[Experience with the negative pressure closure system of chronic wounds in pediatric patients].

OBJECTIVE To show the results and advantages of using the negative pressure closure system in a pediatric population with infections and wound closure defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients in whom the VAC(®) negative pressure wound closure system was used in the Shriners Hospital for Children, Mexico, from January 2008 to December 2012. We were able to include 8 patients treated with this system. We evaluated the cause for use, wound colonizing microorganism, number of days of stay at the hospital, number of times applied, interval of application, and number of days in the hospital until discharge after VAC(®) application, and final treatment. RESULTS The average days after VAC aplication till discharge was 13.7 days. The final treatment in 7 of the 8 patients was direct closure or application of skin grafts for closure of the wounds. DISCUSSION Through this study we were able to observe that, after the application of this treatment, there was an increase in the granulation tissue at the wounds, as well as resolution of the infection. CONCLUSIONS We were able to confirm the efficiency of this treatment in controlling the infection and decreasing skin defects, allowing an easier and earlier wound closure.