Use of topical recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB in abdominal wound separation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the topical application of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor gel influences healing after abdominal wound separation.


METHODS
A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients with surgical wound separation.


RESULTS
Ten patients were randomized to treatment, and 11 patients were randomized to placebo. There was no difference between groups with regard to age, initial wound volume, type of surgical procedure, incision, or body mass index. Patients in the placebo group received 47 +/- 24 days of therapy. Patients in the treatment group received 29 +/- 14 days of therapy (P =.057). The wounds of the placebo group closed 54 +/- 26 days after operation. Wounds in the treatment group closed in 35 +/- 15 days (P =.05). Wound closure rates were significantly different, as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary study suggests that the topical application of 0.01% recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor gel accelerates healing of separated surgical wounds. Additional studies will be required to determine comparative efficacy and effectiveness relative to the current clinical practice of wound granulation and secondary closure.
Shackelford
D Paul
DP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The East Carolina University Center for the Advancement of Women's Health, Greenville, USA. shackelford@mail.ecu.edu
Fackler
Eric
E
Hoffman
Matthew K
MK
Atkinson
Samuel
S
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000077214:Becaplermin; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
D010919:Placebos; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000077214:Becaplermin