Pharmacologic Therapy for Periocular Infantile Hemangiomas: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Infantile hemangiomas are common vascular tumors of childhood with a propensity for the head and neck. In the periocular region, they can cause functional and cosmetic deformity. The proliferation and involution of hemangiomas are controlled by complex interactions of molecular, cellular, and hormonal regulators. There is no single uniformly safe and effective treatment option. Various modalities, including local and systemic pharmacologic agents, lasers, surgery and embolization, are employed to halt growth and to induce regression. This article will review the rapidly evolving field of pharmacologic treatment of infantile hemangiomas.

Keywords:

• capillary hemangioma
• infantile hemangioma
• corticosteroids
• interferon α
• propranolol
• imiquimod
• cyclophosphamide
• vincristine