Intralesional Corticosteroid Therapy for Infantile Hemangiomas

Abstract

Intralesional corticosteroid injections were performed in 31 hemangiomas in 30 infants aged 1 to 10 months at first injection. One to five injections were given, spaced 6 weeks apart. Lesions were located throughout the head and neck region, except one that was on the buttock. A mixture of betamethasone acetate and triamcinolone acetonide was used. Four lesions (13 percent) virtually disappeared, ten (32 precent) showed greater than 50 percent reduction in volume, ten (32 percent) showed definite but less than 50 percent reduction in volume, and seven (23 percent) showed little or no decrease in size. None showed further growth. All injections were performed without anesthesia, and there were no significiant complication. We conclude that intralesional corticosoteroid injections are safe and effective in properly selected infants with hemangiomas.