The nutritional status of older adults with and without venous ulcers: a comparative, descriptive study

The nutritional requirements of healthy people differ from those who have chronic wounds and while it is generally suggested that the nutritional status of persons with chronic wounds must be addressed, actual data about the nutritional status of older adults with venous ulcers is limited. The nutritional status of hospitalized older adults (n = 40, average age 77 +/- 7.4) with vascular disease was compared to randomly selected outpatients with venous insufficiency ulcers (n = 37, average age 70.4 +/- 8.13) using the Mini Nutritional Assessment instrument. Among all patients assessed, 37 (48%) were at risk for malnutrition or were malnourished. No differences between nutritional status and age or gender were found. The proportion of patients at risk for malnutrition or currently malnourished was significantly higher in the venous ulcer (24 out of 37) than in the control group (13 of 40, chi2 = 15.51, P <0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between the control and venous ulcer group for all anthropometrical assessment variables (BMI, arm circumference, calf circumference, and weight loss in past 3 months), use of more than three prescription drugs, dietary history/assessment (appetite, fluid consumption, independent feeding), and patient self-rated health. The results of this study confirm that a complete patient assessment must include evaluating patient nutritional status and that nutritional disorders are a serious problem among the elderly, especially those with venous ulcers. Additional studies to help optimize the nutritional assessment and management of older adults with venous ulcers are needed.