Vitamin A-soaked Gelfoam Sponges and Wound Healing in Steroid-treated Animals

Abstract

Previous work has shown improved wound healing after the administration of systemic vitamin A in patients on chronic steroids. In contrast there have been mixed reports on the effect of topical vitamin A on wound healing in steroid-treated patients. Previous laboratory work has suggested that the topical application of vitamin A may be beneficial to wound healing in a sutured wound in a steroid-treated rat. Due to some inconsistencies in previous studies and steroid animal models, we sought to develop a better wound-healing model in a steroid-treated rat and to assess the effect of topical vitamin A as part of the wound closure. With preliminary studies, we developed a consistent and reliable wound-healing model in a steroid-treated rat using dexamethasone in contrast to cortisone acetate, which had been used in previous studies. Next, rats were randomized into 8 groups, some of which received steroids. Wounds were treated with saline or vitamin A topically or via a soaked gelfoam sponge. Rats were wounded 1 week after the commencement of steroid administration. Wounds were repaired and allowed to heal for 2 weeks. Strips of the wounds were then harvested and tested for tensile strength and breaking strength using a tensiometer. Wound edges were then fixed and wound surface area was measured using digital planimetry. Steroid treatment resulted in consistent weight loss and failure to gain weight as well as decreased breaking strength. Tensile strength was not decreased. Vitamin A applied for 10 minutes before wound closure and a gelfoam sponge alone placed before wound closure both resulted in an increased breaking strength and tensile strength. Vitamin A applied via a gelfoam sponge did not statistically increase breaking or tensile strength.