Microencapsulated rhEGF to facilitate epithelial healing and prevent scar formation of cesarean wound: A randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Cesarean section (CS) is a major surgical intervention that affects women at childbearing age. Scarring from CS potentially causes discomfort and psychological distress. Emerging evidence indicates that epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays crucial roles in wound healing with the potential of minimizing scar formation. This study aims to investigate the effect of microencapsulated recombinant human EGF (Me-EGF) in scar prevention. Silicone gel was incorporated as part of the routine scar treatment.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Healthy women scheduled for cesarean delivery were enrolled and randomized to three groups: (1) no scar treatment, (2) silicone gel only, or (3) silicone gel plus Me-EGF. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS: vascularity, pigmentation, elasticity, and height) was used for scar assessment at the 6th month and 9th month after CS.


RESULTS
A total of 60 women were enrolled, but one patient withdrew due to noncompliance with the follow-up visit requirement. Me-EGF-containing treatment group consistently scored the lowest on every parameter in the VSS scale, followed by silicone gel group, and the group with no scar treatment. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between Me-EGF-containing treatment group and the other two groups in vascularity, pigmentation, elasticity, and the VSS total score, at either 6th month, 9th month, or both time points. The only parameter not showing any significant between-group difference was scar height, but the pattern still remained the same, in which Me-EGF group scored better in both month 6 and 9.


CONCLUSION
Surgical incisions in lower abdomen posed challenge in scar management. Our findings suggest that Me-EGF is a potential therapeutic option for better wound healing and scar prevention.
['Kao|Chuan-Chi|CC|', 'Huang|Shin-Yin|SY|', 'Chiang|Chi-Hsin|CH|', 'Lin|Chih-Hui|CH|', 'Chang|Ting-Chang|TC|']
D000328:Adult D002585:Cesarean Section D002921:Cicatrix D004339:Drug Compounding D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor D005260:Female D005782:Gels D006801:Humans D011247:Pregnancy D000072836:Surgical Wound D016896:Treatment Outcome D014945:Wound Healing
Microencapsulated rhEGF Scar Cesarean section Recombinant human epidermal growth factor