Treatment of hemangiomas of infants with high doses of prednisone
N Sadan, B Wolach - The Journal of pediatrics, 1996 - Elsevier
N Sadan, B Wolach
The Journal of pediatrics, 1996•ElsevierOBJECTIVE: 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 regrowth were monitored. RESULTS: Overall,
excellent and rapid results were achieved in 68% of infants and good results occurred 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 regrowth were monitored. RESULTS: Overall,
excellent and rapid results were achieved in 68% of infants and good results occurred in …
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 regrowth 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. (J PEDIATR 1996;128:141-6)
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