Topical treatment of pressure ulcers with nerve growth factor : a randomized clinical trial
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2003
Citazione:
Topical treatment of pressure ulcers with nerve growth factor : a randomized clinical trial / F. Landi, L. Aloe, A. Russo, M. Cesari, G. Onder, S. Bonini, P. Carbonin, R. Bernabei. - In: ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE. - ISSN 0003-4819. - 139:8(2003 Oct 21), pp. 635-641. [10.7326/0003-4819-139-8-200310210-00006]
Abstract:
Background: The prevalence of pressure ulcers of the foot is a major health care problem in frail elderly patients. A pressure sore dramatically increases the cost of medical and nursing care, and effective treatment has always been an essential nursing concern. Management options for pressure ulcers include local wound care; surgical repair; and, more recently, topical application of growth factors.
Objective: To examine the effects of topical treatment with nerve growth factor in patients with severe, noninfected pressure ulcers of the foot.
Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Setting: Teaching nursing home of Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy.
Patients: 36 persons with pressure ulcers of the foot.
Intervention: 18 patients received nerve growth factor treatment, and 18 patients received only conventional topical treatment.
Measurements: The course of the ulcers during follow-up was evaluated by tracing the perimeter of the wound onto sterile, transparent block paper and determining the stage.
Results: At baseline, the treatment and control groups did not differ across demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and functional measures. The mean area (+/-SD) of the ulcers was 1012 +/- 633 mm(2) in the treatment group and 1012 +/- 655 mm(2) in the control group (P > 0.2). The average reduction in pressure ulcer area at 6 weeks was statistically significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group (738 +/- 393 mm(2) VS. 485 +/- 384 mm(2); P = 0.034).
Conclusion: Topical application of nerve growth factor may be an effective therapy for patients with severe pressure ulcers.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
administration, topical; aged; aged, 80 and over; double-blind method; female; follow-up studies; foot dermatoses; humans; male; nerve growth factor; placebos; pressure ulcer; wound healing
Elenco autori:
F. Landi, L. Aloe, A. Russo, M. Cesari, G. Onder, S. Bonini, P. Carbonin, R. Bernabei
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