InsideSurgery Medical Information Blog » vitamin A http://insidesurgery.com Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:25:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Wound Healing in Chronic Steroid Use http://insidesurgery.com/2009/12/wound-healing-chronic-steroid/ http://insidesurgery.com/2009/12/wound-healing-chronic-steroid/#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:06:39 +0000 Editor http://insidesurgery.com/?p=1703 Chronic steroid use causes an increased risk of wound infection and a decrease in wound healing. Signs and symptoms of wound infection in chronic steroid use can be subtle, such as wound dehiscence (i.e., breakdown) or non-healing.

There are some studies that show that the use of preoperative vitamin A has been shown to improve wound healing. The mechanism of action is unknown but it maybe related to an increased TGF-beta level.

Generally, experienced surgeons will allow incision sutures or staples to remain in place several days longer than in incisions where there is no steroid exposure.

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