Pharmacotherapy of infantile hemangiomas

Abstract

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumor in infants with an incidence of 5%-10%. They have a characteristic natural course, and proliferate rapidly within 1 year after birth. Some hemangiomas subside spontaneously, but some grow rapidly, causing functional impairment with ulcer formation and even threatening life, and require active treatment. At present, pharmacotherapy strategies commonly include systemic drugs, topical drugs and locally injected drugs. Although β-receptor blockers such as propranolol have gradually become the preferred drugs for their unique advantages, glucocorticoids are still an important approach to the treatment of hemangiomas. Recently, there has been a trend towards comprehensive treatment of IHs with various drugs alone or in combination with lasers. In clinic, therapeutic methods should be chosen based on type, location, size, depth and distribution of hemangiomas. Key words: Hemangioma; Infant; Glucocorticoids; Propranolol; Interferons; External application drugs