Pressure ulcer accelerated healing with local injections of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor

J Infect. 1997 Sep;35(2):179-82. doi: 10.1016/s0163-4453(97)91809-0.

Abstract

This is the first report of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inducing accelerated healing of a sacral pressure ulcer in a bedridden patient with bilateral hemiplegia. GM-CSF was diluted and injected locally around and into the ulcer bed every 2-3 days for 2 weeks, then weekly for 4 weeks until complete healing occurred. A new firm granulation tissue was noted within a few days. The ulcer showed 85% healing within 2 weeks and 100% by 2 months. Healing started from the periphery and from within the ulcer bed at sites of GM-CSF injections. It was slower at areas where there was complete necrosis and detachment of skin from underlying tissue. The ulcer remained closed until the patient's sudden death 9 months later. A biopsy of granulation tissue showed inflammatory cells and reactive fibroblasts. The potential role of GM-CSF and growth factors in pressure ulcer therapy and wound healing are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Hemiplegia / complications
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Male
  • Pressure Ulcer / complications
  • Pressure Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Pressure Ulcer / pathology
  • Sacrococcygeal Region
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor