Clinical Nutrition Therapy in Patients with Pressure Injuries

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Clinical Nutrition Department, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

2 Department of Nutrition Science, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 ترجمه انگلیسی عبارت **«واحد توسعه تحقیقات بالینی، بیمارستان قائم، دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مشهد، مشهد، ایران»** به صورت زیر است: **Clinical Research Develop

4 Department of internal Medical, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/mjms.2026.94236.5222

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are among the most common and costly complications in hospitalized and immobilized patients, imposing a significant physical and economic burden. Evidence indicates that appropriate nutritional support plays a key role in the prevention of pressure ulcers, acceleration of wound healing, and prevention of progression. The aim of this study was to develop a practical guideline for nutritional support in patients with pressure ulcers.

A narrative review was conducted to systematically evaluate clinical guidelines and recent review articles on nutritional support in patients with pressure ulcers. Relevant studies were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane databases. Required data were collected from guidelines and key articles to provide a clear, evidence-based protocol for nutritional support in patients with pressure ulcers.

Nutritional screening of all at-risk patients and comprehensive assessment in suspected cases of malnutrition are essential initial steps in clinical management. Adequate intake of energy, protein, and key micronutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, and zinc, has been recommended in all guidelines. Most recommendations support the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS), and early initiation of enteral nutrition is important when oral intake is inadequate or impossible. Parenteral nutrition should be considered when enteral feeding is not feasible or insufficient. Immunonutrition has also been proposed to enhance immune response and support wound healing. Based on the findings of the present review, early screening of at-risk patients, accurate assessment, and timely individualized nutritional intervention are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of pressure ulcers.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 69, Issue 4
May 2026
Pages 501-520

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