$Unique_ID{BRK00901}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Use of a New Salve to Help Close Open Sores Part of an Experiment?}
$Subject{sores treatment treatments medication medications Skin Platelet
Derived Platelet-Derived Wound Healing Formula PDWHF antibiotic saline
dressing}
$Volume{R-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Use of a New Salve to Help Close Open Sores Part of an Experiment?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My mother, who lives in Florida, is being given a new and very
expensive salve to use to help close some open sores on her legs.  We have
been unable to find out anything about this medication, and wonder if mother
is being used as part of an experiment.  What can you tell us?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Your mother is not part of an investigational program, although there
is divided opinion about the value of the treatment she is using.  The salve
or "formula" is made from platelets, small elements found in the blood that
are part of the process of clot formation.  The active ingredient is called
Platelet-Derived Wound Healing Formula (or PDWHF for simplicity's sake) and is
applied to the wound each day, leaving it in place for 12 hours.  It is then
removed and alternated with an antibiotic or saline dressing.  The technique
was first described by Dr. David Knighton, assistant professor of surgery, at
the University of Minneapolis, in the Annals of Surgery in September, 1986.
He reported the use of PDWHF on 41 patients and claimed success in all cases
after 7 1/2 weeks.  However, many other specialists in the field criticized
the study as lacking adequate controls, and are not convinced that the
preparation really works until other studies prove its worth.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.