Potential therapeutic effects of topical recombinant human erythropoietin on burn wound healing: A preliminary randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

Burn injuries can cause significant mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of topical recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on enhancing burn wound healing. In this randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 40 participants aged 18 years and older who were referred to a burn center during the first 24 h of burning. The participants with no concurrent comorbidities had superficial and deep second-degree burns, no respiratory burns, no face and perineum burns, no keloid formation, or a healed, fully epithelialized, hypertrophic burn scar. Topical rhEPO or nitrofurazone/Vitamin A was administered every other day, and the patients were scheduled for follow-up visits to receive wound cleansing, debridement, and dressing changes. Burn wound healing response to treatment was measured as the study main outcome. At the second follow-up visit, all parameters were significantly lower in the rhEPO group compared with the control group except for itchiness. The results of the next two follow-up sessions were also the same. The total value of the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) at days 5, 7, and 14 was significantly lower in the rhEPO group compared with the routine of care group. Trial Registry Date: 2022–03-02, Trial Registry number: IRCT20190810044500N23 The results of the present study suggested that topical rhEPO is a potential option in burn wounds and patient satisfaction, without causing intolerable side effects. •Burns are one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.•Burn injuries may cause substantial long-term changes which impair the patient's quality of life.•Repurposing FDA-approved medications are a means of cutting the associated expenses.•Any further research concentrates on their efficacy and therapeutic advantages.•A potential candidate for repurposing as an agent to treat acute or persistent skin wounds is Recombinant Human Erythropoietin.•Erythropoietin reduces the wound area and depth and improves the wound healing process.