Clinical observation of the long-term effects of rhEGF on deep partial-thickness burn wounds / 中华烧伤杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and long-term effect of recombinant human epithelial growth factor (rhEGF) on deep partial-thickness burn wounds.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>