The efficacy and safety of epidermal growth factor in treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: the preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) in healing foot ulcers in diabetic patients.


METHODS
A total of 28 subjects with foot ulcers were recruited into the pilot study. Patients who had obvious peripheral arterial disease, trans-tibial amputation, plastic surgery or skin flap, and skin graft were excluded. The properly debrided wounds and the non closure wounds after toe amputation were included. When the wounds became clean or uninfected, they received twice-a-day treatment with 0.005% Easyef and hydrocolloid dressing. The size and severity of the wounds were evaluated. Others such as blood sugar, renal and hepatic function, serum albumin, vascular condition, foot infection or osteomyelitis were assessed.


RESULTS
All of 28 patients had positive response of granulation (100%). Complete healing was noted in 13 out of 23 subjects and finished 8-week follow-up (56.5%). The rates of wound closure were 43.3%, 59.9%, 68.7%, and 84.8% in week 2, 4, 6 and 8, respectively, regardless of the severity. Being dropped out, three patients needed further interventions. No skin allergic reaction. Over-granulation was observed in one female patient (3.7%), but as minor.


CONCLUSIONS
Easyef has positive effects on healing of moderate-to-severe foot ulcers and demonstrated being safe to diabetic patients. The drug had high tolerability and compliance.
Department of Endocrinology, ChoRay Teaching Hospital, Hochiminh City, Vietnam. letuyethoa@gmail.com
Hoa Le
HL
Tuyet
Tram Tran
TT
Nguyen Quynh
Hien
H
Vo Hoang Minh
Dao Nguyen
DN
Thi Bich
Thang
T
Do Dinh
Duc
D
Le Tan
Hoang Lam
HL
Van
Truong
T
Le Huy
Hau
H
Doan Huu
Tri Nguyen
TN
Tran Trong
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D003646:Debridement; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014945:Wound Healing
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor