The use of interferon alfa-2a for life-threatening hemangiomas

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1995 Jun;121(6):690-3. doi: 10.1001/archotol.1995.01890060088018.

Abstract

Hemangiomas are the most common benign neoplasm in the neonatal period. While most small hemangiomas involute spontaneously, up to 20% may grow to a massive size and never completely involute. Massive hemangiomas are also frequently associated with life-threatening complications, such as airway obstruction, platelet trapping (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome), and high-output heart failure. The use of interferon alfa-2a for the treatment of massive hemangiomas not responsive to traditional therapy has recently been reported. We present the successful use of interferon alfa-2a in a series of five patients with massive hemangiomas complicated by airway compromise, congestive heart failure, need for tracheotomy, Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, and failure to thrive, despite traditional therapy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Cardiac Output, High / etiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Hemangioma / complications
  • Hemangioma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins