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Background/Objectives: The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted a rapid expansion in the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to assess the experiences of hemangioma specialists utilizing telemedicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic to evaluate and manage infantile hemangiomas (IH), including perceived effectiveness of different modalities and barriers to care delivery. Methods: Multicenter cross‐sectional study asking providers to describe their experiences using telemedicine for initial evaluation of IH from March to September 2020. Results: The study included 281 patients from 15 medical centers internationally. Median time from referral to evaluation was 17 days. Median physician confidence in performing evaluations via telemedicine was 95.0 (IQR 90.0–100.0). Most evaluations were performed via video communication with photographs or audio communication with photographs; when not initially available, photographs were requested in 51.4%. Providers preferred follow‐up modalities that included photographs. Conclusions: Physicians with extensive expertise in managing IH are confident in their abilities to assess and manage IH via telemedicine including initiating treatment in patients without risk factors for beta‐blocker therapy. There was a preference for hybrid modalities that included photographs. The data suggest that telemedicine can be effective for managing IH and may decrease wait times and improve specialist reach to underserved areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused significant shifts in patient care including a steep decline in ambulatory visits and a marked increase in the use of telemedicine. Infantile hemangiomas (IH) can require urgent evaluation and risk stratification to determine which infants need treatment and which can be managed with continued observation. For those requiring treatment, prompt initiation decreases morbidity and improves long‐term outcomes. The Hemangioma Investigator Group has created consensus recommendations for management of IH via telemedicine. FDA/EMA‐approved monitoring guidelines, clinical practice guidelines, and relevant, up‐to‐date publications regarding initiation and monitoring of beta‐blocker therapy were used to inform the recommendations. Clinical decision‐making guidelines about when telehealth is an appropriate alternative to in‐office visits, including medication initiation, dosage changes, and ongoing evaluation, are included. The importance of communication with caregivers in the context of telemedicine is discussed, and online resources for both hemangioma education and propranolol therapy are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Infantile hemangiomas are common vascular tumors. Identifying sites of predilection may provide insight into pathogenesis. Previous studies have suggested a predilection for the boundary of facial metameres. The objective was to observe patterns of localized hemangiomas on the face and scalp, determine sites of predilection, and place these patterns in a developmental context. Methods: A retrospective review of photographic archives at 10 Hemangioma Investigator Group pediatric dermatology centers identified localized infantile hemangiomas of the face and scalp. Heat map software was used to identify areas of predilection. Dot maps were used to assess frequency, and densities of infantile hemangiomas were compared between facial units using t‐testing. The scalp was divided into quintiles to assess relative frequencies. Results: Four thousand one hundred fifty‐three focal face and scalp infantile hemangiomas were mapped, of which 2962 (71%) were mapped to a frontal facial template. On the face, 73.8% (2186/2962) of hemangiomas occurred along the midline axis or perpendicularly across the ocular axis in a cross‐shaped area of predilection intersecting at the glabella. Scalp hemangiomas show a predilection for the midline, with 149/295 (50.5%) noted on the top of the scalp at the midline (P < 0.001). Localized hemangiomas do not demonstrate a preferential laterality. Conclusion: The distribution of localized infantile hemangiomas of the face and scalp is not random. There is preferential involvement of the midline face and scalp and the ocular axis. The regions corresponding to the boundaries between the embryonic facial segments, including the maxillary and mandibular metameres, are not accentuated in the distribution of infantile hemangiomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal dysraphism is suspected in patients with midline abnormalities, especially in those with lumbosacral cutaneous markings. A recent prospective study demonstrated that isolated cutaneous infantile hemangiomas (IH) of the lumbosacral region have one of the highest risks (relative risk of 438) of associated spinal dysraphism. Objective: The specific types of dysraphism and radiological findings associated with cutaneous IH of the lumbosacral region have not been described in detail, to the best of our knowledge. The aim of this multicenter study is to retrospectively classify types of spinal anomalies associated with the cutaneous lumbosacral IH. Materials and methods: The radiological images of 20 cases of lumbosacral infantile hemangioma associated with spinal dysraphism were reviewed. Results: Tethered cord was found in 60% of the 20 cases, spinal lipoma was present in 50% and 45% had intraspinal hemangiomas. Sinus tract was found in 40% of the children. Conclusion: A range of spinal anomalies is associated with cutaneous lumbosacral infantile hemangiomas and MRI can be used to characterize these abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple cutaneous infantile hemangiomas have been associated with hepatic hemangiomas. Screening of infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas with abdominal ultrasound is often recommended. