 |
|
Response of Ulcerated Perineal Hemangiomas of Infancy to Becaplermin Gel, a Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
Brandie J. Metz, MD;
Melissa C. Rubenstein;
Moise L. Levy, MD;
Denise W. Metry, MD
Arch Dermatol. 2004;140:867-870.
Background Hemangiomas of infancy are the most common tumors of childhood, and ulceration is the most common complication. Many treatments have been used for hemangioma ulceration, although none are uniformly effective. A recent report described the successful use of 0.01% becaplermin gel, a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor, for an ulcerated hemangioma refractory to standard care. We sought to further assess the responsiveness of hemangioma ulceration to 0.01% becaplermin gel and to compare its cost to that of conventional modalities.
Observations We report a case series of 8 infants treated with becaplermin gel for ulcerated perineal hemangiomas of infancy. All infants were seen between January and June 2003 in the pediatric dermatology clinic at Texas Children's Hospital. Six female and 2 male infants were included. All of the hemangiomas were large ( 6 cm2), and of superficial or mixed superficial and deep morphology. Rapid ulcer healing occurred in all patients within 3 to 21 days (average, 10.25 days).
Conclusions In this small series, 0.01% becaplermin gel was a safe and effective treatment for perineal hemangioma ulceration. The rapid healing achieved with 0.01% becaplermin gel allows a reduction in the risk of secondary infection, pain, and need for hospitalization, as well as in the costs that often accumulate from multiple follow-up visits and long-term therapy.
From the Departments of Dermatology (Drs Metz, Levy, and Metry, and Ms Rubenstein) and Pediatrics (Drs Levy and Metry), Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Picture of the Month--Diagnosis
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2008;162:894-894.
FULL TEXT
Hemangiomas of Infancy: Clinical and Biological Characteristics
Smolinski and Yan
CLIN PEDIATR 2005;44:747-766.
ABSTRACT
Hemangiomas of Infancy: Treatment of Ulceration in the Head and Neck
Thomas et al.
Arch Facial Plast Surg 2005;7:312-315.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Becaplermin Gel for Ulcerated Perineal Hemangiomas of Infancy
JWatch Pediatrics 2004;2004:8-8.
FULL TEXT
Becaplermin Gel for Ulcerated Perineal Hemangiomas of Infancy
Journal Watch Dermatology 2004;2004:6-6.
FULL TEXT
|
