title: Treatment of hemangiomas of infants with high doses of prednisone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed our experience with the use of oral corticosteroid therapy in treating hemangiomas of infants to determine the optimal effective dose.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 24-year period, 60 infants with hemangiomas were treated with an initial dose of either 3 or 5 mg/kg per day of orally administered prednisone for a period ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. Involution of the hemangioma and re-growth. were monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, excellent and rapid results were achieved in 68% of infants and good results occurred in 25%. In 7% treatment was deemed to have failed. Forty-seven of 60 patients received one course of therapy, 8 received 2 courses, and 5 required 3 courses. An initial dose of 5 mg/kg per day oral prednisone therapy was more effective than 3 mg/kg per day. Side effects were not serious and resolved after discontinuation of therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High oral doses of corticosteroids (5 mg/kg per day prednisone) provide an effective, rapid, and safe modality of treatment of hemangiomas of infants. We recommend that treatment continue for 6 to 8 weeks, and in more severe cases for as long as 12 weeks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Meir General Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sadan
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wolach
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone