Nutritional prediction of pressure ulcers.
This article focuses on nutritional risk factors that predict the development of pressure ulcers in hospital and nursing home patients. Cross-sectional studies associate inadequate energy and protein intake; underweight; low triceps skinfold measurement; and low serum albumin, low serum cholesterol, and low hemoglobin levels with pressure ulcers. Prospective studies identify inadequate energy and protein intake, a poor score on the Braden scale (a risk assessment instrument that includes a nutrition component), and possibly low serum albumin level as risk factors for developing a pressure ulcer. Nutritionists should provide a high-energy, high-protein diet for patients at risk of development of pressure ulcers to improve their dietary intake and nutritional status.
National Cancer Institute, Cancer Prevention Fellowship Office, Rockville, MD 20892.
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Breslow
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Bergstrom
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009752:Nutritional Status; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors
D004044:Dietary Proteins