An Update on the Treatment of Hemangiomas in Children With Interferon Alfa-2a

Abstract

In pediatric patients with massive or life-threatening hemangiomas, interferon alfa-2a therapy is an effective treatment option. However, neurological evaluation before and during therapy with interferon alfa-2a should be performed owing to a significant incidence of neurological abnormalities (28%). Although all children with neurological findings demonstrated neurological recovery after discontinuation of therapy, we have changed our protocol and now more gradually increase the dosage of interferon alfa-2a up to 3 million U/m2 per day. The effect of this modification on the development of neurological abnormalities has not yet been determined.

Treatment of hemangiomas of infancy

“…Because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two of the affected patients demonstrated delayed myelination, Barlow et al speculated that interferon may affect myelination (37). This correlates with the observation that the complication is more frequent in infants who start treatment at an earlier age (38,39). The effect can be seen with either interferon‐alpha 2a or 2b.…”

Treatment of hemangiomas of infancy

“…Because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two of the affected patients demonstrated delayed myelination, Barlow et al speculated that interferon may affect myelination (37). This correlates with the observation that the complication is more frequent in infants who start treatment at an earlier age (38,39). The effect can be seen with either interferon‐alpha 2a or 2b.…”

Use of a spontaneous adverse drug events database for identification of unanticipated drug benefits

“…Interferons are currently in use as antineoplastic therapy and as antiangiogenic therapy in the management of life-threatening hemangioma. 15 We believe this supports the methods used in this analysis to identify agents with the potential to interfere with angiogenesis.…”

Regression of Infancy Hemangiomas with Recombinant IFN-α2b

“…Side effects were those expected and in contrast to other reports, (34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39) no neurologic complications appeared. It is noteworthy that most of the investigators used IFN-a2a, (34)(35)(36)(37)(38) and it has been claimed that the neurologic complications could have been caused by excipients present in that preparation. (51) It will be interesting to compare different IFN formulations in that regard.…”

Treatment of hemangiomas of infancy

“…Because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two of the affected patients demonstrated delayed myelination, Barlow et al speculated that interferon may affect myelination (37). This correlates with the observation that the complication is more frequent in infants who start treatment at an earlier age (38,39). The effect can be seen with either interferon‐alpha 2a or 2b.…”

Use of a spontaneous adverse drug events database for identification of unanticipated drug benefits

“…Interferons are currently in use as antineoplastic therapy and as antiangiogenic therapy in the management of life-threatening hemangioma. 15 We believe this supports the methods used in this analysis to identify agents with the potential to interfere with angiogenesis.…”

Regression of Infancy Hemangiomas with Recombinant IFN-α2b

“…Side effects were those expected and in contrast to other reports, (34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39) no neurologic complications appeared. It is noteworthy that most of the investigators used IFN-a2a, (34)(35)(36)(37)(38) and it has been claimed that the neurologic complications could have been caused by excipients present in that preparation. (51) It will be interesting to compare different IFN formulations in that regard.…”

Treatment of hemangiomas of infancy

“…Because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two of the affected patients demonstrated delayed myelination, Barlow et al speculated that interferon may affect myelination (37). This correlates with the observation that the complication is more frequent in infants who start treatment at an earlier age (38,39). The effect can be seen with either interferon‐alpha 2a or 2b.…”

Use of a spontaneous adverse drug events database for identification of unanticipated drug benefits

“…Interferons are currently in use as antineoplastic therapy and as antiangiogenic therapy in the management of life-threatening hemangioma. 15 We believe this supports the methods used in this analysis to identify agents with the potential to interfere with angiogenesis.…”

Regression of Infancy Hemangiomas with Recombinant IFN-α2b

“…Side effects were those expected and in contrast to other reports, (34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39) no neurologic complications appeared. It is noteworthy that most of the investigators used IFN-a2a, (34)(35)(36)(37)(38) and it has been claimed that the neurologic complications could have been caused by excipients present in that preparation. (51) It will be interesting to compare different IFN formulations in that regard.…”