Use of Integra in complex pediatric wounds

Ann Plast Surg. 2011 May;66(5):493-6. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e318203ea4e.

Abstract

The usefulness of Integra is well described in the adult reconstructive and burn literature. There is limited documentation of its utility in the pediatric plastic surgery population. We presented 8 cases referred to us for flap coverage that were treated using Integra. These cases describe difficult wounds resulting from trauma, and congenital abnormalities. The charts of all 8 cases were retrospectively reviewed. There were 5 females and 3 newborns. The average age at coverage with Integra was 4.6 years (range, 1 day-16 years). There were 4 traumatic wounds, 2 cases of cutis aplasia, 1 myelomeningocele, and 1 case of congenitally absent cranium. The average time to coverage was 8 days, and all trauma patients underwent at least 2 prior washout procedures. The average area covered was 43 cm (range, 6-100 cm). At a mean follow-up of 14.25 months (range, 9-20 months), 7 patients' wounds had healed without need for further flap coverage. Only 1 patient required a skin graft over the Integra bed. There was 1 infection resulting in total dermal matrix loss and need for local flap reconstruction. One patient developed severe hypertrophic scarring requiring surgical revision. Integra is a reliable option in pediatric reconstruction, which may save a child the morbidity of a more extensive procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chondroitin Sulfates / therapeutic use*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Collagen / therapeutic use*
  • Congenital Abnormalities / diagnosis
  • Congenital Abnormalities / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Rejection
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pediatrics
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Skin Transplantation / methods*
  • Wound Healing / physiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / diagnosis
  • Wounds and Injuries / surgery

Substances

  • integra artificial skin
  • Chondroitin Sulfates
  • Collagen