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency with which hepatic hemangiomas occur in infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas compared to those with one to four cutaneous infantile hemangiomas and to characterize the clinical features of these hepatic hemangiomas. A multicenter prospective study of children with cutaneous infantile hemangiomas was conducted at pediatric dermatology clinics at Hemangioma Investigator Groups sites in the United States, Canada, and Spain between October 2005 and December 2008. Data were collected, and abdominal ultrasonography was performed on infants younger than 6 months old with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas and those with one to four cutaneous infantile hemangiomas. Twenty-four (16%) of the 151 infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas had hepatic hemangiomas identified on abdominal ultrasound, versus none of the infants with fewer than five (p = 0.003). Two of the 24 infants with hepatic hemangiomas received treatment specifically for their hepatic hemangiomas. Infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas have a statistically significantly greater frequency of hepatic hemangiomas than those with fewer than 5. These findings support the recommendation of five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas as a threshold for screening infants younger than 6 months old for hepatic hemangiomas but also demonstrate that the large majority of these infants with hepatic hemangiomas do not require treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report four cases of diffuse infantile hepatic hemangioma, a rare but potentially life-threatening subset of hepatic hemangiomas. All patients demonstrated distinctive dome-shaped red-purple cutaneous hemangiomas. Two patients responded to steroids and propranolol (one in combination with vincristine), and two responded to steroids and vincristine. After a systematic literature review, we identified 26 previously reported cases of diffuse infantile hepatic hemangioma. Diffuse infantile hepatic hemangioma had a mortality rate of 17% and a >70% incidence of hypothyroidism, often severe ( n = 30). More than one-third of patients developed heart failure (high output in half the cases). Based on our experience, early aggressive medical management, as well as thyroid replacement when indicated, should be initiated early in the course of diffuse infantile hepatic hemangioma pending evaluation for liver transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We sought to measure the type, content, and quality of World Wide Web sites retrieved when conducting an Internet search for infantile hemangiomas. Methods: Fifty World Wide Web sites from a Google search for “hemangioma” were examined. Relevant sites were characterized, and content was evaluated by 8 pediatric dermatologists. Results: The most accurate subjects were the description of risk factors and natural history, whereas the least accurate areas were photographic representation of the disease and presentation of treatment options. Four sites were considered accurate, and the majority of raters would recommend these sites to parents. Limitations: Internet sites and search results change. Conclusions: An Internet search for information about infantile hemangiomas yields few sites that accurately depict the full disease spectrum from innocuous to severe. Online educational resources containing a broader overview of the real disease spectrum of infantile hemangiomas are needed. Such sites should include large numbers of photographs, evidence-based content, and resources for parental support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: There has been a dramatic increase in the off-label use of ophthalmic timolol maleate, a β-blocker used for infantile hemangioma (IH) treatment as a topical counterpart to oral propranolol. Its safety and efficacy in a pediatric population with IH have not been evaluated in a large cohort. Our goal was to retrospectively assess timolol's effectiveness, discern characteristics associated with response, and document reported adverse events. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study of 731 patients treated with topical timolol was completed at 9 centers. Inclusion required an IH suitable for timolol in the treating physician's judgment and access to clinical details including photographs. Logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. Primary outcome measures were efficacy assessed by using visual analog scales for color and for size, extent, and volume from review of digital photographs taken as standard of care. RESULTS: Most IHs were localized (80.1%) and superficial (55.3%). Risk of disfigurement was the most common indication for therapy (74.3%). Duration of therapy (P < .0001), initial thinness (P = .008), and subtype (P = .031) were significant predictors of response. Best response occurred in superficial IHs <1 mm thick. Fifty-three (7.3%) required