References

Fonseca G, Burgermaster M, Larson E, Seres DS The relationship between parenteral nutrition and central line-associated bloodstream infections: 2009–2014.. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2018; 42:(1)171-175 https://doi.org/10.1177/0148607116688437

Grada A, Phillips TJ Nutrition and cutaneous wound healing.. Clin Dermatol.. 2022; 40:(2)103-113 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.10.002

Peate I, Hill B: Wiley; 2022

Quiroz-Olguín G, Gutiérrez-Salmeán G, Posadas-Calleja JG, Padilla-Rubio MF, Serralde-Zúñiga AE The effect of enteral stimulation on the immune response of the intestinal mucosa and its application in nutritional support.. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2021; 75:(11)1533-1539 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00877-7

Singer P, Blaser AR, Berger MM ESPEN practical and partially revised guideline: Clinical nutrition in the intensive care unit.. Clin Nutr.. 2023; 42:(9)1671-1689 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2023.07.011

The effect of a compound protein on wound healing and nutritional status.. 2022. 10.1155/2022/4231516

Woodrow P: Routledge; 2018

Optimising healing through enteral and parenteral nutrition in critical illness

24 October 2024
Volume 33 · Issue 19

Wound care in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a multifaceted challenge. These patients often experience complex wounds, such as pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, or trauma-related injuries, which require meticulous care. Although local wound management is essential, an equally important, yet sometimes underemphasised, component of effective wound care in these settings is proper nutritional support. Critical illness often induces a hypermetabolic state, catabolic stress, and immune dysfunction, all of which can impair wound healing. This article examines the significant role that nutrition, specifically via enteral nutrition (EN) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) routes, plays in promoting wound healing and improving patient outcomes in the ICU.

Adequate nutrition is integral to wound healing, a process that relies on the availability of critical nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are essential for tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and immune function. In the ICU, critically ill patients are often at risk of malnutrition due to a variety of factors, including prolonged fasting, catabolism, and gastrointestinal dysfunction (Peate and Hill, 2022). Nutritional deficiencies can lead to delayed wound healing, increased risk of infection, and longer recovery times.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting British Journal of Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • Unlimited access to the latest news, blogs and video content