Preliminary Clinical Study Using a Novel Wound Dressing Composed of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Containing EGF

This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel wound dressing composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen (Col) containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), referred to as EGF-wound dressing. EGF-wound dressing was prepared by freeze-drying a mixed aqueous solution of high-molecular-weight HA, low-molecular-weight HA and heat-denatured Col containing EGF. EGF-wound dressing was applied to skin defects, such as intractable skin ulcers, burn ulcers, traumatic skin defects and skin donor-site wounds. The dressing was changed twice a week for a period of 6 weeks or longer, if necessary. The primary endpoints were size of wound area, formation of granulation tissue, extent of epithelialization, infection control and macroscopic appearance. Effectiveness, safety and overall clinical evaluation were scored by plastic surgeons, as authorized by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN0000005264). Healthy granulation tissue and rapid epithelialization were observed for a given period after application of EGFwound dressing onto the wounds. Most cases were assessed as having achieved good or excellent results. This clinical study demonstrated that EGF-wound dressing was beneficial in the treatment of various skin defects.