The use of becaplermin (rhPDGF-BB) gel for chronic nonhealing ulcers. A retrospective analysis.

Chronic, nonhealing wounds have plagued health care practitioners for decades. New research and technology have allowed the wound healing process to be understood at a cellular and molecular level, including the vital role of growth factors. This article discusses the effects of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) on the wound healing process, emphasizing the inflammatory stage of wound healing and principles of wound care. Preclinical and clinical studies evaluating recombinant human PDGF-BB (rhPDGF-BB) (becaplermin gel) also are discussed. Lastly, the results of a retrospective analysis evaluating the use of rhPDGF-BB at Broadlawns Medical Center (Des Moines, IA) are presented.