ABOG Oral Boards Obstetrics Practice Test

Chronic steroid use has profound effects on various stages of the healing process, which includes hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

In hemostasis, steroids can affect platelet function and blood vessel integrity, potentially leading to a reduced ability to form clots. This can delay the initial phase of the healing process where the body needs to control bleeding.

Inflammation is a critical early response to injury or infection, and one of the primary effects of corticosteroids is the suppression of inflammation. They inhibit the migration of white blood cells to injury sites and the production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, which are essential for initiating healing and fighting off infection. This suppression can lead to impaired healing, as inflammation is necessary for tissue repair and regeneration.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is an essential part of healing, especially in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissue. Chronic steroid use can inhibit this process by affecting the signaling pathways involved in the formation of new blood vessels. This may result in inadequate blood supply to the healing tissue, further complicating recovery.

Therefore, chronic steroid use can interfere with all three aspects of the healing process—hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis—leading to impaired healing overall