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

Long noncoding RNA expression profile of infantile hemangioma identified by microarray analysis

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is one of the most common vascular tumors of childhood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in angiogenesis, but their involvement in hemangioma remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the expression profiles of lncRNAs in IH and adjacent normal tissue samples, exploring the biological functions of lncRNAs as well as their involvement in IH pathogenesis. The lncRNA expression profiles were determined by lncRNA microarrays. A total of 1259 and 857 lncRNAs were upregulated and downregulated in IH, respectively, at a fold change cutoff of 2.0 (p < 0.05); in addition, 1469 and 1184 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were upregulated and downregulated, respectively (fold change cutoff of 2.0; p < 0.05). A total of 292 differentially expressed mRNAs were targeted by the lncRNAs with altered expression in hemangioma, including 228 and 64 upregulated and downregulated, respectively (cutoff of 2.0, p < 0.05). Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed several angiogenesis-related pathways. An lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network for differentially expressed lncRNAs revealed significant associations of the lncRNAs MEG3, MEG8, FENDRR, and Linc00152 with their related mRNAs. The validation results of nine differentially expressed lncRNAs (MALAT1, MEG3, MEG8, p29066, p33867, FENDRR, Linc00152, p44557_v4, p8683) as well as two mRNAs (FOXF1, EGFL7) indicated that the microarray data correlated well with the QPCR results. Interestingly, MALAT1 knockdown induced apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Overall, this study revealed the lncRNA expression profile of IH and that lncRNAs likely regulate several genes with important roles in angiogenesis.

Multifocal infantile haemangioma: a diagnostic challenge

We describe a case of a newborn who presented with multiple dark red macules that developed into red-to-purple papules associated with thrombocytopaenia. Abdominal ultrasound showed multiple hyperechoic papules and nodules. Endothelial cells from a skin biopsy stained positively for endothelial cell glucose transporter 1, which was consistent with a diagnosis of multifocal infantile haemangioma. At the age of 2 months, the child developed intestinal bleeding and anaemia. Upper and lower endoscopies showed no intestinal haemangiomas. Oral treatment with propranolol (3 mg/kg/day) resulted in complete involution of the skin and hepatic haemangiomas over the period of treatment, which lasted until the child was aged 15 months. This is a rare case of multifocal cutaneous haemangioma with hepatic and probable intestinal involvement, successfully treated with propranolol.

Pharmacological therapies for infantile hemangiomas: A clinical study in 853 consecutive patients using a standard treatment algorithm

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common infantile benign vascular tumor. While most infantile hemangiomas proliferate then involute, some may persist and require treatment for reasons including risk of disfigurement or functional impairment. Treatments currently include observation, pharmacological therapy, laser, cryosurgery, surgery and radiotherapy. Although pharmacological therapy is a well accepted treatment option, limited studies have evaluated the efficacy of different drug therapies. In this study, we compare different pharmacological modalities in the management of infantile hemangiomas. The study included 853 infants with proliferative infantile hemangiomas who were treated with topical timolol, oral propranolol, intralesional pingyangmycin, or intravenous vincristine from 2009 to 2012. Treatment stratification was based on clinical severity of the tumor. Response to the treatment was clinically evaluated and graded as: excellent, good, poor, or no response. Response to pharmacological therapies was excellent in almost all infantile hemangiomas. In addition, patients younger than 8 months responded highly to pharmacological treatment (89.1%), while patients older than 8 months were less responsive to treatment (36.3%). There were no instances of life-threatening complications. Overall, these findings support the efficacy of timolol, propranolol, pingyangmycin and vincristine in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas, especially in the youngest patient cohort (8 months or younger).

Propranolol for infantile hemangioma: Current state of affairs

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor seen in infancy. This review provides up-to-date information on the pathophysiology, variations in clinical presentation, and natural history of IH, elaborating on associated anomalies, such as PHACE(S) syndrome and LUMBAR syndrome. Because of the benign and self-limiting characteristics seen in more than 90% of cases of IH, a conservative approach is usually chosen. However, some circumstances, such as ulceration, vision loss, breathing difficulties, or potential disfigurement, will require treatment during the proliferative phase. For decades, treatment of IH has primarily consisted of corticosteroids or surgery. Since 2008, propranolol has become the treatment of first choice. In this article, we bring to light the crucial changes in the treatment of IH over the past years. To date, there is still a lack of data on the possible long-term effects of propranolol treatment in young infants. A theoretical probability of the central nervous system being affected (that is, impairment of short- and long-term memory, psychomotor function, sleep quality, and mood) has recently been suggested. This review highlights research topics concerning these long-term adverse effects. Finally, information is provided on the potential instruments to measure IH severity and activity in clinical trials and/or in clinical practice and the recently developed and first-validated IH-specific quality-of-life questionnaire.

