Abstract | BACKGROUND: Intralesional recombinant epidermal growth factor ( EGF) was produced in the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Cuba, in 1988 and licensed in 2006. Because it may accelerate wound healing, it is a potential new treatment option in patients with a diabetic foot wound (whether infected or not) as an adjunct to standard treatment (i.e. debridement, antibiotics). We conducted the initial evaluation of EGF for diabetic foot wounds in Turkey. METHODS: We enrolled 17 patients who were hospitalized in various medical centers for a foot ulcer and/or infection and for whom below the knee amputation was suggested to all except one. All patients received 75 μg intralesional EGF three times per week on alternate days. RESULTS: The appearance of new granulation tissue on the wound site (≥75%) was observed in 13 patients (76%), and complete wound closure was observed in 3 patients (18%), yielding a 'complete recovery' rate of 94%. The most common side effects were tremor (n=10, 59%) and nausea (n=6, 35%). In only one case,a serious side effect requiring cessation of EGF treatment was noted. That patient experienced severe hypotension at the 16th application session, and treatment was discontinued. At baseline, a total of 21 causative bacteria were isolated from 15 patients, whereascultures were sterile in two patients. The most frequently isolated species was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Thus, this preliminary study suggests that EGF seems to be a potential adjunctive treatment option in patients with limb-threatening diabetic foot wounds.
|
Authors | Bulent M Ertugrul, Cagri Buke, Ozlem Saylak Ersoy, Bengisu Ay, Dilek Senen Demirez, Oner Savk |
Journal | Diabetic foot & ankle
(Diabet Foot Ankle)
Vol. 6
Pg. 28419
( 2015)
ISSN: 2000-625X [Print] United States |
PMID | 26268583
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|