Introduction:
This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of γ-Klotho and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in patients with pressure ulcers.

Material and methods:
Patients aged ≥18 years receiving care from Home Health Services were included. The case group consisted of individuals with stage 2–4 pressure ulcers, while the control group comprised patients without ulcers, matched for age or gender. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical device usage, and nutritional status were assessed for all participants. In the case group, additional data regarding ulcer site, stage, number, and dimensions were collected. Serum levels of γ-Klotho and FGF2 were measured using the ELISA method.

Results:
A total of 80 participants were enrolled (40 (50.0%) in each group). FGF2 level was 220.8 [26.8] pg/mL in the case group and 219.1 [29.1] pg/mL in the control group (p=0.577). Similarly, γ-Klotho was 1448.4 [158.6] pg/mL in the case group and 1421.3 [232.8] pg/mL in the control group (p=0.453). Conversely, a significant correlation was observed between γ-Klotho and FGF2 levels in the case group (p = 0.048), whereas no such association was found in the control group (p = 0.164). Additionally, FGF2 levels were positively associated with the number, width, and length of the wounds (p=0.003, p=0.007, and p=0.012, respectively), while a negative correlation was observed between γ-Klotho levels and wound duration (p=0.026).

Conclusions:
Although serum levels did not differ between groups, the exclusive correlation between γ-Klotho and FGF2 in the pressure ulcer group may indicate a role in chronic wound processes, warranting further investigation.