treated in a nursing facility for a sacral region pressure ulcer. He had a fever for three days and was transferred to the emergency department. The quick SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment) score at the hospital visit was three points. A coccyx and black mud-formed necrotic tissue attached to the sacral region pressure ulcer with a strong putrid odor sloughed off. Sacral region pressure ulcer infection, sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and purulent sacral osteomyelitis were diagnosed, and urgent debridement was performed. We treated the patient with meropenem, clindamycin, and vancomycin, and we performed irrigation debridement every day and transduced the V.A.C.ULTA® care system from AOD9, that led to good granulation at the infection site. The wound area underwent simple closure on AOD35 and the patient was transferred to the medical treatment hospital. Since dressing change is relatively easy in the emergency department of a secondary medical care institution with little man power, V.A.C.ULTA® therapy may be useful in treating severe cases of pressure ulcer infections.

Effect of Ma Yinglong Shexiang hemorrhoids cream combined with pearl powder on the pain and complications of severe pressure ulcer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ma Yinglong Shexiang Hemorrhoids Cream combined with pearl powder on pain and complications in patients with severe pressure ulcers. METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients with severe pressure ulcers hospitalized and treated in our hospital (January 2019--December 2019) were divided into Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Cream Group (MY Group), Pearl Powder Group (PP Group), and combination with Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Cream and Pearl Powder Group (MP group), 39 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in the general data of patients in MY group, PP group, and MP group. By analyzing the differences in clinical efficacy, secondary effects, scar incidence, pain, and clinical indicators of patients in the MY group, PP group, and MP group, the effects of Mayinglong Shexiang Hemorrhoid Cream combined with pearl powder in the treatment of pain and complications in patients with severe pressure ulcers were explored. RESULTS: After treatment, compared with the MY group and the PP group, the MP group had a higher clinical efficacy than the MY group and the PP group. Compared with MY group and PP group, the healing time, dressing change times, and dressing change time of MP group were better than MY group (P < .05). After treatment, the VAS score and incidence of secondary effects of the MP group was significantly lower than that of the MY group and PP group (P < .05). The incidence and area of scar formation in the MP group were lower than those in the MY group and the PP group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Compared with Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Cream or Pearl Powder, combination of Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Cream and Pearl Powder are more effective in treating severe pressure ulcer patients, and can significantly reduce the pain in the affected area and reduce the occurrence of complications.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth as a cause of protracted wound healing and vitamin D deficiency in a spinal cord injured patient with a sacral pressure sore: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pressure sores are sometimes refractory to treatment, often due to malnutrition. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) obstructs absorption in the digestive tract and causes malnutrition. However, little is known about the association between pressure sore wound healing and SIBO. Here, we report a case of a patient with a refractory sacral pressure sore and SIBO. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman who was spinal cord injured 14 years before visiting our hospital presented with the chief complaint of a sacral pressure sore, 10.0 × 6.5 cm in size, which was refractory to treatment. Physical examination showed abdominal distension and emaciation, with a body mass index of 15. Further examination revealed elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (1260 U/L), bilateral tibial fracture, multiple rib fracture, and osteoporosis. We diagnosed the patient with osteomalacia with vitamin D deficiency. Despite oral supplementation, serum levels of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D remained low. Also, despite concentrative wound therapy for the sacral pressure sore by plastic surgeons, no wound healing was achieved. Due to a suspicion of disturbances in nutrient absorption, we performed bacterial examination of collected gastric and duodenal fluid, which showed high numbers of bacteria in gastric content (104 E. coli, 105 Streptococcus species, and 105 Neisseria species) and duodenal content (106 E. coli, 104 Candida glabrata). Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with SIBO and started selective decontamination of the digestive tract using polymyxin B sulfate and amphotericin B. After starting treatment for SIBO, the sacral pressure sore began to heal and was nearly healed after 285 days. The patient's serum levels of calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and other fat-soluble vitamins also gradually increased after starting treatment for SIBO. CONCLUSION: We report a case of a patient with a refractory sacral pressure sore that healed after starting treatment for SIBO. We conclude that SIBO may be an overlooked cause of malnutrition and poor wound healing in patients with chronic pressure sores.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healing in diabetic rats: Varying efficacy after a clinically-based protocol.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a clinical treatment in which a patient breathes pure oxygen for a limited period of time at an increased pressure. Although this therapy has been used for decades to assist wound healing, its efficacy for many conditions is unproven and its mechanism of action is not yet fully clarified. This study investigated the effects of HBOT on wound healing using a diabetes-impaired pressure ulcer rat model. Seven weeks after streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats (n = 55), a pressure ulcer was created on dorsal skin. Subsequently, animals received HBOT during 6 weeks following a standard clinical protocol (HBOT group with varying endpoints up to 42 days post-wounding) versus controls without HBOT. Capillary venous oxygen saturation (SO2) showed a significant increase in the HBOT group on day 24; however, this increase was significant at this time point only. The quantity of hemoglobin in the micro-blood vessels (rHB) showed a significant decrease in the HBOT group on days 21 and 42, and showed a trend to decrease on day 31. Blood flow in the microcirculation showed a significant increase on days 17, 21 and 31 but a significant decrease on days 24 and 28. Inflammation scoring showed significantly decreased CD68 counts in the HBOT group on day 42, but not in the early stages of wound healing. Animals in the HBOT group showed a trend for an increase in mean wound breaking strength on day 42.

