[Infantile hemangioma: update and treatment]

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is not strictly speaking a tumor, but the result of anarchic postnatal vasculogenesis. Hypoxia seems to play an important role as a predisposing factor. IHs can present three clinical morphologies: superficial, deep, or mixed. Localized IHs are oval or round, circumscribed lesions, whereas segmental IHs extend across a large anatomic area with a geographic shape. Localized IHs are often benign, except when they are located near a noble structure such as the airways or the orbital area. Segmental IH may be associated with birth defects (PHACES syndrome and SACRAL syndrome). Clinical follow-up of infants with IH should be very careful in the first weeks of life since 80% of all IHs have reached their final size at 5 months of age. The main indications for treatment of IHs are: life-threatening conditions (heart failure, respiratory distress), functional risks (amblyopia, swallowing disorders, etc.), aesthetic risks (especially IH of the face localized on the nose, lips, etc.), and painful ulcerated IH. Beta-blockers, namely propranolol, have quickly become the first-line therapy of complicated IH. The treatment should be given as soon as possible to avoid sequelae.

Topical timolol for small hemangiomas of infancy

Propranolol has become the treatment of choice of large and complicated infantile hemangiomas. There is a controversy concerning the safety of systemic propranolol. Here we show that topical use of the beta-blocker timolol can also inhibit the growth and promote regression of infantile hemangiomas. In this case series we treated 11 infantile hemangiomas in nine children including six preterm babies with the nonselective betablocker timolol. A timolol containing gel was manufactured from an ophthalmic formulation of timolol 0.5% eyedrops. This gel was applied using a standardized occlusive dressing (Finn-Chambers) containing approximately 0.25 mg of timolol. In all infants topical timolol was associated with growth arrest, a reduction in redness and thickness within the first 2 weeks. Seven hemangiomas showed almost complete resolution, and four became much paler and thinner. No data are available on the transdermal absorption of timolol. Even supposing complete absorption of timolol from the occlusive dressing, a maximum dose of 0.25 mg of timolol would result per day and hemangioma. Regression of infantile hemangiomas treated using 0.5% timolol gel in this case series occurred earlier than spontaneous regression which is generally not observed before the age of 9-12 months. The promising results need to be verified in prospective randomized trials on topical beta blocker administration for infantile hemangiomas which should address dose, duration, and mode of application.

Pre- vs. post-pubertal onset of vitiligo: multivariate analysis indicates atopic diathesis association in pre-pubertal onset vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Limited epidemiological data exist that compare clinical features of pre- and post-pubertal nonsegmental vitiligo.

OBJECTIVES

To compare factors associated with pre- and post-pubertal onset vitiligo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted of patients with vitiligo attending the clinic between 1 January 2006 and 1 July 2011. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient and thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies were screened. Other forms of vitiligo (segmental, focal, mucosal, not classifiable) were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 679 patients were included; 422 had post-pubertal and 257 pre-pubertal onset of vitiligo. Vitiligo universalis was seen only in post-pubertal onset. In univariate analysis, there was no significant statistical difference for sex, Koebner phenomenon or disease activity between both groups; thyroid disease or presence of thyroid antibodies was more frequent in post-pubertal onset [odds ratio (OR) 0·31, P < 0·003] whereas atopic dermatitis was more often associated with or preceding pre-pubertal onset (OR 2·42, P = 0·006). In multivariate analysis, halo naevi, family history of vitiligo, premature hair greying, atopic dermatitis and previous episode of spontaneous repigmentation were independently associated with pre-pubertal onset. In contrast, stress as onset factor, personal history of thyroid disease and acrofacial type were associated with post-pubertal onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-pubertal onset vitiligo is strongly associated with personal and family history of atopy, suggesting that the predisposing immune background in vitiligo is not limited to autoimmunity, as also noted in alopecia areata. This study also suggests reconsidering the epidemiological data on sex ratio in vitiligo.

Halo naevi and leukotrichia are strong predictors of the passage to mixed vitiligo in a subgroup of segmental vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Until now, segmental vitiligo has been considered as a stable entity and mixed vitiligo, the association of segmental and nonsegmental vitiligo, has been reported rarely.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to search for factors associated with the generalization of vitiligo in patients with segmental vitiligo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study conducted in the vitiligo clinic of the Department of Dermatology of Bordeaux, France. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient attending the clinic with a confirmed diagnosis of segmental vitiligo after exclusion of other forms of vitiligo (focal, mucosal, not classifiable.) Thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies were screened if not obtained in the previous year.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-seven patients were recruited: 101 had segmental vitiligo and 26 had segmental vitiligo that evolved into mixed vitiligo; 56 were male and 71 were female. Most patients had onset of segmental vitiligo before the age of 18. When conducting multivariate analysis, we found the following to be independent factors associated with the evolution of patients' disease from segmental vitiligo to mixed vitiligo: initial percentage of body surface involvement of the segment >1% [odds ratio (OR) 15·14, P=0·002], the presence of halo naevi (OR 24·82, P=0·0001) and leukotrichia (OR 25·73, P=0·0009).

