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Topical preparations of proteolytic enzymes are frequently used to debride necrotic and purulent leg ulcer bases in an effort to stimulate granulation tissue. With the exception of collagenase, the efficacy of proteolytic ointments has not been proven in large controlled trials. Researchers from the University of Miami conducted a double blind, randomized, prospective trial to evaluate proteolytic ointment in the treatment of 84 leg ulcers with necrotic or purulent debris.
Patients were treated twice a day for 3 weeks with an ointment containing fibrinolysin and desoxyribonuclease (Elase), an ointment containing either fibrinolysin or desoxyribonuclease, or vehicle ointment. While all treatments produced some improvement in the ulcers, there…