[Giant hemangioma treated with interferon alpha-2a].
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.
Silva
C M
CM
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.
Viana
M B
MB
Gontijo
B
B
Fernandes
R A
RA
Pereira
L B
LB