CONCLUSIONS

Halo naevi association and leukotrichia at first consultation in segmental vitiligo are risk factors for the progression of segmental vitiligo to mixed vitiligo. In addition, this progression of segmental vitiligo to mixed vitiligo carries a stronger link if initial segmental involvement is situated on the trunk.

[Metronidazole: alternative treatment for ocular and cutaneous rosacea in the pediatric population]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness and tolerance of systemic metronidazole in the treatment of childhood ocular and cutaneous rosacea.

METHOD

Single-center multidisciplinary retrospective study.

PATIENTS

Children aged between 1 and 15, with ocular and/or cutaneous rosacea, treated in the pediatric ophthalmology and dermatology department of Bordeaux, France, from January 1996 to September 2009.

RESULTS

Eleven patients out of 20 had ocular and cutaneous rosacea, three had ocular symptoms only, and six had cutaneous symptoms only. In 11 patients (55%), the ocular symptoms preceded the skin disease. Meibomian cyst and phlyctenular conjunctivitis were the main symptoms. Keratitis was seen in four patients and lower corneal ulcer in two cases. The papulopustular form was the most frequent dermatologic form. All patients with ocular involvement received first-line treatment of eyelid hygiene. No topical ophthalmic treatment such as corticosteroid or cyclosporine 0.5% or 2% was used. Thirteen patients who showed no improvement despite eyelid treatment, the association of ocular and cutaneous rosacea, severe ocular involvement with keratitis, and severe recurrent cutaneous rosacea were treated orally. Two patients, aged between 12 and 14 years, received treatment with an anti-inflammatory dose of doxycycline for 2 to 3 months and achieved complete remission. One 22-month-old patient received oral treatment with erythromycin at a dose of 250 mg three times daily for 4 months. Ten patients, aged 12 to 64 months, were treated with systemic Metronidazole. Treatment lasting at least 3 months at a dose between 20 and 30 mg/kg per day was necessary to obtain complete and lasting remission. An early cessation of treatment, before 3 months, seems associated with partial remission of the disease and early recurrence. In cases complicated by ocular keratitis and corneal ulcer, prolonged treatment lasting 6 months led to clinical remission. The short courses (3-6 months) were preferred to long-term administration to prevent neurological toxicity. Maintenance therapy was based on eyelid hygiene. No recurrences and no toxic effects were observed at a median of 48 ± 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Childhood ocular rosacea is not rare, but is often misdiagnosed. It often precedes skin symptoms but it can remain isolated. Metronidazole could be alternative treatment for ocular and cutaneous rosacea in the pediatric population.

Segmental vitiligo associated with generalized vitiligo (mixed vitiligo): a retrospective case series of 19 patients

BACKGROUND

Mixed vitiligo (MV), the association of segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo, has been rarely reported.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to delineate the clinical spectrum of MV through a case series of patients with typical SV associated with patchy bilateral vitiligo.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional evaluation in the setting of a prospective observational study conducted in the vitiligo clinic of the department of dermatology in Bordeaux, France.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with MV were identified. Four were male and 15 were female. Most patients had an onset of SV before the age of 18 years (18 of 19). In all patients, SV preceded nonsegmental vitiligo with a delay ranging from 6 months to more than 24 months.

LIMITATIONS

This study was cross-sectional and based on a single-center experience.

CONCLUSION

MV is not yet part of a conventional classification. However, this entity may have been neglected until now and should be included in the classification of vitiligo in addition to SV and nonsegmental vitiligo. Moreover, MV may be essential to the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo as a primary skin disorder.

Infantile haemangioma: part II. Risks, complications and treatment

Because of their spontaneous involution, most infantile haemangiomas (IH) do not require therapeutic intervention. However, in 10 to 15% of cases such as segmental and multifocal IH, locations in the periocular, airway and perineal areas, or complications of ulceration, treatment is necessary. Moreover, the risk of permanent scarring and disfigurement associated with IH, even if involution is complete, has been increasingly recognized as a rationale for treatment. Treatments for IH currently include topical, intralesional, systemic therapies, laser and surgical modalities depending on the clinical scenario. However, clinicians must carefully weigh the risks and benefits for each treatment. Recently, the efficacy of propranolol, a non-cardioselective beta-blocker, was reported and has been revolutionary in the management of IH.

