Efficacy of intralesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor in chronic diabetic foot ulcers

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical effects of intralesional administration of an epidermal growth factor (EGF) up to complete wound closure.Seventeen diabetic patients with full-thickness lower extremity ulcers of more than 4 weeks of evolution were enrolled in the study. Mean ulcer size was 15.5 +/- 7.5 cm(2). Intralesional injections of 75 µg of Heberprot-P three times per week for 5-8 weeks were given up to complete wound healing.Full granulation response was achieved in all patients in 32.4 +/- 6.6 days. Complete wound closure was obtained in 16 (94.1%) cases in 53.1 +/- 4.7 days. The most frequent adverse events were burning sensation, tremors, chills and pain at the site of administration. After 1-year follow-up, only one patient relapsed.Intralesional EGF administration up to complete closure can be safe, effective and suitable to improve healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).