Lalieu RC, Akkerman I, van Ooij PA, Boersma-Voogd AA, van Hulst RA, et al.
Diving and hyperbaric medicine. Date of publication 2021 Dec 20;volume 51(4):322-327.
1. Diving Hyperb Med. 2021 Dec 20;51(4):322-327. doi: 10.28920/dhm51.4.322-327.
Nutritional status of patients referred for hyperbaric oxygen treatment; a
retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study.
Lalieu RC(1)(2)(3), Akkerman I(4), van Ooij PA(5)(6), Boersma-Voogd AA(5)(7),
van Hulst RA(2)(5).
Author information:
(1)Hyperbaric Center Rijswijk, Rijswijk, the Netherlands.
(2)Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine, Anesthesiology, Amsterdam Medical Centre,
Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
(3)Corresponding author: Dr Rutger C Lalieu, Hyperbaric Center Rijswijk,
Treubstraat 5A, 2288 EG Rijswijk, the Netherlands, r.lalieu@hgcrijswijk.nl.
(4)Independent researcher, de nieuwe delta, Ede, the Netherlands.
(5)Antonius Hypercare, Sneek, the Netherlands.
(6)Diving Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, the Netherlands.
(7)Independent researcher, Dieetstyle - Annieke Boersma, Sneek, the Netherlands.
INTRODUCTION: Due to the global rise of obesity, the role of nutrition has
gathered more attention. Paradoxically, even overweight persons may be
malnourished. This may delay wound healing or recovery of late radiation tissue
injury (LRTI). Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is used to improve wound
healing or LRTI complaints. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary
intake levels of nutrients important for recovery in patients referred for HBOT.
METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients referred
for HBOT to a single centre between 2014 and 2019. Patients were offered a
consultation with a dietitian as standard care. Information on nutrients was
calculated from questionnaires, and compared to recommended daily allowances.
RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six patients were included (80 female). Eighteen
patients were treated for diabetic ulcers, 25 for non-diabetic ulcers and 103
for LRTI. Most were overweight or obese (64.4%), but did not consume the
recommended quantities of calories, protein, or micronutrients. Vitamin C
consumption was higher than recommended. Male patients had a higher intake of
calories and protein than female patients but not other nutrients. No
differences in intake existed between age or body mass index categories.
CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional status of patients referred for HBOT may be
inadequate for healing wounds or LRTI, despite anthropomorphic data indicating a
positive energy balance. Daily attendance for HBOT provides a unique opportunity
to monitor and correct these deficiencies. Routine screening for malnutrition
and supplement deficiencies is recommended for patients referred for HBOT.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and
Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic
and other forms.
DOI: 10.28920/dhm51.4.322-327
PMCID: PMC8920899
PMID: 34897596 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interest and funding: nil
