Angéla Meszes1,2, Gyula Tálosi3, Krisztina Máder3, Hajnalka Orvos4, Lajos Kemény5,6, Zsanett Renáta Csoma5. 1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. meszesangela@gmail.com. 2. , Korányi fasor 6, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary. meszesangela@gmail.com. 3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. 5. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. 6. MTA-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Szeged, Hungary.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Most of the skin disorders that occur in neonatal intensive care units are due in part to the immaturity and vulnerability of the neonatal skin. Various iatrogenic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are also conducive to iatrogenic damage. This study was to review the neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit who needed wound management, and to assess the most common skin injuries and wounds, and their aetiology. METHODS: Data were extracted from medical records of neonates who needed wound management in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 31, 2012 and January 31, 2013. Information about gestational age, sex, birth weight, area of involvement, wound aetiology, and therapy were collected. RESULTS: Among the 211 neonates observed, wound management was required in 10 cases of diaper dermatitis, 7 epidermal stripping, 6 extravasation injuries, 5 pressure ulcers, 1 surgical wound and infection, 1 thermal burn, and 5 other lesions. CONCLUSIONS: International guidelines in neonatal wound care practice are not available, and further research concerns are clearly needed. Dressings and antiseptic agents should be chosen with great care for application to neonates, with particular attention to the prevention of adverse events in this sensitive population. Team work among dermatologists, neonatologists and nurses is crucial for the successful treatment of neonates.
BACKGROUND: Most of the skin disorders that occur in neonatal intensive care units are due in part to the immaturity and vulnerability of the neonatal skin. Various iatrogenic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are also conducive to iatrogenic damage. This study was to review the neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit who needed wound management, and to assess the most common skin injuries and wounds, and their aetiology. METHODS: Data were extracted from medical records of neonates who needed wound management in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 31, 2012 and January 31, 2013. Information about gestational age, sex, birth weight, area of involvement, wound aetiology, and therapy were collected. RESULTS: Among the 211 neonates observed, wound management was required in 10 cases of diaper dermatitis, 7 epidermal stripping, 6 extravasation injuries, 5 pressure ulcers, 1 surgical wound and infection, 1 thermal burn, and 5 other lesions. CONCLUSIONS: International guidelines in neonatal wound care practice are not available, and further research concerns are clearly needed. Dressings and antiseptic agents should be chosen with great care for application to neonates, with particular attention to the prevention of adverse events in this sensitive population. Team work among dermatologists, neonatologists and nurses is crucial for the successful treatment of neonates.
Entities:
Keywords:
epidermal stripping; extravasation injury; neonatal intensive care unit; surgical wound; wound care in neonates