Risk Factors for Airway Infantile Hemangioma

ABSTRACT Aim An infantile hemangioma (IH) affecting the airway is rare. Identifying infants at risk for an airway IH is crucial to avoid potential airway compromise. Our objective was to identify risk factors for an airway IH and to study its incidence and treatments. Methods This study included 798 children with an IH visiting our paediatric vascular anomaly unit between 1.1.2008 and 31.12.2017. Patient demographics and IH‐related data were retrospectively reviewed to identify factors predisposing to an underlying airway IH. Results An airway IH was diagnosed in 1.6% of the cohort. When a segmental beard distribution hemangioma was present, the risk for an airway IH was 33.3%, and when a non‐beard distribution segmental hemangioma on the face or neck was observed, the risk was 11.5%. Focal hemangiomas were seen in 38.5% of infants with an airway IH, mostly in the perioral or nasal area. Propranolol was sufficient treatment for 80.0% of infants with an airway IH. Conclusions The presence of a segmental beard distribution hemangioma involved the highest risk for an underlying airway IH. Children with other types of segmental IHs on the face or neck, or those with focal perioral and nasal hemangiomas were also at risk for airway involvement.