| The objective of this outcomes research study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of arginine on length of stay and cost of care in patients with decubitus ulcers in the acute-care and skilled nursing settings. A total of 91 adult patients in a South Texas hospital were included in the study. The participants each had one or more decubitus ulcers of any stage during his or her stay. Participants were divided into two groups: control and experimental, the latter receiving arginine supplementation. Measurements of decubitus ulcer stage, albumin level, percent ideal body weight, diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus, age, and gender were considered in the study. The study concluded that arginine had a significant effect on cost when adjusted for the covariates of percent ideal body weight, albumin level and length of stay. Arginine had no effect on length of stay, albumin Level, decubitus ulcer stage or cost of care. No significant association was found between Diabetes Mellitus and arginine supplementation. No significant correlation was seen between age and cost or between gender and decubitus ulcer stage. Arginine may be useful as one tool to aid in the healing of decubitus ulcers, thereby reducing the length of stay and cost of care in this patient population. |
