A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC LEG WOUNDS
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Keywords
Epidermal growth factor, gel dressing, Chronic non healing ulcer
Abstract
Background: Chronic wounds, particularly non-healing ulcers, are among the most common surgical conditions encountered in clinical practice. These wounds are characterized by their failure to progress through the normal stages of healing despite regular wound dressings and appropriate local treatment, often resulting in prolonged morbidity and increased healthcare costs. The present study aims to investigate the healing effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on chronic non-healing ulcers and to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and patient acceptability of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-based wound dressing as a therapeutic modality1.
Methods: A randomized, prospective, comparative study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at RIMS, Raichur, involving 120 patients for 5 months from June 1st 2024 to October 30th 2024 with chronic non-healing ulcers. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups of 60 patients each. Group A received epidermal growth factor (EGF) dressing, while Group B received normal saline dressing as the control treatment.
Results: A total of 120 patients who consented to participate in the study were randomly allocated into two comparable groups of 60 patients each. The trial group received topical 0.01% epidermal growth factor (EGF) gel dressings, while the control group received standard antiseptic wound dressings. Baseline demographic characteristics, including sex distribution, were comparable between the two groups. On comparison of treatment outcomes, the trial group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in ulcer area than the control group (p < 0.001), indicating the superior efficacy of topical EGF in promoting wound healing.
Conclusion: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an effective therapeutic option for the management of chronic non-healing ulcers owing to its cost-effectiveness, wide availability, ease of administration, and potential to reduce the duration of hospital stay.
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