Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Wound Healing -- drug effects; Diabetic Neuropathies -- drug therapy

Abstract

REGRANEX (becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB]) Gel 0.01% is a topical gel used for the treatment of chronic lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers (8 weeks or longer). It contains growth factors to aid in healing by promoting the formation of granulation tissue. Becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB] is the only growth factor to show clinical efficacy and to be approved by the FDA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this topical gel to speed the closing of wounds and/or production of healthy granulation tissue.

To accomplish this evaluation, a chart review was done at Altru Health Systems. A list of names of patients who have been treated at the wound clinic was attained and a chart review was done on the basis of this list. Eight patient charts, 4 of which received REGRANEX and 4 that did not receive REGRANEX were reviewed. Objective data collected from the charts included: length, width and depth of the wound, percent granulation tissue, location, cleansing and dressing of the wound. A statistical analysis was performed to determine if REGRANEX was an effective wound topical gel. This study demonstrated REGRANEX is associated with less eschar and therefore more granulation tissue when viewed by the clinician. However, no significant difference was found with statistical analysis. Improvement in the formation of granulation tissue is a plus for patients with diabetes because it may prevent them from enduring the pain or other side effects that go along with debridement.

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