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Infantile haemangiomas: a challenge in paediatric dermatology
Author(s) -
Schwartz RA,
Sidor MI,
Musumeci ML,
Lin RL,
Micali G
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03650.x
Subject(s) - medicine , propranolol , infantile hemangioma , stromal cell , dermatology , pathology
Infantile haemangiomas, common benign vascular tumours of childhood, are characterized by rapid growth during the first year of life and a slow regression that is usually completed at 7–10 years of age. These tumours are composed of endothelial cells with high mitotic rates and stromal components such as fibroblasts, mast cells and pericytes. Haemangiomas become a challenge when they are part of a syndrome, are located in certain areas of the body or when complications develop. The above‐mentioned factors also influence the treatment modality used. However, although there remain many uncertainties regarding management, the β‐adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol is a promising new candidate for first‐line systemic therapy. It produces such a dramatic and rapid response that the appearance of an infantile haemangioma should impart expeditious consideration of the risks and benefits of its use.