Treatment of pressure ulcers in patients with declining renal function using arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate.

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy on healing pressure ulcers (PU) of using a supplement combination containing arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate, which was given to two elderly patients with renal dysfunction. The PU was surgically opened, decompressed and treated by drugs. A half quantity of the defined dose of the supplement combination, with an enteral nutrition product, was administered to the patients twice a day. This combination improved the PUs, with no effect on renal function. This novel finding may provide a nutritional rationale of arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate for PUs associated with renal dysfunction.

A nutritional formula enriched with arginine, zinc, and antioxidants for the healing of pressure ulcers: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Trials on specific nutritional supplements for the treatment of pressure ulcers (PUs) have been small, inconsistent in their formulations, or unsuccessful in controlling for total supplement calorie or protein content. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether supplementation with arginine, zinc, and antioxidants within a high-calorie, high-protein formula improves PU healing. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, controlled, blinded trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01107197). SETTING: Long-term care and home care services. PATIENTS: 200 adult malnourished patients with stage II, III, and IV PUs. INTERVENTIONS: An energy-dense, protein-rich oral formula enriched with arginine, zinc, and antioxidants (400 mL/d) or an equal volume of an isocaloric, isonitrogenous formula for 8 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: The primary end point was the percentage of change in PU area at 8 weeks. Secondary end points included complete healing, reduction in the PU area of 40% or greater, incidence of wound infections, the total number of dressings at 8 weeks, and the percentage of change in area at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Supplementation with the enriched formula (n = 101) resulted in a greater reduction in PU area (mean reduction, 60.9% [95% CI, 54.3% to 67.5%]) than with the control formula (n = 99) (45.2% [CI, 38.4% to 52.0%]) (adjusted mean difference, 18.7% [CI, 5.7% to 31.8%]; P = 0.017). A more frequent reduction in area of 40% or greater at 8 weeks was also seen (odds ratio, 1.98 [CI, 1.12 to 3.48]; P = 0.018). No difference was found in terms of the other secondary end points. LIMITATION: Participation was restricted to patients who were malnourished, were able to drink oral supplements, and were living in long-term care institutions or receiving home care services. CONCLUSION: Among malnourished patients with PU, 8 weeks of supplementation with an oral nutritional formula enriched with arginine, zinc, and antioxidants improved PU healing. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Maggiore della Carità.

Relación entre el estado nutricional y el riesgo de presentar úlceras por presión en pacientes incluidos en el programa de atención domiciliaria / Relationship between nutritional status and the risk of having pressure ulcers in patients included in a home care program

Objetivos: Se evaluó el grado de relación entre estado nutricional y riesgo de presentar úlceras por presión (UPP) en pacientes de atención domiciliaria (ATDOM). Secundariamente, se valoró la relación entre el grado de deterioro cognitivo, dependencia física, patologías de base y estado nutricional. Ámbito: Pacientes de atención domiciliaria (ATDOM) en atención primaria.Pacientes100 pacientes ATDOM. Variables principales: Edad, sexo, cuidador, enfermedades, IMC, hemoglobina, hematocrito, linfocito S, albúmina, colesterol, Barthel, Pfeiffer, valoración nutricional (MNA) y Braden. Resultados: Un 14% de los pacientes ATDOM presentaron malnutrición y un 46% riesgo de desnutrición. El incremento del grado de dependencia y el deterioro cognitivo aumentó (p<0,001) el riesgo UPP. Además, el estado nutricional afectó al riesgo de UPP (p<0,001) con una OR 3,73 superior en aquellos pacientes malnutridos. Valores de albúmina de 3,76±0,05g/dL y de colesterol de 176,43±6,38 se relacionaron con un mayor riesgo de ulceración. En cuanto al estado nutricional existió una relación significativa (p<0,01) con el grado de dependencia. En pacientes malnutridos los niveles de albúmina disminuyeron a 3,46±0,098, con medias de colesterol de 154,95mg/dL±11,41. Finalmente, IMC menores se relacionaron significativamente con malnutrición. Conclusiones: El presente estudio demuestra que el 14% de pacientes ATDOM presentaron malnutrición y un 46% riesgo de desnutrición. La malnutrición, el grado de dependencia física, el deterioro cognitivo severo y los parámetros sanguíneos básicos se relacionan significativamente con un aumento del riesgo de ulceración, justificando la necesidad de llevar a cabo medidas de corrección y mejoría personalizada en los pacientes ATDOM(AU)

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the nutritional status and the risk of pressure ulcers (PU) in patients within home care programs (ATDOM). We also evaluated the relationship between the level of cognitive impairment, physical dependence, underlying diseases and the nutritional status. Scope: Patients in home care program in Primary Health Care.Patients100 home care patients. Main variables: age, sex, caregiver, illness, BMI, haemoglobin, haematocrit, lymphocyte count, albumin, cholesterol, Barthel index, Pfeiffer, nutritional assessment (MNA) and Braden scale. Results: Fourteen percent of the ATDOM patients had malnutrition and 46% a high risk of malnutrition. The degree of dependency, and the level of cognitive impairment increased (P<001) the risk of pressure ulcers. Furthermore, the nutritional status affected the risk of pressure ulcers (P<001) with OR 3.73 higher in malnourished patients. Values of 3.76±0.05g/dL albumin and cholesterol of 176.43±6.38 were associated with an increased risk of ulceration. There was a significant relationship between nutritional status (P<01) and the degree of dependence. In malnourished patients albumin levels decreased to 3.46±0.098, with averages of 11.41±154.95mg/dL cholesterol. Finally, a lower BMI was significantly related to malnutrition. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that 14% of the ATDOM patients showed malnutrition, and 46% a high risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition, the degree of physical dependence and severity of cognitive impairment is associated with an increased risk of ulceration, which justify the need for carrying out some personalised measurements on ATDOM patients(AU)

Effects of intermittent electrical stimulation on superficial pressure, tissue oxygenation, and discomfort levels for the prevention of deep tissue injury.

The overall goal of this project is to develop effective methods for the prevention of deep tissue injury (DTI). DTI is a severe type of pressure ulcer that originates at deep bone-muscle interfaces as a result of the prolonged compression of tissue. It afflicts individuals with reduced mobility and sensation, particularly those with spinal cord injury. We previously proposed using a novel electrical stimulation paradigm called intermittent electrical stimulation (IES) for the prophylactic prevention of DTI. IES-induced contractions mimic the natural repositioning performed by intact individuals, who subconsciously reposition themselves as a result of discomfort due to prolonged sitting. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of various IES paradigms in reducing pressure around the ischial tuberosities, increasing tissue oxygenation throughout the gluteus muscles, and reducing sitting discomfort in able-bodied volunteers. The results were compared to the effects of voluntary muscle contractions and conventional pressure relief maneuvers (wheelchair push-ups). IES significantly reduced pressure around the tuberosities, produced significant and long-lasting elevations in tissue oxygenation, and significantly reduced discomfort produced by prolonged sitting. IES performed as well or better than both voluntary contractions and chair push-ups. The results suggest that IES may be an effective means for the prevention of DTI.

