Diagnosis and treatment of hemangioma in infants and children

Classification: The traditional term hemangioma actually includes two major categories: hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations are two completely different lesions in nature. They have completely different clinical manifestations, course and outcome. While hemangiomas are benign tumors that occur in infants and young children and most of them resolve on their own, vascular malformations are abnormalities in the development of vascular structures, which are mostly found in adolescence and do not resolve on their own. Infantile hemangiomas (IH) and congenital hemangiomas are two subcategories of hemangiomas, with infantile hemangiomas being the most common. Congenital hemangiomas are relatively rare, with lesions present at birth. Congenital hemangiomas can be further divided into rapidly regressing (RICH) and non-regressing (NICH) types. According to Waner and Suen’s classification of hemangiomas, hemangiomas are generally classified as superficial hemangiomas (located in the papillary dermis), deep hemangiomas (located in the reticular dermis or subcutaneous tissue), and mixed hemangiomas (with features of both superficial and deep hemangiomas). Depending on the extent and number of lesions, they can also be classified into solitary, multiple and segmental types. Natural course: Infantile hemangioma is a relatively common benign tumor of childhood, with an incidence rate of 2.5%-10% in infants and children, and a male to female ratio of 1:3-5, and is most likely to occur in the head and neck. Infantile hemangiomas are generally self-limiting and can be divided into three stages: proliferative stage, receding stage and late receding stage. They often appear in the first 2 weeks after birth, enter a rapid proliferation phase at 1 to 2 months after birth, stop growing at 9 to 12 months after birth, and enter a slow self-resolving phase in the next 1 to 5 years. According to the literature, by the age of 5 years, more than 50% of hemangiomas are completely regressed, and by the age of 9 years, 90% are completely regressed, with the longest regression lasting until the age of 12 years. Eventually, 20% to 40% of children have residual skin changes. Some patients with infantile hemangiomas have rapidly developing lesions, resulting in infection, ulceration, necrosis, respiratory occlusion and other symptoms, leading to secondary deformities, dysfunction and even life-threatening conditions. Treatment: Since most infantile hemangiomas can subside on their own, a dynamic observation approach can be taken first. Hemangiomas located on the tip of the nose, lips, eyelids, etc. are prone to ulceration, affect function, and are difficult to subside, so early and active treatment is recommended. There are many ways to treat hemangiomas, and individualized treatment plans should be adopted according to the scope, location, and growth characteristics of the lesion. We strive to obtain the best treatment effect with the least treatment cost. 1.Proliferative stage: dynamic observation is the main focus. If the growth is in the oral cavity, face and other important parts, endangering life or important organ functions, it should be treated actively. Preferred non-invasive treatment, methods are as follows: oral insulin, local injection of pinyamycin, topical application of imiquimod cream, isotope strontium paste, etc. 2. The receding and late receding period: observation is the main focus, and surgical plastic surgery if necessary. In 2008, Léauté-Labrèze et al. first reported the specific role of propranolol (propranolol,心得安) in the treatment of hemangioma in infants and children. Because of its fast onset of action and low side effects, propranolol has gradually become the first-line drug for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. Clinically, a dose of 2mg/Kg, once daily (2mg/Kg, Qd, po) is mostly used to treat hemangioma for a period of 3-6 months or taken until 1 year of age. After taking propranolol, tumor shrinkage, softening and lightening of color were observed, which proved that propranolol treatment was effective. According to our experience, after taking propranolol, the effect mostly appears within the first 1-10 days, and the shrinkage of the tumor can appear as early as 8 hours after taking the drug. According to domestic and international reports, the main side effects of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma include: slowed heart rate, hypotension, hypoglycemia, bronchospasm and asthma, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, awakening, cold extremities, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia, and rash. To reduce possible complications, patients should be fully evaluated before treatment to exclude tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular block of degree II or higher and acute heart failure, and the following tests should be performed: electrocardiogram, blood count, and blood glucose. During the medication period, parents of children should supervise more closely, and if abnormalities occur, stop the medication first and go to the hospital for consultation.