Demonstration of the Effectiveness of Epidermal Growth Factor in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetes affects more than 170 million people over the age of 20 worldwide. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most common complications of diabetes. It negatively influence the patients' quality of life. Multidisciplinary treatment is required in the treatment of DFUs. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of intralesional epidermal growth factor (EGF) in diabetic neuropathy foot ulcers. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 29 patients who applied to our clinic due to diabetic foot wounds between January 2014 and December 2020, who had no wound infection and osteomyelitis, who underwent EGF in accordance with the study criteria. In our study, EGF of 75µg/day 3 times a week was applied intralesionally to diabetic ulcers for 4-8 weeks. Results: A total of 29 patients were included in the study. 21 of the patients were male and 8 of them were female. The mean age was 59,82. One patient had signs of osteomyelitis. Additional disease was detected in 93,1% of the patients. The mean ulcer width of the patients was found to be 3,44 cm2. Conclusion: Three important results were obtained from the study. First; epidermal growth factor has been quite effective in the treatment of patients with DFU. The second important finding was to ensure the safe epithelialization of the standing ulcers without impairing the quality of life of the patients. Thirdly, after debridement, treatment with EGF was found to provide a significant improvement in wounds.