Abstract
Background: Kasabach–Merritt syndrome (KMS) is characterized by large hemangiomas and persistent thrombocytopenia, which may result in visceral hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This study aimed to evaluate the value of transarterial embolization (TAE) in neonatal KMS patients.Patients and Methods: The clinical course of 11 neonates with KMS who underwent TAE in the Department of Neonatology, Anhui Provincal Children's Hospital, Anhui Medical University, China, were reviewed retrospectively.Results: Eleven neonates with KMS (nine male and two female) were admitted to our hospital between the age of 1 h and 6 days. All were born with progressively enlarged hemangiomas and persistent thrombocytopenia. The largest lesion had its maximum size reached at 15 × 8 × 8 cm. Eight patients had cutaneous hemangiomas (1 right face, one oropharynx, one left upper arm, two back, one left lumbar, one right lower leg, and one right thigh), and three patients had liver hemangiomas. All 11 patients underwent TAE. Nine patients underwent two TAEs, and two patients underwent only one embolization procedure. They all obtained >80% devascularization of their lesions without a major complication. The platelet count increased at 2–5 days after treatment and reached normal count and coagulation profile at 18–28 days after the TAE.Conclusions: TAE is a safe and effective alternative therapy for neonatal KMS patients.
Highlights
The Kasabach–Merritt syndrome (KMS), known as giant hemangioma–thrombocytopenia syndrome, was first reported by Kasabach and Merritt in 1940 [1]
We conducted a retrospective chart view of neonates diagnosed with KMS and who were admitted between January 2016 and June 2021
The lesion size all increased with time, with the largest size reaching 15.0 × 8.0 × 8.0 cm; eight had cutaneous hemangiomas, and three had liver hemangiomas
Summary
The Kasabach–Merritt syndrome (KMS), known as giant hemangioma–thrombocytopenia syndrome, was first reported by Kasabach and Merritt in 1940 [1]. 80% of all KMS occur within 1 year of birth, with fatality rates ranging between 10 and 37% [3]. It is characterized by large hemangiomas, persistent thrombocytopenia, and bleeding tendency, causing joint and limb dysfunction and potentially leading to serious visceral bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) [4]. We reviewed our own experience of KMS treated with TAE. Kasabach–Merritt syndrome (KMS) is characterized by large hemangiomas and persistent thrombocytopenia, which may result in visceral hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This study aimed to evaluate the value of transarterial embolization (TAE) in neonatal KMS patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
