Treatment with interferon-alpha-2b in children with life-threatening hemangiomas.
BACKGROUND
Childhood hemangiomas are benign tumors of endothelial cells, characterized by a rapidly proliferating initial phase and followed by a slow involution. However, some grow and may reach a massive size, threatening a patient's functions or life. These require immediate medical treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of interferon (IFN)-alpha-2b in children with hemangiomas threatening the patient's functions or life.


METHODS
All patients were treated with IFN-alpha-2b at a dosage of 3 million U/m(2) corporal surface, applied subcutaneously, 5 days a week for the first 6 months and subsequently three times a week for 6 to 24 months. RESULTS The study included 20 patients with hemangiomas localized in different sites and with diverse functional alterations: ages varied between 3 and 48 months (median, 12.8 months), and 8 were male and 12 female. An excellent response was observed in 17 (85%) patients. Side effects were slight and transitory; there was a follow-up from 7 to 10 years, and no late toxicity was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
We can conclude that IFN-alpha-2b is an effective option for treating alarming hemangiomas that are resistant to steroids and that endanger proper functioning of the affected organ or the patient's life.
Jiménez-Hernández
Elva
E
Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad DR, Gaudencio González Garza Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, México DF, Mexico. elvajimenez@yahoo.com
Dueñas-González
María Teresa
MT
Quintero-Curiel
José Luis
JL
Velásquez-Ortega
José
J
Magaña-Pérez
José A
JA
Berges-García
Adolfina
A
Arellano-Galindo
José
J
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins