Low-dose topical recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) therapy for chronic venous leg ulcers, 10-year follow-up

摘要

Background: The treatment of leg ulcers is an enormous problem worldwide. Chronic venous ulceration affects 1% of the population and often has a protracted course. Recurrence rate is high, ranging up to 69% in the first year after healing. Objectives: To determine whether topical application of low-dose topical recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) is safe in venous leg ulcer treatment, and whether it accelerates healing rates and reduces recurrence rates. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients with chronic venous leg ulcers received topical treatment with low-dose rhu GM-CSF (10 mug/mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution; 1.0-2.3 mug rhu GM-CSF/cm~2) in combination with treatment of venous insufficiency. All patients were previously treated with other topical wound remedies for several weeks (median 8 weeks) without success.