Interferon-alpha in the treatment of high-risk haemangiomas in infants

Haemangiomas are benign tumours that may occasionally compress vital structures, or cause consumptive coagulopathy and heart failure. We describe our recent experience with interferon-alpha as a treatment modality for high-risk haemangiomas.

Eight children with high-risk haemangiomas were treated with interferon-alpha, six of which had failed previous steroid therapy.

Seven children responded to interferon therapy, one boy with a liver haemangioma died. Mild leucopenia and granulocytopenia were observed in all treated patients. Neurotoxicity occurred in 3 patients and was the most frequent serious complication.

Interferon-alpha is an effective treatment modality for high-risk haemangiomas in children, especially in steroid-resistant patients. The most serious complication was early neurological toxicity.