Dermatological side effects and complications of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in preschool-age and school-age children.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether very young children develop more dermatological complications during insulin pump treatment compared with school children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study in 78 consecutive children using insulin pump treatment >4 months.


RESULTS
Children in group A [n = 40, 28 males (M) and 12 females (F)] were 2.3 +/- 1.3 yr (+/-SD) and those in group B (n = 38, 13 M and 25 F) were 11.0 +/- 2.9 yr old at the start of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). The mean duration of CSII was similar in both groups (23.6 +/- 16.5 months in group A and 21.8 +/- 16.1 in group B). The most common dermatological complications were scars <3 mm (50% in group A vs. 71% in group B, p < 0.05) and lipohypertrophic areas at the insertion sites (45% in group vs. 47% in group B). Local abscesses and blisters were rare findings in both groups (7.5-12%), none leading to interruption or stop of CSII.


CONCLUSIONS
Dermatological side effects during CSII are not more frequent or severe in very young diabetic children compared with diabetic children in school age.
Schober
Edith
E
Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria. edith.schober@meduniwien.ac.at
Rami
Birgit
B
D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000375:Aging; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004203:Disinfection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007332:Insulin Infusion Systems / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D018579:Patient Selection; D012648:Self Care; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004202:Disinfectants