Correlation of Nutritional Status and Pressure Ulcers Healing in Spinal Cord Injury SubjectsA Non-randomized, Non-controlled Quasi Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: This study was done to determine the cause effect relationship between pressure ulcers (PUs) and metabolic alterations in individual having PUs with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Methods: 123 SCI subjects with PUs were enrolled in the study. PUs were measured for surface area, exudate, depth and formation of granulation tissue using the pressure ulcers scale for healing tool. The nutritional status of subjects was assessed by measuring serum haemoglobin, albumin and transferrin levels at baseline (week 0), weeks 3 and 6 during follow-up.Results: An inverse correlation of wound size was observed with nutritional status at weeks 3 and 6. There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in: Haemoglobin (10.7 -12.4 g/dl), Albumin (2.9 -4.04 g/dl) and Transferrin (174.1 -186.9 μg/dl) levels at the time of discharge. The size of PUs was drastically reduced up to 5.4 fold at the time of discharge. Conclusion:Given the high prevalence of malnutrition among subjects with PUs, performing a routine nutritional screening should result in early identification of residents with the risk of developing PUs. This article gives statistical evidence that healing of PUs is associated with an increase in Hb level and improving metabolic alterations. There seems to be a positive relationship between PU healing cascade and nutritional corrections. In future, this relation may be disclosed with newer intervention.

‘I forget to do pressure relief’: Personal factors influencing the prevention of secondary health conditions in people with spinal cord injury, South Africa

“…Patients with high incomes could afford to buy specialised assistive devices such as wheelchair cushions to aid in preventing SHCs. Those with low income could not even manage to get a healthy diet compromising their nutritional status, thus increasing the risk of the development of SHCs and delaying wound healing for those with an existing pressure sore (Bhagat et al 2018 ). There is also a link between lack of finances and mental problems (Zürcher, Tough & Fekete 2019 ).…”

“…There is evidence linking the reoccurrence of UTI to malfunctioning of an innate immune activation gene (Godaly, Ambite & Svanborg 2015 ), meaning that even if an individual practices good bladder management UTI will still occur. Nutritional deficiencies have also been linked to delayed pressure sore healing (Bhagat et al 2018 ). Thus, intrinsic factors influencing health, health outcomes and prevention of diseases are many, ranging from genetic predisposition to psychological, mental and physical status.…”

Perspective Chapter: Pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Injury and Effect of Neutraceuticals in Providing Potential Health Benefits

“…Khalil [74] explained properly design dietary interventions are required that suit the adaptations following SCI. Bhagat [75] suggested that routine nutritional screening should result in early identification of risk of developing pressure ulcers.…”