Management of cutaneous hemangiomas in pediatric patients.
Cutaneous hemangiomas (CHs) are common benign vascular tumors of childhood. Clinically, they are characterized by a typical evolution profile, consisting of a rapid proliferation during the first year of life and slow involution that usually is completed by 5 to 10 years of age. In most cases, no treatment is necessary. However, when CHs are located in areas at risk for functional complications; are of considerable size; or repeatedly undergo bleeding, ulceration, or superinfection, a prompt and adequate treatment approach is required. First-line approaches include topical, intralesional, and systemic corticosteroids. Second-line options include interferon alfa-2a and -2b, laser therapy, and surgical therapy. Third-line approaches include cytotoxins, embolization, and angiogenesis inhibitors. Other therapies and procedural approaches including intermittent pneumatic and continuous compression; cryosurgery; radiotherapy; implantation of copper needles; sclerotherapy; electrocautery; electroacupuncture; imiquimod cream 5%; and prospective agents, such as OXi4503 (diphosphate prodrug of combretastatin A1) and cidofovir, are discussed. Treatment options for ulcerated CHs also are described.
Musumeci
Maria Letizia
ML
Department of Dermatology, University of Catania, Italy.
Schlecht
Karina
K
Perrotta
Rosario
R
Schwartz
Robert A
RA
Micali
Giuseppe
G
D002648:Child; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*