What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective pilot study at an Australian hyperbaric unit, screening 39 patients for malnutrition risk using the Malnutrition Screening Tool over 6 months, then assessing diet quality with a dietitian for those at risk.
What They Found
12 of 39 patients (31%) were at risk of malnutrition. All who completed dietitian assessment were classified as moderately to severely malnourished. Patients receiving HBOT for non-healing wounds and osteoradionecrosis were at highest risk.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
One in three patients attending HBOT for chronic wounds or radiation injury may be malnourished -- a factor that directly impairs healing. Canadian hyperbaric units should routinely screen patients for malnutrition at intake and involve dietitians in care, particularly for wound and radiation injury cases.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a pilot study of 39 patients at one center; the prevalence of malnutrition may differ across Canadian centers with different patient populations and referral patterns.