Negative pressure therapy is effective to manage a variety of wounds in infants and children

Authors:
  • KMKathy M Murphy
    Kathy M Murphy
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Abstract
Negative pressure therapy (NPT) has been accepted as a valuable adjunct for wound closure in adults; however, reports on its effectiveness in young children and infants, including neonates, are limited. A retrospective chart review was conducted on children treated with NPT at a single institution between January 2003 and December 2005. Wound volumetric measurements were calculated at the start and end of therapy. Sixty‐eight patients with 82 wounds were identified. The mean age was 8.5 years (range 7 days–18 years). Twenty patients (29%) were 2 years of age or younger, including eight neonates. Wound types included: pressure ulcers (n=13), extremity wounds (n=18), dehisced surgical wounds (n=19), open sternal wounds (n=10), wounds with fistulas (n=3), and complex abdominal wall defects (n=6). Low suction pressures (pn=56). NPT can be effectively used to manage a variety of wounds in children and neonates. No major complications were identified in our retrospective review. Prospective studies are required to better refine the use of this technology in children.

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