Associação entre estado nutricional e incidência de úlcera por pressão em pacientes assistidos pela Equipe Multidisciplinar de Terapia Nutricional / Association between nutritional status and incidence of pressure ulcers in patients attended by the Multidisciplinary Team of Nutritional Therapy / Asociación entre el estado nutricional y la incidencia de úlceras por presión en pacientes atendidos por el Equipo Multidisciplinario de Atención Nutricional

Introdução: O desenvolvimento de úlcera de pressão (UP) conduz a consequências graves não só relacionadas ao aumento da morbidade e da mortalidade, como também na redução da qualidade de vida dos pacientes, além de levar a uma alta carga econômica para o sistema público de saúde e fontes pagadoras. Dentre os fatores intríssecos relacionados ao surgimento de UP, a má-nutrição é fortemente citada. Objetivo: este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a associação entre o estado nutricional e a incidência de úlceras de pressão em pacientes assistidos pela Equipe Multidisciplinar de Terapia Nutricional em um hospital particular. Método: Foi utilizada a Avaliação Subjetiva Global (ASG) para traçar o diagnóstico nutricional de 166 pacientes em terapia nutricional. Resultados: A incidência de UP nesta população foi de 38%. Nos indivíduos com idade superior a 60 anos a ocorrência de UP foi de 43,6%, enquanto que 13 (26,5%) pacientes com idade inferior a 60 anos apresentaram UP. O tempo de permanência hospitalar foi maior (35,1 dias) no grupo que desenvolveu a lesão (p=0,000). Os indivíduos considerados desnutridos graves pela ASG apresentaram maior incidência de UP (48,3%) do que os classificados como moderadamente desnutridos com risco nutricional (35,7%) -p=0,000. Conclusão: Esse trabalho demonstra a elevada incidência de UP em uma população com risco potencial para o desenvolvimento desse tipo de lesão. revela ainda a possível correlação existente entre comprometimento do estado nutricional e o agravaemto do estado nutricional e o agravamento dessa problemática, mostrando que atuar nutricionalmente de forma preventiva pode impactar na redução dos gastos com o tratamento dessas lesões.

Introducción: El desarrollo de las úlceras por presión (UPP) trae consigo graves consecuencias no sólo en relación con una mayor morbilidad y mortalidad, sino también en calidad de vida de los pacientes y conducir a la alta carga económica para el sistema público y pagadores de salud. Entre los factores relacionados con la aparición de intríssecos UP, la mala nutrición es muy reconocido. Objetivo: El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre el estado nutricional y la incidencia de úlceras por presión en pacientes atendidos por el Equipo Multidisciplinario de la terapia nutricional en un hospital privado. Método: Se utilizó la Valoración Global Subjetiva (SGA) para asignar el diagnóstico nutricional de 166 pacientes en la terapia nutricional. Resultados: La incidencia de UPP en esta población fue de 38%. En las personas mayores de 60 años la incidencia de la UP fue 43,6%, mientras que 13 (26,5%) pacientes menores de 60 años se presentó. El tiempo de estadía hospitalaria fue más prolongada (35,1 días) en el grupo que desarrolló la lesión (p = 0,000). Individuos considerados gravemente malnutridos por SGA presentaron una mayor incidencia de la UP (48,3%) que las clasificadas como moderadamente desnutridos en riesgo nutricional (35,7%), p = .000. Conclusión: Este estudio demuestra la elevada incidencia de la UP en una población con un riesgo potencial para el desarrollo de este tipo de lesión. también revela una posible correlación entre el estado nutricional y agravaemto estado nutricional y el agravamiento de este problema, mostrando que la nutrición puede actuar de forma preventiva impacto en la reducción del gasto en el tratamiento de estas lesiones.

