Pressure ulcer healing with a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scores at 8 weeks in long-term-care residents with pressure ulcers who were given standard care plus a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement vs. residents who were given standard care plus placebo. DESIGN Randomized, prospective, controlled, multicenter trial at 23 long-term-care facilities in 4 states. SUBJECTS A total of 89 residents with Stage II, III, or IV pressure ulcers were entered into the trial; 71 residents completed the study. INTERVENTION Residents were randomized to receive standard care plus a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement (n = 56) or standard care plus placebo (n = 33) 3 times daily for 8 weeks. Wound healing was assessed biweekly using the PUSH tool, version 3.0. This tool categorizes pressure ulcers by surface area, exudate, and type of wound tissue. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Change in PUSH tool scores in each group at 8 weeks. RESULTS After 8 weeks of treatment, residents who received standard care plus the concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement had significantly better PUSH tool scores compared with those who received standard care plus placebo (3.55 +/- 4.66 vs 3.22 +/- 4.11, respectively; P < .05). CONCLUSION By week 8, PUSH tool scores-a measurement of pressure ulcer healing-showed approximately twice the rate of pressure ulcer healing in the treatment group compared with the control group. A concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement may be of benefit to residents of long-term-care facilities who have pressure ulcers.