Capillary haemangioma of the eyelids and orbit: a clinical review of the safety and efficacy of intralesional steroid.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the presenting features, investigations, treatment and outcome of a series of patients with capillary haemangioma of the eyelids and orbit.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 21 patients, presenting between the years 1985 and 2000. Effectiveness of treatment was determined by final visual acuity and cosmetic result.


RESULTS
Lesions were more common in females and the upper eyelid was a definite site of predilection. A total of 87.5% of lesions presented within 6 weeks of birth. Intralesional steroid injections were received by 79% of patients. Amblyopia was a definite complication. No local or systemic complications were associated with intralesional steroid injection. Surgery and laser treatment were reserved for persistent lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Early recognition and prompt treatment with intralesional steroid prevents early occlusion amblyopia, but follow-up and management of refractive amblyopia with glasses and patching is necessary in the longer term. In this series, intralesional steroid proved to be a safe effective treatment.
O'Keefe
Michael
M
National Children's Eye Centre, The Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. tchopth@indigo.ie
Lanigan
Bernadette
B
Byrne
Sinead A
SA
D000550:Amblyopia / Q000517:prevention & control; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018324:Hemangioma, Capillary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D014792:Visual Acuity
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D008775:Methylprednisolone