Subglottic hemangiomas in infants: treatment with intralesional corticosteroid injection and intubation

Six children with a Subglottic hemangioma were treated in the Sophia Children's Hospital in the period 1982–1987 by means of intralesional corticosteroid injection, followed by intubation. After treatment all children were symptomfree. In 3 patients this result was attained after 1 injection, in 2 after 3 injections. One patient needed 5 injections. The average duration of intubation was 19 days (7–36). Three months ( 1 2 –7 1 2 ) after the onset of therapy all patients were free of symptoms. No serious complications were observed. No patient needed a tracheotomy. The average follow-up period was 3.3 years (1 1 2 –5 1 2 ). The authors feel that not only the effect of intralesional corticosteroids, but also local gentle pressure by the tube is of therapeutic importance. The above-mentioned treatment of subglottic hemangioma in children is now the treatment of choice in our clinic.