Relationship between Nutritional Risk, Clinical and Demographic Characteristics, and Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Severe Acquired Brain Injuries Attending a Rehabilitative Program

Abstract

Preliminary evidence in the literature suggests a high prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition) in patients with severe acquired brain injuries (sABI), with an expected negative impact on clinical outcomes and pressure ulcers (PUs) in particular. In a retrospective cohort study on patients discharged from intensive care units (ICU) and admitted to an intensive rehabilitation unit (IRU), the risk of malnutrition was systematically assessed, in addition to standard clinical procedures (including PUs evaluation), using two different tools: the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) tool. Eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis. A high proportion (79.5%) of patients with sABI suffered from PUs, being older and more frequently men, with a longer ICU stay between the event and admission to IRU, and a greater MUST score. At discharge, when compared to patients whose PUs had healed, those with persisting PUs were more often men and had the worst cognitive performance at admission. As for nutritional risk, the baseline CONUT score was identified as an independent negative predictor of PUs at discharge by the logistic regression model. In conclusion, the assessment of nutritional risk using simple standard tools may be useful in the clinical evaluation of sABI patients with PUs.

Comparative analysis of pressure ulcer development in stroke patients within and outside healthcare facilities: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“… 23 This vulnerability is compounded by the care environment, be it within healthcare facilities with structured medical care or in home settings where medical resources might be more limited. 24 , 25 Our analysis revealed notable differences in the prevalence of PUs between stroke patients in healthcare facilities and those in non‐clinical settings. This disparity could be attributed to several factors.…”

“…Stroke patients are particularly susceptible to PUs due to factors such as immobility, neurological deficits and the overall compromised health status 23 . This vulnerability is compounded by the care environment, be it within healthcare facilities with structured medical care or in home settings where medical resources might be more limited 24,25 . Our analysis revealed notable differences in the prevalence of PUs between stroke patients in healthcare facilities and those in non‐clinical settings.…”

The Relationship between Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratios with Nutritional Status, Risk of Nutritional Indices, Prognostic Nutritional Indices and Morbidity in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

“…Early identification and management of malnutrition can help improve outcomes and quality of life for stroke patients. Overall, the CONUT score serves as a valuable tool in the comprehensive care of stroke patients, helping healthcare providers address nutritional needs and optimize recovery [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”