Use of pharmaceutical composition containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) for diabetic foot amputation prevention

• Main Authors: GERONIMO PEREZ HAYDEE, GUILLEN NIETO GERARDO E, CONSTANTIN INGRID R, MARTINEZ LUIS H, FERNANDEZ MONTEQUIN JOSE I, MILIAN HECTOR S, CANAN-HADEN FRIAS LEONARDO, PEREZ NEOBALIS F, SOTOLONGO PENA JORGE, ACOSTA JORGE B, CORVEA LARISSA C, VALDES PEREZ CALIXTO
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 19.05.2005
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CHEMISTRY; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; METALLURGY; ORGANIC CHEMISTRY; PEPTIDES; PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES; SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS ORMEDICINAL PREPARATIONS

The invention relates to the use of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in a preferably-injectable pharmaceutical composition which is administered by means of infiltration into and around chronic cutaneous ischaemic lesions in order to prevent diabetic foot amputation. Said composition can be administered to recently-created surgical surfaces damaged by the effect of acute reperfusion with oxygenated blood following prolonged ischaemia, thereby preventing further surgical procedures and favouring the preservation of the extremity. The aforementioned composition can be used to improve (i) the cell microenvironment, thereby increasing the reparative and defensive capacity and viability of the tissues and (ii) the cicatrisation of cutaneous ischaemic lesions, thereby stimulating cell proliferation. The invention is suitable for use in human, veterinary and experimental medicine, specifically in vascular angiology and surgery, dermatology, burn treatment and reconstructive surgery and geriatric medicine. Said composition can be used for recalcitrant ulcers which are associated with lesions in the macro and/or microvasculature, patients with inadequate lymphatic and/or venous return and ulcers or other lesions which are difficult to cicatrise and/or heal.