Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as treatment for chronic leg ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a single subcutaneous perilesional administration of 300 micrograms of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rHGM-CSF) for the treatment of chronic leg ulcers.

DESIGN

Prospective, descriptive evaluation in an outpatient group.

SETTING

The Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE, Mexico City.

PATIENTS

10 patients with chronic leg ulcers.

MEASUREMENTS

Ulcer diameter and side effects.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks observation, 8 of the 10 ulcers had healed; the other two had a mean diameter decrease of 21%. The only side effect was found in a 58 year old female who complained of moderate perilesional pain two days after having received treatment: it was successfully treated with paracetamol.

CONCLUSION

We believe that a single perilesional subcutaneous administration of rhGM-CSF is safe and effective for the treatment of chronic leg ulcers.