The use of an immunomodulating diet enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides in the treatment of pressure ulcers – a case report

A key element in the care of a patient with a pressure ulcer should be adequate nutritional support, preventing the development of malnutrition, which is an independent risk factor for its occurrence. According to the recommendations of scientific societies, malnourished patients with pressure ulcers should be provided with high-energy, high-protein, arginine, zinc, and antioxidant-based oral food supplements or enteral nutrition tailored to their needs. In the treatment of pressure ulcers, the use of preparations that contain, apart from arginine, also the addition of omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotides seems to be promising. The aim of the study was to present the effects of using a diet enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides in a young patient fed through artificial access. Based on the observations carried out, it was found that the use of a high-protein diet enriched with the addition of arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides for a period of 3 months together with appropriate wound care contributed to the healing or a significant reduction in the size of pressure ulcers.