The effectiveness of nutritional intervention(s) and the treatment of pressure ulcers— A systematic literature review

Abstract

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional intervention in the treatment of pressure ulcers. Four databases were searched systematically using the keywords formulated and papers were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature search period included articles published from 1 January 2000 to 30 December 2011 (inclusive). Six papers on randomized controlled trials were retrieved. All six trials showed positive outcomes in pressure ulcer healing with nutritional interventions. Secondary outcomes such as lower number of dressings required, less time spent on dressing changes and lower occurrence of infections were reported. The main results emerged from this study generally supported the use of nutritional interventions in the treatment of pressure ulcers. Various methodological issues associated with these trials were highlighted. The implications for clinical practice need to bear in mind both the methodological problems raised and limitations of this review.

Pressure injury healing: a multiprofessional approach

“…The capacity of pressure relief in the bony prominences is reduced by the bed restriction, maintaining the factors of intensity and duration of pressure. 8 The use of systematized strategies with the objective of preventing the aforementioned problem was used, such as the stratification of risk factors, the protection of the skin against shear forces and, finally, the change of decubitus, aiming to reduce the pressure in points more susceptible of routine and standardized way. 9 One of the strategies adopted to systematize the patient's positioning in the bed is a commonly used method based on the functioning of a clock.…”

Pressure Injury Prevalence and Risk Factors

“…A pressure injury (PI) is defined as localized damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue due to pressure or pressure in combination with shear 1. Pressure injuries continue to occur despite advances in medical treatment, care, and technology 2–6. They have many adverse effects on both patients and healthcare institutions, including prolonged hospital stay, increased risk of nosocomial infection, increased morbidity and mortality rates, increased treatment costs, and decreased quality of life 7–11…”

“…1 Pressure injuries continue to occur despite advances in medical treatment, care, and technology. [2][3][4][5][6] They have many adverse effects on both patients and healthcare institutions, including prolonged hospital stay, increased risk of nosocomial infection, increased morbidity and mortality rates, increased treatment costs, and decreased quality of life. [7][8][9][10][11] Reported PI prevalence varies from 8.3% to 23.0% in Europe, 7 12.0% to 19.7% in North America, 9 and 2.5% to 7.7% in Australia.…”