[Laser and cryotherapy of hemangioma in infants in a direct comparison]

In our comparative study, 40 infants ranging in age from 1 week to six months, were treated for their hemangiomas. Cryosurgery was performed on 20 hemangiomas whereas the others were treated with flash lamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL). In 72% of initial macular, flat-topped, superficial hemangiomas a predominant (> 75%) or complete regression could be achieved. In 68% of cutaneous-exophytic lesions, both therapeutical modalities showed a sufficient regression (> 50%) or marked growth inhibition after two sessions with further improvement after additional treatment. Cutaneous hemangiomas and the cutaneous part of combined hemangiomas responded well to both therapies whereas subcutaneous hemangiomas were predominantly influenced by cryotherapy. Our data emphasise the efficiency of early treatment of childhood hemangiomas. Since FPDL therapy is easy to perform, less time-consuming and reduces post-therapeutic exsudation, this treatment is preferable in initial macular, flat-topped and superficial lesions while cryotherapy is considered to be superior in lesions with marked elevated and/or subcutaneous parts.