SEVERE BRAIN INJURY: DOES NUTRITION THERAPY IMPROVE REHABILITATION OUTCOMES IN TERMS OF BEDSORES?

We aimed to evaluate the effect an adequate nutritional intervention, carried out by an experienced Nutritional Team, has on the risk and degree of bedsores (BS) in patients with severe brain injuries (SBI). The study was conducted on 50 patients (mean age 59 years, 34% females) admitted in the SBI ward of our hospital. Patients were screened at admission and discharge for the risk of malnutrition (MUST) and of Braden Scale; number and degree of BS (EDUAP Guidelines) and biochemical markers of malnutrition were also registered. A significant decrease in patients’ artificial nutrition, MUST score and number and degree of bedsores was observed at discharge. At the same time, after hospitalization, patients showed higher levels of albumin, transferrin and lymphocytes and higher energy and proteins intake per day (Table 1). Although the development of BS is a multifactorial process, influenced by many more factors other than nutrition, we suggest that a correct nutritional intervention could improve the healing process, hence the outcome, in patients with SBI. These preliminary results are consistent with the most recent ESPEN Neurological Guidelines, which recommend the presence in the neurological rehabilitation team of a dietitian or nutritionist with experience in SBI, who can provide a personalized nutritional plan and monitor it over time in order to maximize the rehabilitation potential of the patient.