Systemic Factors influencing Wound Healing

Abstract

Four factors are considered especially important: (1) Vitamins[long dash]Vitamin C is required for proliferation and collagenation of fibroblast cells and their maturation into fibrous tissue; 75-100 mg. daily of ascorbic acid is recommended in food or supplemented by tablets, Vitamin K is frequently needed in recurrent bleeding or secondary hemorrhage. Vitamin A (as applied in cod liver oil dressings) is dismissed as valueless. (2) Hydrogen-ion content[long dash]Discharges of healing wounds have a consistently high hydrogen-ion content. Such acid tissues offer resistance to invading organisms, which diminishes as the pH approaches the neutral or alkaline range. An acid diet maintains this wound acidity and may contribute to healing. (3) Electrolytic fluid balance and occurrence of edema[long dash]No more than 11/2 times the amt. of fluid excreted as urine in 24 hrs. should be administered. Wounds can be drowned in tissue dropsy. (4) Protein loss and protein replacement[long dash]High protein intake is indicated. To meet war time emergency a large number of different protein foods and combinations are suggested to afford appetizing variety for 6 feedings daily. Selected classified references from the extensive literature are given for the general subject and the above 4 special topics.