[Interferon treatment of giant hemangioma]

As many as 10% to 20% of patients with disseminated hemangiomas involving vital organs fail to respond to conventional treatment with steroids, radiotherapy, laser or cyclophosphamide. For the last years, interferon-alpha-2 has been successfully used to treat complicated giant hemangiomas, because of its ability to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. We report the case of a 3-months-old infant presenting with a giant cervicofacial hemangioma with extension to the chest wall and larynx, causing episodes of severe respiratory distress. CT scan and MRI revealed a second vascular lesion measuring 24 x 16 mm in the liver. Initial treatment with corticosteroids (prednisolone at a dose of 1-3 mg/kg/daily) and endoscopic laser barely improved the symptoms and the patient presented more episodes of shortness of breath requiring admission to the ICU. Interferon therapy was started at a dose of 3 million units/m2/every other day and was continued for 9 months. At the completion of the therapy, there was complete regression of the hemangioma. Four months later, the patient is asymptomatic. No side-effects were presented for hyperthermia when the treatment was started resolved with antithermics. Blood tests were always within the normal range.