Management of a Neck Wound in a Premature Infant Using a Bilayered, Living Skin Substitute

TL;DR

A bilayered skin substitute was successfully used to treat a neck wound in a premature infant with immunodeficiency.

Contribution

This case demonstrates the potential of Apligraf as a reconstructive option for complex neck wounds in premature infants.

Findings

Apligraf was applied following surgical debridement to promote wound closure.

The treatment achieved early and cosmetically acceptable wound closure in a high-risk patient.

Abstract

Advances in tissue engineering have enhanced our understanding of wound healing, leading to more effective management of acute and chronic wounds. Bioengineered skin constructs are increasingly favored for their minimal invasiveness and efficacy. Full-thickness neck wounds in premature neonates pose unique reconstructive challenges due to limited treatment options, high infection risk, and the potential for contracture formation. We present a rare case of an infected neck/shoulder wound in a premature infant with immunodeficiency. Following surgical debridement, a bilayered cellular skin substitute, Apligraf (Organogenesis Inc., Canton, USA) was applied to promote wound closure. Given the lack of reports describing the use of Apligraf for complex neck wounds in premature infants, this case demonstrates its potential as a viable reconstructive option in this vulnerable population, achieving early and cosmetically acceptable closure.

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