Management of problematic infantile hemangioma using intralesional triamcinolone: Efficacy and safety in 100 infants

SummaryBackgroundIntralesional corticosteroid is one method used to limit the rapid growth of infantile hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone injection using a standardized protocol.MethodsThe study comprised infants managed with intralesional corticosteroid between 2007 and 2013. Tumors ≤3 cm in diameter were injected with triamcinolone, not to exceed 3 mg/kg, and followed every 4–6 weeks to determine whether additional injections were indicated. Predictive variables were patient age and tumor location, depth, and size. Treatment response was defined as regression, stabilization, or failure. Rebound growth and drug morbidity were recorded.ResultsSeventy-three females and 27 males had lesions located on the lip (29%), cheek (20%), nose (16%), periorbital area (13%), forehead (7%), scalp (4%), chin (2%), ear (2%), trunk (2%), extremity (2%), and neck (2%). Mean tumor size was 2.1 cm2 (range 0.15–9.0). Treatment began at an average age of 11 weeks (range 3–30). The mean number of injections was 1.8 (range 1–5), and the average dose per injection was 1.6 mg/kg (range 0.76–2.66). All tumors responded: 63% regressed and 37% stabilized. Rebound growth affected 40% of tumors at a median of 3 weeks (IQR 3–4) following injection. Age, location, size, and depth did not affect treatment response (p = 0.7). None of the patients exhibited systemic side-effects and 2% had atrophy at the site of injection.ConclusionIntralesional triamcinolone is an effective treatment for small, localized proliferating infantile hemangiomas. Therapy is safe and infants are at minimal risk for systemic side-effects when low doses of corticosteroid are used.