Evaluation of Albumin, Zinc and Vitamin C in Surgical Wound Patients

Abstract

The serum albumin, zinc and vitamin C statuses of surgical wound patients attending General Hospital Owerri, Nigeria were investigated to determine whether or not the serum levels of these elements were normal. One hundred surgical wound patients age 20-40 years were selected. One hundred normal subjects age 20-40 years were used as control. The levels of albumin, zinc and vitamin C were significantly decreased in surgical wound patients, when compared with the control (p<0.05). The result suggests, but not conclusively, that supplementation of surgical wound patients, with food and drug containing albumin, zinc and vitamin C might be helpful, particularly for the healing f surgical wounds.