Review Article

The Role of Recombinant Proteins and Growth Factors in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Table 9

Other growth factor and recombinant proteins: characteristics of RCTs.

RefStudyInterventionType of controlSize and the oldness of the woundNo. of patientsAntibiotic application during the treatment period (if needed)Baseline HbA1C (%)Types of wound and grade of woundDressing typeOffloadingTreatment durationFollow-up period posttherapy

[29]Phase I trial (RCT)Topical telbermin (rhVEGF) (72 μg/cm2) in conjunction with standard every 48 hours for up to six weeksPlacebo1-4 cm2
Between 4 and 6 months old
55Y5.5-13.6%Grade 1ACovered with a sterile, semipermeable barrier and then wrapped with cotton gauzeY6 weeks7-12 weeks
[30]RCT phase IIa studyEpoetin beta injected at a weight-adjusted dose of approximately 30 IU/kg/week subcutaneously plus standard treatmentPlacebo cm2 for a duration of months22NM<8%Wagner grade I or IINMY12 weeks12 weeks
[31]RCT phase I/II2.5% or 8.5% talactoferrin gel administered topically twice daily to the ulcers with standard wound carePlacebo0.5 to 10 cm2
At least 4 weeks
46Y6-13%NMSaline dressingY12 weeksUp to 6 months
[32]RCT phase I/II1 or 10 μg Chrysalin® or saline as placeboPlacebo0.1-8.5cm2
More than 8 weeks
40YNMWagner grades I, II, or early IIINMY20 weeksNM
[33]RCTFive groups: standard care, topical placebo collagen sponge, or topical collagen sponge containing TGF-β2 either at 0.05, 0.5, or 5 μg/cm2Placebo1-20 cm2 more than 8 weeks old177NM<13%NMCollagen sponge and nonadherent dressingY21 weeks3 months

VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; TGF-β: transforming growth factor β; Y: yes; N: no; NM: not mentioned.