Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Protocol to Create Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Epidemiology and Management for Pediatric Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Ayesha A Qureshi1, Catherine C Kennedy1, Seraph Han-Yin Lin1
1Nationwide Children's Hospital, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Insights
Pediatric chronic wounds are understudied, with pilonidal sinus disease being the most common cause. Enhanced research and treatment strategies are needed for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Wound Care
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic wounds impact millions annually, with a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- The epidemiology and management of pediatric chronic wounds are not well-documented.
- This study addresses the need for comprehensive data on pediatric chronic wounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize the current evidence on the epidemiology of pediatric chronic wounds.
- To elucidate the various management strategies employed for pediatric chronic wounds.
- To identify research gaps and inform future public health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
- Articles published after 2000 focusing on chronic wounds in pediatric patients were included.
- Exclusion criteria comprised case reports, review articles, and proceedings.
Main Results:
- Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, with pilonidal sinus disease (38%) as the most frequent etiology.
- Dermatological disorders (25%), traumatic wounds (19%), burns, pressure ulcers, and osteomyelitis (13% each) were also studied.
- Epidemiology focused on demographics, nutrition, and comorbidities, while management involved surgical procedures, dressings, and educational initiatives.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence on pediatric chronic wound epidemiology and management is synthesized.
- There is a need for increased research and resource allocation for prevention and improved treatment strategies.
- Addressing pediatric chronic wounds is a significant public health concern requiring further attention.
Introduction:
Chronic wounds affect approximately 10.5 million individuals annually in the United States. Although recent studies have highlighted a surge in chronic wound cases among younger populations, the collective burden of pediatric chronic wounds remains understudied. This study aims to elucidate the epidemiology and management of pediatric chronic wounds.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases on articles published after 2000 that specified chronicity of wounds in pediatric patients. The exclusion criteria included case reports, review articles, and proceedings.
Results:
Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Pilonidal sinus disease emerged as the most studied chronic wound etiology (38%), followed by dermatological disorders such as epidermolysis bullosa, pyoderma gangrenosum, and cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterium (25%). Traumatic wounds were covered in three articles (19%), whereas burns, pressure ulcers, and osteomyelitis each represented 13% of the studies. This review revealed an interdisciplinary framework, with pediatric surgery being the most common specialty, alongside dermatology and allied health professionals. Most studies examined epidemiology, assessing demographics, nutrition status, and comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, hidradenitis suppurativa, and myelomeningocele. Management strategies frequently discussed surgical procedures and wound dressings, whereas self-management and educational initiatives were described to enhance patient care.
Conclusions:
This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on epidemiology and management approaches for pediatric chronic wounds. Addressing this public health concern requires equitable allocation of resources toward research focused on prevention and enhanced treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:28Phases of Wound Repair
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management