The use of Acticoat in neonatal burns.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Acticoat use in primary burn injuries and other skin injuries in premature neonates.

Procedures: An audit of eight premature neonates who sustained burn injuries and other cutaneous injuries from various agents were treated with Acticoat. Serum silver levels were measured in three neonates. Wounds were assessed for infection and blood cultures were taken where sepsis was suspected.

Findings: Neonates ranged from 23 to 28 weeks gestation (weight: 578-1078 g). Causative injury mechanisms included: alcoholic chlorhexidine, alcoholic wipes, electrode jelly, extravasated intravenous fluids, artery illuminator, temperature probe and adhesive tape removal. Total burned body surface area ranged from 1 to 30%. All neonates were treated with Acticoat dressing changed every 3-7 days. All wounds re-epithelialised by day 28 and scar management was not required. There were four mortalities secondary to problems associated with extreme prematurity. Serum silver levels ranged from 0 to 1 micromol/L. There were no wound infections or positive blood cultures during the treatment period.

Conclusions: Acticoat is a suitable dressing for premature neonates who have sustained burn injury, with the advantage of minimal handling as the dressing need only be changed every 3-7 days.