THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF INTERFERON ALFA-2B IN INFANTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING GIANT HEMANGIOMAS

Background: Because of their size and the possibility of complications , giant hemangiomas represent a therapeutic challenge. Various forms o f treatment have been used, with variable results, including surgery, embolization, lasers, pentoxifylline, and corticosteroids. Interferon alfa has been used successfully to treat life-threatening hemangiomas, possibly by means of its antiangiogengenic activity. Observations: We treated 7 infants with organ-interfering and/or life-threatening gian t hemangiomas with subcutaneous injections of 3 million U/m(2) per day of interferon alfa-2b during the first month and subsequently every 4 8 to 72 hours, depending on the evolution in each case. The treatment lasted from 3 to 12 months. In 2 patients, interferon alfa-2b was admi nistered while prednisone therapy was being tapered. In all 7 patients , there was considerable reduction of the volume of the hemangiomas an d remission of their complications. All patients presented with fever, neutropenia, and an increase in serum aminotransferase levels. The pa tients who received interferon alfa-2b and prednisone seemed to improv e at a faster rate. Conclusions: Interferon alfa-2b is a good option f or the treatment of patients with steroid-resistant, organ-interfering and/or life-threatening giant hemangiomas. In our experience, the adv erse effects were transient and minor and did not require the interrup tion of the treatment.