[Prevalence and characteristics of haemangiomas in young children].
OBJECTIVE
To obtain current data on the prevalence and characteristics of haemangiomas within a population-based group of children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
During March-May 2002, all children aged 0-16 months who presented for regular check-ups at child health centres in the Tilburg area, The Netherlands, were examined by physicians for the presence of haemangiomas. The characteristics of the children with a haemangioma were recorded and parents were asked for more specific information.


RESULTS
Of the 2204 children included, 219 (10) had 256 haemangiomas. The girl-boy ratio was 19:1 The haemangioma was already present at birth in 24% of children. Of the 256 haemangiomas, 15% were located subcutaneously, 33% were located in the head-neck area and 37% on the body. Of the 84 haemangiomas in the head-neck area, 75% were located on the scalp and forehead. Of the 219 children with a haemangioma, 7% and 6% visited a general practitioner or specialist regarding the haemangioma, respectively. They were consulted particularly when the haemangioma was present at birth, located subcutaneously, located in the head-neck area, and when multiple haemangiomas were present.
Hoornweg
M J
MJ
Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd. Plastische, Reconstructieve en Handchirurgie, Postbus 22.660, 1100 DD Amsterdam.
Smeulders
M J C
MJ
van der Horst
C M A M
CM
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors