Case Series/Study

(CS-009) Successful Treatment of Neonatal Ischemic Injuries Using Active Leptospermum Honey

Co-Author(s):

Introduction: Premature infants often suffer severe ischemic-related wounds as a result of complications from vascular arterial catheters. These injuries are difficult to treat and the traditional approach towards these wounds has been supportive and observational alone. Active Leptospermum Honey (ALH) has been illustrated to be safe and effective in neonatal extravasation wounds1,2. The author sought to determine if ALH could similarly promote safe and effective treatment of ischemic-related wounds in premature infants. Methods: In this case series, the author sought to assess the safety and efficacy of autolytic debridement of the ischemic tissue and eschar using Active Leptospermum Honey (ALH) in premature infants. Wounds were primarily located on the hands and feet of the infants. In each illustrated patient, wounds were treated with daily application of ALH gel and calcium alginate dressings and secured in place with nonadherent dressings and gauze. Daily assessment for infection and exacerbation of the injury was performed. Results: In each case, the use of ALH safely expedited the autolytic debridement of nonviable eschar. No secondary infections or complications as a result of the ALH dressings were observed. Digits and extremities that had been anticipated to be lost or surgically amputated were salvaged. The application of ALH dressings promoted the development of healthy viable wound beds which ultimately led to wound closure and healing. Discussion: Ischemic injuries in premature infants have traditionally been managed by pediatric surgeons or pediatric plastic surgeons using a "wait and see" approach. Such observational interventions have resulted in secondary infections and further loss of limb and function. This approach is furthermore a slow process and is visually unpleasant for parents and neonatal hospital staff. This case series illustrates how ALH dressings are safe in this patient population and expedite healing with reduced complications. Parents were quite pleased with the outcomes. The previous traditional observational approach has now been replaced with ALH dressings with excellent outcomes in multiple NICUs in Houston. Trademarked Items: Medihoney® References: 1. Amaya R. Safety and efficacy of active Leptospermum honey in neonatal and paediatric wound debridement. J
Wound Care 2015;24:95-103.

2. Amaya, RA. (2022). ‘Honey and Pediatric Wound Care’ in Ciprandi, G.(ed.) Neonatal and Pediatric Wound Care. Torino: Edizioni Minerva Medica, pp. 204-218.