Nutrient intake and the risk of pressure sore development in older patients

This study explored the possibility of a link between diet prior to admission to hospital and the development of pressure sores in older patients. The intention was to use this information to develop a nutrient prediction score and nutrient risk indicator. Thirty patients over the age of 75, admitted with either a fractured neck of femur or for hip replacement surgery, formed the study population. A Waterlow assessment was completed on admission and each patient answered a specially developed food frequency questionnaire. Patients in both diagnostic groups had Waterlow scores which put them into the high-risk category. A total of 20 pressure sores developed in the two groups of patients during their stay in hospital. Patients admitted for hip replacement had higher nutrient intake values than patients with fractured neck of femur and they also had a higher occurrence of pressure sores. Overall diet for all patients appeared to be adequate; however, the diet of patients with fractured neck of femur was significantly lower in both iron and vitamin C than that of patients having hip replacement surgery. The nutritional assessment tool was not as sensitive as expected and further development and validation are needed. While no firm conclusions can be drawn from this small study, the results do emphasise the importance of adequate diet in elderly patients prior to admission, especially for planned admissions for hip replacement.