Introduction: The development of pressure ulcers (PU) leads to serious consequences not only related to increased morbidity and mortality, but also in reduced quality of life of patients and lead to high economic burden for the public system and healthcare payers. Among the factors related to the appearance of intríssecos UP, poor nutrition is strongly acknowledged. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the association between nutritional status and incidence of pressure ulcers in patients attended by the Multidisciplinary Team of Nutrition Therapy in a private hospital. Method: We used the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) to map the nutritional diagnosis of 166 patients in nutritional therapy. Results: The incidence of PU in this population was 38%. In individuals older than 60 years the incidence of PU was 43.6%, whereas 13 (26.5%) patients aged below 60 years showed UP. The length of hospital stay was longer (35.1 days) in the group that developed the lesion (p = 0.000). Individuals considered severely malnourished by SGA had a higher incidence of UP (48.3%) than those classified as moderately malnourished with nutritional risk (35.7%), p = .000. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the high incidence of UP in a population with a potential risk for developing this type of injury. also reveals a possible correlation between nutritional status and nutritional status agravaemto and aggravation of this problem, showing that nutritionally act preventively can impact on reducing spending on the treatment of these lesions.

Anesthetic care for patients with skin breakdown.

Wound patients commonly have multiple comorbidities, which should be optimized before anesthesia. These factors contribute not only to skin breakdown but also other causes of mortality and morbidity. Skin becomes more vulnerable to damage from pressure, friction, shear, and moisture when the skin is dry, less elastic, and less perfused. Careful assessment and implementation of an anesthetic plan using regional or general techniques can improve outcomes. The anesthesiologist plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis during the surgically stressful perioperative period of the wound patient. Aggressive wound management in the early stages is likely to prevent wound progression to deeper levels. Policies are being implemented to decrease the risk of pressure ulcers by prevention.

Marcadores bioquímicos do estado nutricional X incidência de úlcera de pressão em pacientes assistidos pela equipe multidisciplinar de terapia nutricional / Biochemical markers of nutritional status X incidence of pressure ulcers in patients attended by the multidisciplinary team of nutritional therapy / Los marcadores bioquímicos del estado nutricional de incidencia X de úlceras por presión en pacientes atendidos por el equipo multidisciplinario de la terapia nutricional

Introdução: A incidência e prevalência de úlceras de pressão(UP) em pacientes hospitalizados têm uma grande amplitude de variação, provavelmente como consequência dos métodos de avaliação e definição da UP e o impacto econômico do tratamento de uma UP é reconhecidamente alto para despertar a necessidade de estabelecimento de medidas preventivas. Vários estudos sugerem haver uma forte correlação entre alterações do estado nutricional e o risco do desenvolvimento de UP. objetivo: Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar a correlação entre os níveis séricos de hematócrito, hemoglobina e albumina e a incidência de úlcera de pressão. Método: Foram acompanhados 166 pacientes em terapia nutricional durante 4 meses. Resultados: A incidência de UP nesta população foi de 38% (global). Nos indivíduos com idade superior a 60 anos, a ocorrência de UP foi de 43,9% enquanto que 13 pacientes (26%) com idade inferior a 60 anos apresentaram UP. Os indivíduos que apresentaram níveis séricos de albumina menor que 3,5mg/dl apresentaram mais UP (41,8%) do que aqueles com níveis maiores dessa proteína (16%). O mesmo aconteceu com os indivíduos que apresentaram níveis de hematócrito e hemoglobina abaixo dos valores normais. Conclusão: Os indicadores bioquímicos do estado nutricional podem ser importantes fatores de risco na gênese da úlcera de pressão. É importante reforçar que tais elementos estão envolvidos diretamente no processo inflamatório, sendo esta uma limitação para uso destes elementos como único método de avaliação do estado nutricional.

Introduction: The incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers (PU) in hospitalized patients have a wide range of variation, probably as a result of evaluation methods and definition of UP and economical treatment of a high-PU is known to awaken the need for establishment of preventive measures. Several studies suggest a strong correlation between changes in nutritional status and risk of developing PU. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and albumin and the incidence of pressure ulcers. Method: A total of 166 patients in nutritional therapy for four months. Results: The incidence of PU in this population was 38% (global). In individuals older than 60 years, the occurrence of PU was 43.9%, while 13 patients (26%) aged below 60 years showed UP. Individuals who had serum albumin less than 3.5 mg / dl had more UP (41.8%) than those with higher levels of this protein (16%). The same happened to individuals who had higher levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin levels below normal. Conclusion: Biochemical indicators of nutritional status may be important risk factors in the pathogenesis of pressure ulcers. It is important to emphasize that these elements are directly involved in the inflammatory process, which is a limitation to use these elements as the sole method of assessing nutritional status.

