Use of Becaplermin for nondiabetic ulcers: pyoderma gangrenosum and calciphylaxis |
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Authors: | Olivia Twu Suzanne Mednik Philip Scumpia Sarah Doaty Scott Worswick |
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Affiliation: | 1. David Geffen School of Medicine;2. Division of Dermatology;3. Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, California |
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Abstract: | Large difficult to heal ulcers of various etiologies carry a high morbidity and mortality rate. Becaplermin is a recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor approved for treatment of diabetic ulcers. In this two‐case series, we report the use of becaplermin in the treatment of ulcers due to (i) calciphylaxis, an often fatal condition resulting from systemic calcification and thrombosis of vessels and (ii) pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), a neutrophilic dermatosis. We also report that topical collagenase worsened PG ulcers, consistent with pathergy. Becaplermin can be used to help treat ulcers resulting from calciphylaxis and PG. These encouraging results lend support for the utilization of becaplermin in the treatment of nondiabetic chronic ulcers of various etiologies. |
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Keywords: | becaplermin calciphylaxis pyoderma gangrenosum |
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