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Strawberry hemangioma in preterm infants
Insights
Strawberry hemangiomas affect 12.7% of preterm infants, with higher rates in very low-birth-weight infants. Most cases resolve spontaneously without treatment by 12 months of age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Strawberry hemangiomas are common vascular tumors in infants.
- Preterm infants may have different risk factors and outcomes for hemangioma development.
- Understanding the incidence and natural history in preterm populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of strawberry hemangioma in preterm infants.
- To investigate the association between birth weight and hemangioma occurrence.
- To describe the natural course and need for treatment in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 973 preterm infants.
- Recording of hemangioma presence and characteristics within the first year of life.
- Analysis of data stratified by birth weight categories.
Main Results:
- Overall frequency of strawberry hemangioma was 12.7% (124/973 infants).
- Incidence was higher in infants with birth weight <1000 g (22.9%) and <1500 g (15.6%).
- Spontaneous involution began between 5-12 months in most cases, requiring minimal intervention.
Conclusions:
- Strawberry hemangioma is a frequent finding in preterm infants.
- Very low-birth-weight infants represent a higher-risk group.
- Conservative management is typically effective due to high rates of spontaneous resolution.
Abstract:
Of 973 preterm infants, strawberry hemangioma was recorded in 124 during the first year of life, giving an overall frequency of 12.7%. Male:female ratio was 1:1.4. In 96 infants with birth weight below 1000 g, hemangioma occurred in 22 (22.9%), and in the group of very low-birth-weight infants (below 1500 g) the rate was 15.6%. Ninety-four infants had a single hemangioma and three had more than 10 lesions each. With one exception, no treatment was needed, as spontaneous involution started at age 5 to 12 months.