Successful Management of Complex Pediatric and Neonatal Wounds With Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet Foam Dressings

Abstract

Topical antimicrobial treatment of wounds in pediatric, and especially neonatal, patients can be challenging due to increased systemic absorption, damaging inflammatory cytokines, and oxygen radicals released by bacterial death. A product combining all wound bed preparation principles is desired. Methylene blue and gentian violet (MB/GV) foam dressings can keep wound beds moist, decrease ongoing inflammation, provide antibacterial coverage, and promote healthy wound edges. This article examines the use of MB/GV antibacterial foams in pediatric patients. Cases included infants with giant omphalocele epidermal stripping, dehisced abdominal wounds, peristomal dermatitis, and peripheral intravenous extravasations and adolescents with stage 4 pressure injuries. The treatment goals were to optimize the wound bed through debridement, elimination of bioburden, providing moisture balance, and enhancement of granulation tissue growth. Eight patients (6 infants and 2 adolescents) received MB/GV foam dressings every 2 to 3 days along with standard of care (SOC) management. Effective debridement, bioburden elimination, moisture balance, and edge enhancement were achieved in all wounds. All wound beds were well-prepared to receive other SOC products as needed. Three cases were considered for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), but NPWT was not used because of challenging clinical characteristics and wound locations. Instead, MB/GV polyvinyl alcohol foam provided capillary wicking action that enhanced wound closure without NPWT. No side effects were observed. Methylene blue and gentian violet foam dressings appear to be a safe clinical option for antibacterial coverage, moisture management, and debridement in neonatal and pediatric patients.