Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Children Treated for Slow-flow Vascular Malformations: Overall Description and Focus on Complications Such as
Stephanie Bredy1, Emilie Coronas1, Caroline Degrugillier-Chopinet2
1CHU Lille, Urgences Pédiatriques & Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital R. Salengro, Lille, France.
Insights
Cellulitis is rare in children with slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs), but can become recurrent. Young children with specific SFVM types and certain characteristics face higher risks, potentially needing antibiotic prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric vascular anomalies
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs) can present with complications.
- Recurring cellulitis is a known complication in some SFVM patients.
- Understanding cellulitis risk factors in pediatric SFVMs is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of SFVMs in a pediatric cohort.
- To determine the incidence and frequency of cellulitis episodes in children with SFVMs.
- To identify factors associated with the occurrence of cellulitis in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, longitudinal, single-center study.
- Inclusion of pediatric patients with SFVMs managed between 1994 and 2020.
- Data collection via standardized questionnaire; descriptive and analytical statistics used.
Main Results:
- 133 children with SFVMs were analyzed (median age 72 months, 53% girls).
- Venous malformations were most common (81%).
- 7% of patients experienced cellulitis, with recurrence common; risk factors included younger age, lymphatic/syndromic SFVMs, large size, skin fold involvement, and lack of long-term treatment.
Conclusions:
- Cellulitis is infrequent in pediatric SFVM patients but often recurrent.
- Identified risk factors suggest specific patient subgroups may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics.
- Further research into preventative strategies for recurrent cellulitis in pediatric SFVMs is warranted.
Abstract:
Some patients with slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs) develop recurring cellulitis. The main objective of this study was to describe SFVMs in children. Other objectives were to determine the frequency of cellulitis episodes, and the factors associated with the occurrence of cellulitis. This retrospective, longitudinal, single-centre study included all children with SFVMs being managed at Lille University Hospital between 1994 and 2020. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. After a descriptive analysis, the variables associated with the onset of cellulitis were analysed; 133 patients (median age at diagnosis: 72 months; 53% girls) were included. SFVMs were: venous (81%), lymphatic-venous (10%), capillary-venous (5%), and lymphatic (4%). Nine children had presented at least 1 episode of cellulitis (7%, 95% CI: 4-12) and 29 episodes were reported (median: 3, interquartile range: 2-4; median age at the first episode: 3.5 years). Cellulitis occurred more frequently in young children, with lymphatic and syndromic forms of SFVM, large SFVMs, affecting skin folds, and without long-term SFVM treatment. In conclusion, the occurrence of cellulitis in patients with a SFVM is rare. However, after the first episode, it frequently becomes recurrent, particularly in some patients with identified risk factors, who may require antibiotic prophylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:26Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications