The link between nutrition, pressure injuries and wound healing
Nutritional status plays an integral role in the process of wound healing and in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. Macronutrients and micronutrients are required by each organ system in specific amounts to promote growth, development, maintenance, and repair of body tissues.1
Although the ideal nutrient intake to encourage wound healing is unknown, an increased need for protein, Zinc, Vitamins A, C, and E, and also amino acids such as Arginine and Glutamine, have been documented. Proteins are vital in keeping a positive nitrogen balance and for all stages of wound healing including fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immune function.2
Nutritional deprivation and insufficient dietary intake are key risk factors for the development of pressure injuries and impaired wound healing.3 Unplanned weight loss, defined as 5% weight loss within 1 month or 10% within 6 months, is a major risk factor for malnutrition and pressure injury development.3
It is essential that all clinical staff understand the importance of nutrition and consult with facility dieticians as indicated. Ensuring that the patient consumes adequate calories with their prescribed diet, as well as any ordered supplements, should be a priority in the plan of care.4
As much as nutritional support is very important for the prevention of pressure injury, Arjo provides another key component, state of the art pressure support surfaces that manage, prevent and treat existing pressure injury. Arjo offers both active and reactive support surfaces, along with microclimate management solutions to address pressure, shear, friction, moisture management and temperature.
To learn more about our clinically-effective pressure injury prevention and management solutions to optimize clinical outcomes across the continuum of care, visit Arjo today or contact your local Sales Representative.
References:
- Munoz N, Posthauer ME, Cereda E, Schols JMGA, Haesler E. The Role of Nutrition for Pressure Injury Prevention and Healing: The 2019 International Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2020;33(3):123-136.
- Saghaleini SH, Dehghan K, Shadvar K, Sanaie S, Mahmoodpoor A, Ostadi Z. Pressure Ulcer and Nutrition. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2018;22(4):283-289.
- Kennerly S, Batchelor-Murphy M, Yap TL. Clinical insights: Understanding the link between nutrition and pressure ulcer prevention. Geriatr Nurs. 2015;36(6):477-481.
- Cox J, Rasmussen L. Enteral nutrition in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in adult critical care patients. Crit Care Nurse. 2014;34(6):15-28.