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Part VIII. Clinical Applications of Thymosin  4 |
Pressure UlcersA Role for Thymosin  4
MICHAEL FRANCIS GODSCHALKa
a Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
Key Words: pressure ulcers • wound healing • thymosin 4 • randomized clinical trials
Address for correspondence: Michael Francis Godschalk, M.D., McGuire VA Medical Center, 151, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA 23249. Voice: 804-675-5429; fax: 804-675-5557. Michael.Godschalk{at}VA.gov
Pressure ulcers occur in up to 14% of acute hospitalizations. They cause pain, decreased quality of life, increased morbidity, and prolonged hospitalizations. Treatment includes pain control, nutritional support, relieving pressure, removing devitalized tissue, and by using dressings and medications, providing an environment in which healing can occur. Even with optimal treatment, pressure ulcers may take months to heal. Thymosin 4 is being investigated as a treatment for pressure ulcers. Thymosin 4 has wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought to exert its therapeutic effect through promotion of keratinocyte and endothelial cell migration, increased collagen deposition, and stimulation of angiogenesis. A study in a rat full-thickness wound model showed that treatment with thymosin 4 increased collagen deposition and angiogenesis and stimulated keratinocyte migration and reepithelialization. If thymosin 4 decreases healing time, this would represent a significant advance in the treatment of pressure ulcers.
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