subsequent therapy with systemic β-blocker. Adverse events were mild, occurring in 25 (3.4%) patients. No cardiovascular side effects were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Timolol seems to be a well-tolerated, safe treatment option with moderate to good effectiveness, demonstrating best response in thin, superficial IHs regardless of pretreatment size. Timolol can be recommended as an alternative to systemic β-blockers and watchful waiting for many patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common tumors for which there is no validated disease-specific instrument to measure the quality of life in infants and their parents/caregivers during the critical first months of life. This study prospectively developed and validated a quality-of-life instrument for patients with IH and their parents/caregivers and correlated demographic and clinical features to the effects on the quality of life. A total of 220 parents/caregivers completed the 35-item Infantile Hemangioma Quality-of-Life (IH-QoL) instrument and provided demographic information. The dimensionality of the items was evaluated using factor analysis, with results suggesting four factors: child physical symptoms, child social interactions, parent emotional functioning, and parent psychosocial functioning. Each factor fit the Rasch measurement model with acceptable fit index (mean square <1.4) and demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with alpha ranging from 0.76 to 0.88. The final instrument consists of four scales with a total of 29 items. Content validity was verified by analyzing parents' responses to an open-ended question. Test-retest reliability at a 48-hour interval was supported by a total IH-QoL intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.84. Certain clinical characteristics of hemangioma, including those located on the head and neck, in the proliferative stage, and requiring treatment, are associated with a greater impact on QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES. Infantile hemangiomas are the most common tumor of infancy. Risk factors for complications and need for treatment have not been studied previously in a large prospective study. This study aims to identify clinical characteristics associated with complications and the need for therapeutic intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We conducted a prospective cohort study at 7 US pediatric dermatology clinics with a consecutive sample of 1058 children, aged ≤ 12 years, with infantile hemangiomas enrolled between September 2002 and October 2003. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on each patient and each hemangioma, including clinical characteristics, complications, and treatment. RESULTS. Twenty-four percent of patients experienced complications related to their hemangioma(s), and 38% of our patients received some form of treatment during the study period. Hemangiomas that had complications and required treatment were larger and more likely to be located on the face. Segmental hemangiomas were 11 times more likely to experience complications and 8 times more likely to receive treatment than localized hemangiomas, even when controlled for size. CONCLUSIONS. Large size, facial location, and/or segmental morphology are the most important predictors of poor short-term outcomes as measured by complication and treatment rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Propranolol is first-line therapy for problematic infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Rebound growth after propranolol discontinuation is noted in 19% to 25% of patients. Predictive factors for rebound are not completely understood and may alter the management approach. The goal of the study was to describe a cohort of patients with IHs treated with propranolol and to identify predictors for rebound growth. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with IHs treated with propranolol. Patient demographic characteristics, IH characteristics, and specifics of propranolol therapy were obtained. Episodes of rebound growth were recorded. Patients' responses to propranolol were evaluated through a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 997 patients were enrolled. The incidence of rebound growth was 231 of 912 patients [25.3%]. Mean age at initial rebound was 17.1 months. The odds of rebound among those who discontinued therapy at <9 months was 2.4 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3 to 4.5; P = .004) compared with those who discontinued therapy between 12 to 15 months of life. Female gender, location on head and neck, segmental pattern, and deep or mixed skin involvement were associated with rebound on univariate analysis. With multivariate analysis, only deep IHs (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.9 to 6.0; P < .001) and female gender (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.6; P = .03) were associated. Of those with rebound growth, 83% required therapeutic modification including 62% of patients with modifications in their propranolol therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Rebound growth occurred in 25% of patients, requiring modification of systemic therapy in 15%. Predictive factors for rebound growth included age of discontinuation, deep IH component, and female gender. Patients with these predictive factors may require a prolonged course of therapy. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]