A literature assessment of the use of miscellaneous topical agents, growth factors, and skin equivalents for the treatment of pressure ulcers.
BACKGROUND
Agents reviewed for this manuscript were both rare and popular topical treatments for pressure ulcers.


OBJECTIVE
To review topical treatments for pressure ulcers and evaluate them based on available literature of controlled, blinded, and randomized trials.


METHODS
A MEDLARS database (1966-1993) search and a thorough review of reference article lists of key articles produced over 100 manuscripts. Studies were considered for review if they were conducted on humans with chronic stage II to IV pressure ulcers, in a properly controlled and randomized fashion.


RESULTS
The use of zinc acetate and aluminum hydroxide ointment, phenytoin, recombinant platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rPDGF-BB), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been evaluated in a controlled and blinded fashion. Many of the newer agents, cytokine growth factor (eg, rPDGF-BB and bFGF) and skin equivalents, are currently being scrutinized in clinical trials.


CONCLUSIONS
A paucity of data exist that adequately address the efficacy of any topical agent for the treatment of pressure ulcers.
Margolis
D J
DJ
Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, 19104, USA.
Lewis
V L
VL
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017768:Skin, Artificial
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D006133:Growth Substances