Topical imiquimod in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas: a retrospective study

Active nonintervention remains the mainstay of therapy for most uncomplicated infantile hemangiomas (IH) because of their expected involution. Topical imiquimod, with its ability to induce the production of interferon, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and the antiangiogenesis factor tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, has been recently reported to be efficacious in the treatment of IH.

We sought to evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of noncomplicated IH and possible side effects.

A retrospective chart review analysis was performed in 18 children (16 girls and 2 boys) with a median age of 18 weeks (range: 4-256 weeks). A total of 22 hemangiomas (14 located on head, 3 on genitalia, 2 on trunk, and 3 on extremities) were treated with imiquimod 5% cream. Imiquimod was applied 3 times weekly in 10 patients and 5 times weekly in 8 patients for a mean duration of 17 weeks (7-46 weeks).

All superficial IH improved, and remission was achieved in 4 hemangiomas. There was little improvement in mixed IH with no or minimal change in all deep hemangiomas. One case with ulcerated hemangioma substantially improved with accelerated ulcer healing and hemangioma size reduction. No systemic complication was observed in any of our patients, with irritation and crusting being the most common reactive effects.

The small-sample, retrospective study limits the interpretation of results.

Imiquimod 5% cream may be most effective in superficial IH. There was no significant correlation between response and early onset of treatment for any IH in our small sample study. Pharmacokinetic analysis and placebo-controlled study should follow to ascertain the safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the pediatric age group.