Diagnosis and Management of Infantile Hemangioma

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumors of childhood. Unlike other tumors, they have the unique ability to involute after proliferation, often leading primary care providers to assume they will resolve without intervention or consequence. Unfortunately, a subset of IHs rapidly develop complications, resulting in pain, functional impairment, or permanent disfigurement. As a result, the primary clinician has the task of determining which lesions require early consultation with a specialist. Although several recent reviews have been published, this clinical report is the first based on input from individuals representing the many specialties involved in the treatment of IH. Its purpose is to update the pediatric community regarding recent discoveries in IH pathogenesis, treatment, and clinical associations and to provide a basis for clinical decision-making in the management of IH.

[Infantile haemangioma: When investigation is necessary and current therapeutic developments]

Infantile haemangioma (IH) is the most frequent benign tumour seen in children. In most cases, diagnosis is made chiefly on clinical grounds, and because the condition tends to subside naturally within several years and without any major sequelae, therapeutic abstention is the rule. However, a number of additional investigations may be necessary: where the clinical picture is atypical or potentially confusing, where the condition may affect adjacent or remote structures, in screening for associated anomalies in certain syndromal forms which practitioners must be able to recognise. Such investigations facilitate therapeutic indications for forms of haemangioma likely to lead to complications. The most important recent therapeutic development has been the discovery of the spectacular efficacy of beta-blockers (propranolol) upon the development kinetics of infantile haemangioma, greatly transforming the prognosis for these haemangiomas at risk.

Negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of ulcerated infantile haemangioma

BACKGROUND

Infantile haemangioma is a common benign tumour of infancy. Ulceration is the most common complication and is often painful and difficult to treat. Propranolol therapy is widely used to induce involution in rapidly growing or ulcerated lesions, or those in anatomically awkward locations. The ideal dressing regimen for these lesions would provide effective analgesia, act as a wound dressing, and aid involution of the primary lesion. To date, no ideal regimen has been established. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used in adult and paediatric populations to help improve wound healing in a variety of settings. It may provide a useful alternative to traditional dressing regimens in ulcerated infantile haemangioma.

METHODS

Six consecutive patients with ulcerating infantile haemangioma presenting to the Royal Children's Hospital vascular anomalies clinic were included in the study. Each patient was treated with a combination of NPWT and propranolol. Outcomes including time to wound healing, perceived ease of dressing management, and analgesia were recorded.

RESULTS

Complete wound healing was obtained in all cases. Patient outcomes in terms of analgesia, comfort, and ease of wound dressing were improved following application of NPWT.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

We propose that this regimen represents a novel therapy for management of ulcerated infantile haemangioma. Possible mechanisms for healing effect, and improved analgesia are discussed. Further investigation is required to determine if negative pressure wound therapy results in faster healing times compared to traditional dressing regimens.

Propranolol represses infantile hemangioma cell growth through the β2-adrenergic receptor in a HIF-1α-dependent manner

Propranolol, as a non-selective blocker of the β-adrenergic receptor (AR), is utilised as the first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study was designed to investigate the molecular basis of propranolol on the regression of infantile hemangiomas using a proliferating infantile hemangioma-derived endothelial cell line. In infantile hemangioma patients, we found that propranolol significantly decreased the expression levels of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α in serum and urine, as well as in hemangioma tissues. In vitro analysis revealed that propranolol reduces the expression of HIF-1α in hemangioma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, mainly by acting on β2-AR. Interestingly, it was observed that overexpression of HIF-1α apparently abrogated the inhibitory effects of propranolol on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and cell growth. Our data further demonstrated that propranolol inhibited the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a critical oncogenic signaling molecule, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Additionally, overexpression of HIF-1α significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of propranolol on STAT3 signaling. In a mouse xenograft hemangioma model, overexpression of HIF-1α significantly attenuated the therapeutic effects of propranolol and inhibited propranolol-induced hemangioma cell apoptosis. Moreover, the protein levels of VEGF, phosphorylated STAT3, total STAT3 and Bcl-2 were significantly upregulated by HIF-1α overexpression in propranolol-treated nude mice bearing hemangiomas. Collectively, our data provide evidence that propranolol may regress infantile hemangiomas by suppressing VEGF and STAT3 signaling pathways in an HIF-1α-dependent manner.

[Propranolol in infantile hemangiomas]

Propranolol has been recently approved by health authorities to treat infantile haemangiomas (IH). Propranolol is indicated in infants less than 5months of age with an IH requiring systemic therapy: IH at life-threatening and/or functional risk, painful ulcerated IH and IH that may cause permanent disfigurement. Propranolol should be initiated by physicians who have expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of IH. In addition, the first intake and every escalation should be administrated in a controlled clinical setting where adequate facilities for handling of adverse reactions, including those requiring urgent measures, are available. Then a monthly monitoring with dose adjustment weight is mandatory by the family doctor. Parents should be informed of the risk of hypoglycaemia and bronchoconstriction, especially during respiratory infectious outbreaks. The recommended duration of treatment is 6months without tapering. Relapses are possible necessitating a second course of 3 to 6months of treatment.

