(CS-126) Successful Use of Fish Skin Graft in Neonatal and Pediatric Wounds

Although it is expected for younger skin to heal faster, multicausal factors in acutely ill neonatal and pediatric patients impede wound healing. Surgical management may not be appropriate for unstable patients. Therefore, clinicians face limited options to heal extensive wounds. In this cohort, a fish skin graft (FSG) was applied to three acutely ill infants.

Methods:

A critical preterm infant with necrotizing fasciitis to the right neck, an infant with cardiac repair with a wound to the left inner ankle due to extravasation, and an infant with post-op tracheostomy wound were treated using FSG. Each wound reached healthy tissue by autolytic debridement. FSG particles mixed with medical-grade honey were applied to the wound beds, covered with a foam dressing, and changed every 3-5 days until healed.

Results:

Each wound healed throughout the patient’s critical course—complete closure achieved with minimal contracture and scarring. The range of motion was not compromised.

Discussion:

The case series illustrates the use of FSG in three critical neonatal and pediatric patients with extensive wounds that could not heal by surgical management or skin graft options. The xenograft application was easy to complete at the bedside while patients were in their critical state. The product is displayed to be safe and effective. Final closure of wounds also showed minimal scarring, no contracture, or range of motion limitations. Further studies are needed to help support the use in neonates and children.