[Clinical observation of the long-term effects of rhEGF on deep partial-thickness burn wounds].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and long-term effect of recombinant human epithelial growth factor (rhEGF) on deep partial-thickness burn wounds.


METHODS
Thirty-seven burn patients were enrolled in this study and were observed by randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled protocol. An area of deep partial-thickness burn wounds from each patient was divided into control (C) and treatment (T) portions. The wound in C was treated with normal saline while that in T with rhEGF. The patients were followed-up for 1 and 4 years after wound healing. The healed wounds were evaluated by modified Vancouver scar scale in terms of scar index (SI).


RESULTS
1 year after wound healing, it was found that the SI in T group (7.19 +/- 1.67) was obviously lower than that in C group (8.92 +/- 1.78, P < 0.01). The SI in T group (6.12 +/- 1.54) was still evidently lower than that in C group (8.09 +/- 1.81, P < 0.01) four years after wound healing. There were no signs of development of tumor or cancer in all the tested burn wound areas.


CONCLUSIONS
External application of rhEGF might be beneficial to the healing quality of deep partial-thickness burn wound with less scar formation and better long-term effects, and it is safe.
Wang
Guang-yi
GY
Department of Burns, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
Xia
Zhao-fan
ZF
Zhu
Shi-hui
SH
Tang
Hong-tai
HT
Huan
Jing-ning
JN
Chen
Yu-lin
YL
Ge
Sheng-de
SD
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor