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Medical Treatment of Hemangiomas

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Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations

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Abstract

Cytotoxic drugs are a valuable option for the treatment of hemangiomas that interfere with normal functions (vision, breathing, eating, voiding or stooling), result in serious disfigurement, or give rise to ulceration, bleeding, infection, pain, heart and liver failure. Corticosteroids administered systemically are considered first line medical therapy for proliferating hemangiomas. If resistance to corticosteroid treatment is observed or when visceral involvement is present, other cytotoxic drugs such as vincristine or cyclophosphamide can be used. Interferon is effective and was prescribed until recently. However, because of severe neurological toxicity it is increasingly omitted. Here, we summarize the mode of action and side effects as well as the current experience with these drugs used systemically or intra-lesionally.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

    Jochen Rössler

  2. Clinic IV of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Centre for Pediatrics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

    Charlotte Marie Niemeyer

Authors
  1. Jochen Rössler
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  2. Charlotte Marie Niemeyer
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Vascular Surgery, Center for Vascular Malformations “Stefan Belov”, “G. Salvini” Hospital, Garbagnate Milanese (Milan), Italy

    Raul Mattassi  & Massimo Vaghi  & 

  2. Center for Circulatory Disturbances and Vascular Defects, Department for Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Facharztklinik Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Dirk A. Loose

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© 2009 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Rössler, J., Niemeyer, C.M. (2009). Medical Treatment of Hemangiomas. In: Mattassi, R., Loose, D.A., Vaghi, M. (eds) Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-0569-3_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-0569-3_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0568-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-0569-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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