title: [Giant hemangioma treated with interferon alpha-2a].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors describe a case of giant hemangioma treated with interferon alpha-2a and review the role of this drug and other therapeutic modalities in the management of vascular lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A seven month-old child with giant hemangioma and persistent bleeding, anemia and repeated infections was treated with interferon alpha-2a. The drug was administered at the dosage of 3 million units/m(2)/day, subcutaneously, for nine months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response to treatment was considered excellent, with regression of 90% of the lesion, control of bleeding, infection and anemia, and catch-up growth. No untoward effects were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interferon alpha-2a should be considered as a valid therapeutic option in selected cases of hemangioma in children.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Viana
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gontijo
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Pereira