Use of Oxygen to Enhance Normal Repair and Normal Resistance to Infection

摘要

Three important phases of wound healing, killing of bacteria, collagen formation and general metabolism, are oxygen-dependent processes. This study evaluated these components of healing in subjects who live at high altitude and are therefore chronically hypoxic. We measured delivery of oxygen to tissue, wound infection rates, and patient capability of forming hydroxyproline (an index of collagen) in a small, standardized wound. Supplemental oxygen may have a role in reducing postoperative infection, but further study is needed. Wound collagen formation is normal in persons acclimated to high altitude. Wound collagen formation is less in persons ill prior to surgery and decreased in proportion to length of preoperative illness. Parallel animal studies are reported which agree with these findings in human subjects.