Educational paper: Pathogenesis of infantile haemangioma, an update 2014 (part I)

Infantile haemangioma (IH) is the most frequent childhood tumour. Although it is benign and self-limiting, severe complications can arise due to localisation and fast tumour growth. Management and therapy of IH has changed greatly after 2008 with propranolol. However, the pathogenesis remains elusive. This update provides an overview of all possible mechanisms currently considered. We discuss the possibility that several mechanisms act together, although local hypoxia seems to be important. Clinically, in about half of the cases, an IH is preceded by an anaemic macula (local ischaemia) or a so-called precursor lesion. Laboratory findings indicate stabilisation and an increased transcription activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α), leading to up-regulation of its downstream target genes (such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), which normally occurs in cases of hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

Three main hypotheses have been proposed, namely (1) the theory of tissue hypoxia, (2) the theory of embolization of placental endothelial cells and (3) the theory of increased angiogenic and vasculogenic activity.

Incidence and treatment of infantile haemangioma in preterm infants

Infantile haemangioma (IH) are vascular tumours with a unique growth dynamic, mostly absent at birth, growth in the first months followed by involution over several years, often resulting in residual skin changes. Immune-histologically, IH cells are exclusively glucose transporter protein-1 positive.The incidence of IH is increasing with decreasing gestational age, from 1-4% in term infants to 23% in those of <1000 g birth weight, with a female and Caucasian predominance. Discovery of systemic and topical beta blockers as an effective treatment option resulted in a rapid shift away from systemic steroids towards these drugs. For preterm infants, however, data on efficacy, pharmacokinetics and long-term safety are sparse or absent. Topical treatment without systemic side effects like cryotherapy may thus be an attractive alternative at an early growth stage (<10 mm). Indications for treatment with beta blockers, mostly propranolol systemically and timolol maleat 0.5% topically, are currently extrapolated from studies in older infants. Both seem effective, but adverse effects on sleep, circulation and metabolism are well described for propranolol. Long-term outcome data for either drug are missing. In conclusion, evidence on optimal IH treatment in preterms is lacking despite their high incidence; pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are warranted.

Effects of propranolol and isoproterenol on infantile hemangioma endothelial cells in vitro

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of propranolol and isoproterenol on the growth curve of infantile hemangioma endothelial cells (IHECs) in vitro and determine the functions of the β-adrenergic receptor in the pathogenesis of infantile hemangioma. IHECs were divided into three groups: The control group, the propranolol group (PG) and the isoproterenol group (IG). The PG and IG were administered with high, medium and low concentrations of the corresponding drugs. The cell growth in each group was determined using the MTT assay. A high propranolol concentration resulted in the inhibition of cell growth. By comparison, isoproterenol promoted cell growth. Within a specific time-frame (72–96 h), high drug concentrations (20 μg/ml) elicited strong effects on the cells. At certain concentrations, propranolol inhibited cell growth once the proliferation stage of IHECs had been affected for a specific length of time, whereas isoproterenol yielded opposite results. The β-adrenergic receptor elicits an important effect in the pathogenesis of infantile hemangioma.

The role of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma

INTRODUCTION

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is one of the most common childhood tumors. There are various medical or surgical therapeutic options, all with suboptimal results. Recently, the successful use of propranolol for involution of IH was described. We report the results of a single-center experience with this therapeutic option.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of propranolol in children with infantile hemangioma.

METHODS

We performed a prospective analysis of clinical data of all patients with IH referred to a pediatric cardiology center for baseline cardiovascular assessment prior to propranolol therapy. Propranolol was given at a starting dose of 1 mg/kg/day and titrated to a target dose of 2-3 mg/kg/day according to clinical response. Efficacy was assessed through a photograph-based severity scoring scale. Safety was assessed by collecting data regarding significant side effects.

RESULTS

Starting in 2010, 30 patients (15 female) were referred for propranolol treatment of IH, at a median age of six months (1-63 months). The mean target propranolol dose was 2.8 mg/kg/day, with a mean duration of therapy of 12 months. All patients experienced significant reduction of IH size and volume. There were no side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience propranolol appears to be a useful and safe treatment option for severe or complicated IH, achieving a rapid and significant reduction in their size. No adverse effects were observed, although until larger clinical trials are completed, potential adverse events should be borne in mind and consultation with local specialists is recommended prior to initiating treatment.

