[Aplasia cutis congenita]

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2016 Aug;48(4):239-43. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-103155. Epub 2016 Aug 22.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Background: Aplasia cutis congenita is a rare congenital disorder characterised by the absence of skin. It mostly affects the scalp, but may also involve deeper tissue layers such as bone or dura mater. Bleeding from the sagittal sinus and infections are the most common complications. Numerous case reports have been published, but there is no consensus on therapeutic management, which includes both conservative and surgical treatment.

Methods: We report on 3 newborns with aplasia cutis congenita solely affecting the skin without involvement of deeper tissue layers. All 3 patients were treated conservatively with fatty gauze being used as a wound dressing. The patients were monitored in tight intervals.

Results: In all 3 newborns, the skin defects healed within a few months without any complications.

Conclusion: Conservative treatment with fatty gauze represents a reliable therapeutic option in case the disease solely affects the skin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bandages*
  • Ectodermal Dysplasia / diagnosis
  • Ectodermal Dysplasia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Scalp
  • Skin