ATTD 2021 Invited Speaker Abstracts: SKIN DEPTH AND SUBCUTANEOUS REACTIONS TO DIABETES DEVICES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MEASURED BY ULTRASOUND

Background and Aims: More than 80% of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes in Denmark are using diabetes devices, unfortunately, up to 30% suffer from dermatitis. To extend areas for insertion ultrasound can visualize skin depths. Therefore, primary aim of present study is to describe the skin depths in a cohort of pediatric patients.

Methods: In a prospective study on pediatric patients, ultrasound was performed. The distance from skin surface to muscular fascia was measured. All manufacturers were contacted to elaborate the actual skin depth of their device. Additionally, the echogenicity of dermis and subcutis was investigated as a mark of tissue changes.

Results: A total of 103 pediatric patients (age 2–18 years) were included in our analyses. In the upper arm, the mean distance from skin surface to muscular fascia was 5.63 mm (SD 2.34) in the youngest age group (2–6 years) increasing to 10.01 mm (SD 5.20) in 15–20‐year old, similar results with increasing distance with age was found for other skin sites. According to the manufacturers the skin depths of devices were ranging from 5–12 mm. Increased echogenicity (tissue condensation) of subcutis were seen in 19 patients (18%).

Conclusions: Skin depths at different sites increases by age and were in some patients less than the depth of device. Increased echogenicity in subcutis was seen in 18% of the patients. How the skin depth and the increases echogenicity influence functionality of the sensor remain unknown.