Treatment of Children Hemangiomas

Introduction: Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in infancy and the uncontrolled increase in size can cause serious complications, requiring treatment in specialized centers. Despite their high frequency and possible complications, there is currently no consensus on optimal treatment. The strategy may vary from simple observation to the involvement of several medical, radiological and surgical specialties, requiring both pharmacological and surgical treatment. Aim: The current study analyzes the results of the treatment of hemangiomas performed in a tertiary hospital in Romania, in order to compare the data with those in the recent literature. Methods: In our retrospective study we analyzed the data of 142 patients treated in our tertiary hospital for a period of approximately 2 years. Demographics, localization of hemangiomas, duration of hospitalization and treatment, and complications were statistically analyzed. Results: We achieved favourable outcomes in over 80-90% of cases by combining propranolol treatment with bleomycin injections, topical application of timolol and surgical excision, depending on the location and complexity of the hemangioma, and the age of the patient. Conclusions: The goal of hemangioma therapy is to stop hemangioma growth in its tracks, and has to provide relief and reassurance to patients and families. Such therapies might consist of combinations of drugs given concurrently or perhaps sequentially to target cells that are most active in the proliferating phase.