Pediatrics

The benefit of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) as an “active,” adjunctive treatment is well-established. Evidence has shown that wounds treated with negative pressure granulate faster than wounds managed with traditional dressings. There is ever-increasing literature to support the use of NPWT to treat wounds effectively and safely in even the youngest patients.1 Some specific benefits of NPWT for pediatric and adolescent patients include decreased frequency of dressing changes, as well as a dressing that is occlusive and unlikely to be removed by the patient.

The most effective wound care is patient-centered and individualized. Consideration must be made for unique population characteristics during an inpatient stay to decrease the risk of hospital readmission or further wound complications. Variations in wound care needs may exist among patients based on their ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status (SES), and comorbidities. Early identification of these characteristics and interventions to combat disparities should be considered.