Interferon α 2B for treatment of complex cutaneous haemangiomas of infancy

Interferon alpha 2b for the treatment of complex haemangiomas of infancy (HI) and childhood. Background Recombinant interferon α has been used with success in the treatment of complex haemangiomas of infancy. Materials and methods Eleven infants and children (10 females and 1 male) with complex haemangiomas (age 3–14 months) were treated with interferon α 2b by subcutaneous infection of up to 1 million UI/m 2 /day three times a week for 2 weeks; then the dosage was increased to 3 million UI/m 2 /day three times a week. The duration of treatment ranged from 6 to 14 months. A decrease of 50% or more in the dimension of haemangiomas that was maintained for at least 6 months during the treatment or after the withdrawal of the medication was considered a consequence of therapy. Results In 1 case regression of HI was of 20%; in the other 10 cases, regression ranged from 60% to 90%. The side effects of interferon therapy were mild and transient. Our treatment schedule shows that the administration of interferon α 2b three times a week is as effective as the daily administration of the drug. In our opinion interferon α 2b is a safe agent in the treatment of complex haemangiomas of infancy and therefore should be considered a first line therapeutic option.