Combination therapy of infantile hemangiomas with pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser is effective and safe

BACKGROUND

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) can cause severe complications such as obstruction, ulceration or heart failure. Therefore, in certain difficult-to-treat areas, or when there is no sign of involution, early and effective therapy is required. In rare instances, systemic treatments, like the beta-blocker propranolol and oral corticosteroids, can cause serious side effects. Effective and well-tolerated local treatment options are thus desirable as additive or alternative methods.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective interdisciplinary study, 38 children with 77 IH were treated with pulsed dye laser (PDL) (595 nm) and Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm). The treatment success and side effects were evaluated according to objective and subjective parameters, including hemangioma thickness measured by ultrasound and the parents' evaluation of treatment.

RESULTS

All 77 treated IH responded to the therapy, of which 52.8 % healed after the end of treatment and 47.2 % had only minimum residual components. The success of treatment was assessed by the parents in 92.6 % as very good or good. Transient blistering occurred as the main side effect in 45.9 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy with PDL and Nd:YAG laser represents an effective local method for IH with minimal side effects.

Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry: a novel method in volumetric measurement of infantile hemangioma

Accurate and objective measurement of volume changes in infantile hemangiomas (IHs) is essential in routine clinical practice and clinical studies, particularly in the changing therapeutic landscape after the discovery of propranolol. Several bedside techniques for volume measurement have been described in the literature, but an objective method of measurement of this variable, dynamic vascular tumor is lacking. Three-dimensional (3D) phototechnology with data analysis is an up-and-coming technique in the objective measurement of facial volume changes. In this pilot study, the usability and clinical relevance of two methods of 3D stereophotogrammetry in the volume measurement of IH were explored.

Segmental ulcerated perineal hemangioma of infancy: a complex case of PELVIS syndrome successfully treated using a multidisciplinary approach

We report a case of PELVIS (perineal hemangioma, external genital malformations, lipomyelomeningocele, vesicorenal abnormalities, imperforate anus and skin tag) syndrome in which hemangioma in the perineal area was misdiagnosed at birth as diaper rash. Investigations revealed associated vesicorenal and spinal abnormalities. We emphasize careful diagnosis of suspicious lesions at birth and confirm the successful use of propranolol in treating ulcerated segmental hemangiomas.

Infantile haemangiomas and quality of life

OBJECTIVE

To determine the quality of life (QOL) and self-esteem of children with infantile haemangiomas using objective measures.

DESIGN

Twenty-one children, 5-8 years old, with a diagnosis of head or neck haemangioma measuring 2 cm or more, were compared with 22 children with no history of haemangioma.

SETTING

A tertiary medical centre in the north of Israel.

INTERVENTIONS

Demographic and clinical details were collected, followed by two questionnaires-Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Harter pictorial scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for young children-answered by children and parents of the two groups.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

QOL and self-esteem of the children in the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in QOL indices or self-perception scores between children with and without haemangioma (86.6±10.3 vs 80.1±15.07, p=0.23 and 3.62±0.2 vs 3.72±0.21, p=0.17, respectively). Interestingly, parents of children with haemangioma reported higher QOL of their children than parents of children without haemangioma (86.4±9.6 vs 77.1±14.9, p<0.03). Likewise, a positive correlation between parents' scored PedsQL and children's scored PedsQL was found (0.56, p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings raise a question about aggressive as opposed to more conservative treatment, especially in the era of propranolol.

Propranolol in use for treatment of complex infant hemangiomas: literature review regarding current guidelines for preassessment and standards of care before initiation of therapy

In 2008, the positive effects of propranolol on infantile hemangiomas (IH) have been discovered serendipitously by Léauté-Labrèze and her coworkers. Since then, propranolol has been in use in allday clinical practice worldwide for treatment of IH. It even caused some kind of paradigm shift in the overall management of these lesions, though propranolol is still not FDA approved, respectively, in “off-label” use for this indication in the majority of institutions. Thus, the aim of this communication is to evaluate the literature for current evidence regarding guidelines for preassessment and standards of care before initiation of therapy.

Laser use in infantile hemangiomas, when and how

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are proliferating embrional tumors which can stem from placented tissue and are constituted by endothelial cell hyperproliferation. The management of the IHs is always challenging for all the specialists because of the heterogeneous behavior of these lesions. The factors leading to an aggressive position are essentially these: the prevention or reduction of aesthetic risks, the prevention or treatment of ulcerated hemangiomas, the prevention or impairment of functional risks and pain, and the removal of life-threatening risks. The treatment of vascular lesions is one of the mostly sought and performed cutaneous laser procedures, and in the field of IH treatments the more used laser devices certainly are pulsed dye lasers. Early laser therapy is able to reduce the possibility that the lesion will reach its full size, preventing several complications, connected to the hemangioma's growth, and providing psychological relief for pediatric patients and their parents.

[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.