Nutritional risk, status, and intake of individuals with venous ulcers: a pilot study

Chronic leg ulcers occur in at least 1% of the adult population. The healing of these ulcers remains a clinical challenge. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the nutritional risk, status, and intake of seven patients with venous ulcers. The Public Awareness Checklist categorized two subjects as being at low risk, two as moderate risk, and three subjects as high nutritional risk. Biochemical indicators of nutritional status identified abnormalities in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, albumin, transferrin, zinc, and total lymphocyte count. Mean daily intake was inadequate to meet caloric needs in five of six subjects. By conservative estimates (RDA), two subjects had an inadequate protein intake. Data suggest that at least some individuals with venous ulcers are at nutritional risk, have abnormalities in their nutritional status, and/or have an inadequate intake to support healing. Future research is needed to explore the relationship between nutrition and rate of healing in individuals with venous ulcers.