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Editorial Comment
Elaine Siegfried, MD
St Louis, Mo
Arch Dermatol. 2002;138:316.
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Hemangiomas are the most common tumor of infancy, developing in 4% to
10% of neonates. Most are uncomplicated and appropriately managed with monitoring
and counseling, anticipating eventual spontaneous involution with acceptable
outcome. However, a significant minority of infants develop associated complications.
While caregivers are often concerned about the potential for bleeding, hemorrhage
is not common, although disfigurement and ulceration are. These complications
often pose a considerable therapeutic challenge. The pain associated with
ulceration can be significant enough to disrupt family life. Ulceration is
a nidus for infection and precursor to an inevitable scar. Sugarman et al
present a particularly challenging case and a novel approach to treatment
with commercially available recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB
(becaplermin [0.01% Regranex gel]). This product is approved for the treatment
of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers.
Becaplermin is not approved
for use in children, but absorption has been minimal in adult . . . [Full Text of this Article]
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