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Skin permeability in the newborn
Skin permeability to drugs was assessed in the newborn infant using an in vitro method. Excised skin samples were studied in a Franz-type cell, and permeability to 0.1 M sodium salicylate was measured. Fourteen samples were studied, from infants of 25-41 weeks gestation and up to 8 days old. Gestation markedly affected skin permeability to salicylate, absorption being 10(2)-10(3) times greater in infants of 30 weeks gestation or less than in term infants. There are important implications for the high permeability of the preterm infant's skin; accidental poisoning from absorption of topically applied agents can easily occur, and the percutaneous route offers an alternative method of therapeutic drug administration.
Skin permeability to drugs was assessed in the newborn infant using an in vitro method. Excised skin samples were studied in a Franz-type cell, and permeability to 0.1 M sodium salicylate was measured. Fourteen samples were studied, from infants of 25-41 weeks gestation and up to 8 days old. Gestation markedly affected skin permeability to salicylate, absorption being 10(2)-10(3) times greater in infants of 30 weeks gestation or less than in term infants. There are important implications for the high permeability of the preterm infant's skin; accidental poisoning from absorption of topically applied agents can easily occur, and the percutaneous route offers an alternative method of therapeutic drug administration.