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.