Perceived Stress and Surgical Wound Cytokine Patterns
PI: Valentina Lucas
Normal wound healing is a complex process that occurs in orderly and overlapping phases. However, when these phases of wound healing are interrupted, chronic wounds develop, leading to increased risk of infection, increased hospital stays, and decreased quality of life. Chronic
wounds account for a significant amount of healthcare spending in the United States, amounting to an estimated $5 to $9 billion each year (Mandracchi, John, & Sanders, 2001).
Psychological stress has been shown to adversely affect the normal wound healing process through its impact on cellular immunity. Cellular immunity has an important role in the regulation of wound healing through the production and regulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory
cytokines. The diagnosis of breast cancer is identified as a major life stressor (Kiecolt-Glaser & Glaser, 1994). Some studies indicate up to 80% of these women report significant stress during their initial treatment (Irvine, Vincent, Graydon & Bubela, 1998). The goal of this project is to
examine pre- and post-operative psychological stress experienced by women who are undergoing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and the potential impact on wound healing, specifically the chemical mediators of wound healing in the local wound environment.