Infantile haemangioma: part I. Pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical features, life cycle and associated structural abnormalities

Infantile haemangioma (IH) is the most common tumour of infancy. Its typical natural history is characterized by an early rapid growth following birth and a slow spontaneous regression phase within a period of 3 to 7 years. The exact aetiopathogeny underlying IH is still to be fully understood, but the role of fetal hypoxic stress is strongly suggested as a triggering signal in epidemiological studies. IH are composed of a complex mixture of cells including multipotent stem cells, a majority of immature endothelial cells, pericytes, dendritic cells and in the late stage, adipocytes. Most of IH are nodular and are not associated with malformations. However, in some cases, IH referred to as segmental may be associated with developmental abnormalities such as PHACES and PELVIS/SACRAL syndromes.

Efficacy of propranolol in hepatic infantile hemangiomas with diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis

We report the rapid and dramatic efficacy of propranolol in 8 infants with infantile hepatic hemangiomas. The degree of response varied from a significant improvement to a complete resolution of hepatic lesions. Heart failure and hypothyroidism resolved, and hepatomegaly decreased. No side-effects of the drug were noted.

[Infantile hemangioma]

Infantile hemangioma is the most common tumor in children, but its pathophysiology is still not well understood. Infantile hemangioma develops during the first weeks of life, usually builds up over 3 to 6 months, and then regresses very slowly over a period of 3 to 7 years. Three quarters of these hemangiomas are lobular and are not associated with malformations. On the other hand, the hemangiomas referred to as segmental may be associated with developmental abnormalities (PHACES and PELVIS/SACRAL syndromes). Because of their spontaneous involution, most infantile hemangiomas do not require therapeutic intervention. In 10 to 15 % of cases, treatment is necessary because of complications when life or physiological functioning is threatened, or there are local complications or the long-term esthetic risk is too high. Until now, the standard first-line treatment has been general corticosteroid therapy. The usual choice for second-line treatment is interferon or vincristine. The efficacy of propranolol, a non-cardioselective beta-blocker, was recently reported.

Propranolol for severe infantile hemangiomas: follow-up report

OBJECTIVE

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most-common soft-tissue tumors of infancy. We report the use of propranolol to control the growth phase of IHs.

METHODS

Propranolol was given to 32 children (21 girls; mean age at onset of treatment: 4.2 months) after clinical and ultrasound evaluations. After electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations, propranolol was administered with a starting dose of 2 to 3 mg/kg per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during the first 6 hours of treatment. In the absence of side effects, treatment was continued at home and the child was reevaluated after 10 days of treatment and then every month. Ultrasound measurements were performed after 60 days of treatment.

RESULTS

Immediate effects on color and growth were noted in all cases and were especially dramatic in cases of dyspnea, hemodynamic compromise, or palpebral occlusion. In ulcerated IHs, complete healing occurred in <2 months. Objective clinical and ultrasound evidence of longer-term regression was seen in 2 months. Systemic corticosteroid treatment could be stopped within a few weeks. Treatment was administered for a mean total duration of 6.1 months. Relapses were mild and responded to retreatment. Side effects were limited and mild. One patient discontinued treatment because of wheezing.

CONCLUSION

Propranolol administered orally at 2 to 3 mg/kg per day has a consistent, rapid, therapeutic effect, leading to considerable shortening of the natural course of IHs, with good clinical tolerance.

Infantile acne: a retrospective study of 16 cases

Infantile acne is a rare and poorly understood disorder. The objective of this study was to improve our knowledge about the epidemiology and clinical course of infantile acne, and evaluate approaches to treatment. This two-center retrospective study covered the period between 1985 and 2007. Inclusion criteria were: (i) age less than 24 months when lesions appeared; (ii) presence of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions; (iii) persistence of lesions for at least 2 months. The data were drawn from clinical and photographic records, followed by administration of a telephone questionnaire to parents. It was proposed that each case be reviewed on the basis of the child's appearance and score on an acne scar clinical grading scale. Sixteen children were included. Nine had a family history of severe adolescent acne. The average duration of disease was 22 months. Two patients had been effectively treated with oral isotretinoin. More than half of the patients exhibited scars. We re-examined five children (average acne scar clinical grading scale score = 12/540). On the basis of the frequency of scarring, and the severity and average duration of lesions, the use of oral retinoids in severe infantile acne warrants evaluation.