Abstract 877

Giant hemangiomas, due to their size and high rate of complications, represent a therapeutic challenge. Current treatments include surgery, embolization, sclerosis, CO2 laser, chemotherapy, heparin, pentoxifiline and prednisone with variable results. Despite controversies regarding the issue of interferon alpha, their efficacy and place in the therapy of giant, large, organ interfering or life-threatening hemangiomas has been established in numerous reports. In an open trial, we treated eight infants with giant, organ interfering and life-threatening hemangiomas, including those that did not respond to therapy with corticosteroids. We evaluated the effects of daily subcutaneous interferon alpha 2b (up to 3 million units per square meter of body surface area). In all these cases, we observed an important response in a very short time. Three cases had been previously treated with prednisone and we presume a possible synergism between the two medications. In conclusion, Interferon alpha 2b, proved to be an efficacious therapy for the treatment of giant hemangiomas including those refractory to prednisone therapy. Our experience coincides with other authors. The side effects were transient and did not require interruption of the medication.

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