[Malnutrition in patients with leg ulcers. Results of a clinical trial]

Abstract

Chronic wounds occur in 1-2% of the population. After the age of 80 the incidence raises up to 4-5%. Leg ulcers are the most frequent diagnosed chronic wound. In this most often affected age group malnutrition develops more frequently compared to the total population. The combined presence of chronic wounds and malnutrition suggests a potential causative connection. In this clinical investigation, data evaluating the nutritional status in patients with chronic leg ulcers, derived from clinical examination, medical history and laboratory tests was analyzed for the first time for a German patient collective. Over a time period of one year we evaluated 41 patients for body mass index, diabetes mellitus, restricted mobility, diet, nicotine and alcohol use, and blood levels of vitamins, trace elements, lipids and HbA1c. We further employed the MNA-questionnaire for malnutrition. We rarely found deficiencies but often improper nutritional practices. Thus we consider that it important to evaluate nutritional status even in obese patients with leg ulcers and poorly healing wounds.