P09 Skin injury and treatment in a sample of preterm infants in the NICU.

Abstract

The underdeveloped structural connections between the epidermis and the dermis in preterm babies, means that they are more vulnerable to skin injury than term infants and adults.1 The reported prevalence of skin injuries in babies admitted to the NICU ranges from 9.25 % to 43.1%.2. Determine the prevalence and treatment of skin injury in a sample of premature babies.Compare the incidence of systemic infection in preterm babies with and without skin injury. A chart review of babies born at < 31 weeks admitted to the NICU in a tertiary neonatal unit in Ireland from May to September 2024. It was a convenience sample of 15 babies born ≤ 28 weeks gestation (Group 1) and 15 babies 28 + 1 to 31 weeks gestation (Group 2). Data for each group was analysed using descriptive statistics and compared. 47% (n = 7) of babies in Group 1 had documented signs of skin injury compared to 7% (n = 1) in Group 2. 33% (n = 3) of babies in group 1 had skin injury in more than one location. The most common site of skin injury was the periumbilical area, 36% (n = 5). Treatments used included 'mepitel' dressings, cleansing, topical antimicrobials and barrier creams. In group 1 treatment for systemic infections was more common in babies who had skin injury, 43 % (n = 3), than in those without 12.5% (n = 1). Skin injury is more common in extremely preterm babies admitted to the NICU and may present a route to systemic infection. Optimal preventative and treatment strategies warrant further investigation.