Introducción: La incidencia y prevalencia de las úlceras por presión (UPP) en pacientes hospitalizados con una amplia gama de variación, probablemente como resultado de métodos de evaluación y definición de la UP y el tratamiento económico de un alta de PU se conoce a despertar la necesidad de establecimiento de medidas preventivas. Varios estudios sugieren una fuerte correlación entre los cambios en el estado nutricional y el riesgo de desarrollar UPP. Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la correlación entre los niveles séricos de hematocrito, hemoglobina y la albúmina y la incidencia de úlceras por presión. Método: Un total de 166 pacientes en la terapia nutricional durante cuatro meses. Resultados: La incidencia de UPP en esta población fue de 38% (global). En las personas mayores de 60 años, la aparición de UPP fue de 43,9%, mientras que 13 pacientes (26%) menores de 60 años se presentó. Los individuos que habían albúmina sérica inferior a 3,5 mg / dl tenían más arriba (41,8%) que aquellos con niveles más altos de esta proteína (16%). Lo mismo sucedió con las personas que tenían mayores niveles de hematocrito y los niveles de hemoglobina inferiores a lo normal. Conclusión: los indicadores bioquímicos del estado nutricional pueden ser factores de riesgo importantes en la patogénesis de las úlceras por presión. Es importante destacar que estos elementos están directamente involucrados en el proceso inflamatorio, que es una limitación para usar estos elementos como el único método de valoración del estado nutricional.

Tratamento de úlceras de decúbito com laser de baixa intensidade / Decubitus ulcers treatment with low level laser

Úlceras de pressão são lesões que podem interferir na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em avaliar o efeito clínico da aplicação do laser de baixa potência no processo de cicatrização de úlceras de decúbito. Foram realizadas 2 aplicações semanais, durante 6 semanas, do laser Ga-As (904 nm) com dosimetria de 4 J/cm2 em dois indivíduos com úlceras de pressão crônicas na região sacral. Os resultados, avaliados através de registros fotográficos e mensuração da área da ferida, indicaram um aprimoramento no processo de cicatrização das úlceras. Conclui-se, que o laser de baixa potência foi eficaz no tratamento das úlceras de decúbito crônicas.

Pressure ulcers are injuries that can interfere in the quality of life of individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of the application of low-level laser in the healing process for decubitus ulcers. The Ga-As (904 nm) laser was applied twice a week, 4 J/cm², during 6 weeks, in two subjects with chronic pressure ulcers in the sacral region. The results were assessed through photographic registers and area measurements of each ulcer. They had indicated an improvement in the healing process of ulcers. It can be concluded that low-level laser was efficient in the treatment of chronic decubitus ulcers.

Revisión sistemática del soporte nutricional en las úlceras por presión / Sisstematic review of nutritional support in pressure ulcer

Las úlceras por presión se definen como un área de daño localizada en la piel y en los tejidos subyacentes causado por la presión, fricción o combinación de ambos. La prevalencia de esta patología oscila entre un 3 a un 66% dependiendo del paciente y de la patología que presenta. La presencia de úlceras por presión se asocia con un incremento de la morbilidad y mortalidad. Dentro de los posibles factores de riesgo relacionados con las úlceras por presión, tenemos como uno de los más importantes la situación nutricional. Ante este tipo de pacientes podemos plantearnos realizar una intervención nutricional antes de que se desarrolle la úlcera (prevención primaria) o cuando la úlcera ya esta establecida (prevención secundaria). En el estudio de prevención primaria con mayor número de pacientes (662), los pacientes del grupo de intervención nutricional recibieron dos suplementos orales por día además de la dieta normal. El grupo control recibió la dieta hospitalaria estándar sola. La incidencia acumulada de úlceras por presión (todos los grados) fue del 40% (118/295) en el grupo de intervención nutricional versus el 48% (181/377) en el grupo control. Esto equivale a un riesgo relativo de desarrollar un ulcera con la suplementación de 0,83 (IC95%: 0,70 a 0,99). En los trabajos de prevención secundaria, al analizar los ensayos con nutrientes de manera individual, el zinc no ha demostrado su utilidad de manera aislada, y con respecto a la vitamina C, obtenemos datos contradictorios en dos ensayos con la misma dosis de suplementación (500 mg cada 12 horas). En la actualidad los trabajos de intervención se realizan con suplementos nutricionales con diversos nutrientes (zinc, arginina, vitamina C), habiendo demostrado algunos ensayos randomizados una mejoría de la cicatrización con estas fórmulas enriquecidas. En la actualidad con los datos disponibles, parece que la suplementación nutricional con independencia de los micronutrientes empleados produce una disminución del riesgo de desarrrollar úlceras por presión en pacientes de riesgo. Sin embargo los estudios de prevención secundaria por su heterogeneidad no permiten obtener unas conclusiones claras. No obstante teniendo en cuenta los últimos trabajos, parece que los suplementos enriquecidos en arginina, zinc y vitamina C podría acelerar la cicatrización de estas úlceras

