N Sadan1, B Wolach. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Meir General Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We reviewed our experience with the use of oral corticosteroid therapy in treating hemangiomas of infants to determine the optimal effective dose. STUDY DESIGN: During a 24-year period, 60 infants with hemangiomas were treated with an initial dose of either 3 or 5 mg/kg per day of orally administered prednisone for a period ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. Involution of the hemangioma and re-growth. were monitored. RESULTS: Overall, excellent and rapid results were achieved in 68% of infants and good results occurred in 25%. In 7% treatment was deemed to have failed. Forty-seven of 60 patients received one course of therapy, 8 received 2 courses, and 5 required 3 courses. An initial dose of 5 mg/kg per day oral prednisone therapy was more effective than 3 mg/kg per day. Side effects were not serious and resolved after discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: High oral doses of corticosteroids (5 mg/kg per day prednisone) provide an effective, rapid, and safe modality of treatment of hemangiomas of infants. We recommend that treatment continue for 6 to 8 weeks, and in more severe cases for as long as 12 weeks.
OBJECTIVE: We reviewed our experience with the use of oral corticosteroid therapy in treating hemangiomas of infants to determine the optimal effective dose. STUDY DESIGN: During a 24-year period, 60 infants with hemangiomas were treated with an initial dose of either 3 or 5 mg/kg per day of orally administered prednisone for a period ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. Involution of the hemangioma and re-growth. were monitored. RESULTS: Overall, excellent and rapid results were achieved in 68% of infants and good results occurred in 25%. In 7% treatment was deemed to have failed. Forty-seven of 60 patients received one course of therapy, 8 received 2 courses, and 5 required 3 courses. An initial dose of 5 mg/kg per day oral prednisone therapy was more effective than 3 mg/kg per day. Side effects were not serious and resolved after discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: High oral doses of corticosteroids (5 mg/kg per day prednisone) provide an effective, rapid, and safe modality of treatment of hemangiomas of infants. We recommend that treatment continue for 6 to 8 weeks, and in more severe cases for as long as 12 weeks.
Authors: Sandeep Vaidya; Daniel Cooke; Matthew Kogut; Peter G Stratil; Mark A Bittles; Manrita Sidhu Journal: Semin Intervent Radiol Date: 2008-09 Impact factor: 1.513