title: Management of cutaneous hemangiomas in pediatric patients.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Letizia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Musumeci
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schlecht
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Perrotta
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Micali
mesh_terms: 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*