Pressure ulcer is an area of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure, shear, friction and/or combination of these things. Prevalence of this entity is between 3 and 66%, depending of the patients and the pathology. Pressure ulcer is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. One of the most important risk factors to develop a pressure ulcer is nutritional status. We can use different interventional strategies, first of all (primary intervention) before the patient has developed a ulcer and secondly, the treatment of a established ulcer (secondary prevention). In the most important primary prevention study with 662 patients, two oral nutritional supplements per day were given to the patients. The incidence of pressure ulcer was 40% (118/295) in the interventional group and 48% (181/377) in control group. A relative risk to develop a pressure ulcer with supplementation of 0.83 (CI95%: 0.70 a 0.99). In the studies with secondary prevention, when we analyze in an individual way the different nutrients, zinc has not demonstrated the utility in an independent way. Vitamin C shows contradictory data in two randomized clinical trial with the same dose (500 mg each 12 hours). Recently, some randomized clinical trials have demonstrated an improvement in healing rates with enhanced enteral formulas (zinc, arginine, vitamin C). Oral supplementation without taking account micronutrients decreases risk of pressure ulcer. However, studies of secondary prevention due to heterogeneity have not let clear conclusions. However, enteral enhanced formula could improve ulcer healing

Usefulness of a nutrition assessment system for parenteral/enteral nutrition therapy.

Since a nutrition support team (NST) began to work in our hospital in March, 2003, we constructed our original nutrition assessment system that supports the prescription formulation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). However, in daily NST activities, the re-evaluation of this system became necessary because of a high incidence of enteral nutrition (EN) and marked revisions in the dietary reference intakes in Japanese (7th revision). Therefore, we improved this system and added a prescription formulation support function that is also applicable to EN, and also added a function that automatically calculates the necessary doses of nutrients that tend to become deficient in patients with decubituses. This new system allowed the selection/evaluation of EN solutions in a short time with consideration of the 7th revision, and readily identified deficient nutrients and their levels in decubitus patients. We used this system in patients with high-level malnutrition complicated by decubituses and observed certain treatment effects.

Pressure ulcer healing with a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scores at 8 weeks in long-term-care residents with pressure ulcers who were given standard care plus a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement vs. residents who were given standard care plus placebo. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled, multicenter trial at 23 long-term-care facilities in 4 states. SUBJECTS: A total of 89 residents with Stage II, III, or IV pressure ulcers were entered into the trial; 71 residents completed the study. INTERVENTION: Residents were randomized to receive standard care plus a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement (n = 56) or standard care plus placebo (n = 33) 3 times daily for 8 weeks. Wound healing was assessed biweekly using the PUSH tool, version 3.0. This tool categorizes pressure ulcers by surface area, exudate, and type of wound tissue. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Change in PUSH tool scores in each group at 8 weeks. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, residents who received standard care plus the concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement had significantly better PUSH tool scores compared with those who received standard care plus placebo (3.55 +/- 4.66 vs 3.22 +/- 4.11, respectively; P < .05). CONCLUSION: By week 8, PUSH tool scores-a measurement of pressure ulcer healing-showed approximately twice the rate of pressure ulcer healing in the treatment group compared with the control group. A concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement may be of benefit to residents of long-term-care facilities who have pressure ulcers.