Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
Dr. Jelena Roganovic
University Children�s Hospital Rijeka, Croatia
Keynote: Pediatr Therapeut
Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are benign vascular tumors that have characteristic clinical course marked by early proliferation and followed by spontaneous involution. Th ey are the most common tumors of childhood. Th e heterogeneity of IHs makes it diffi cult to predict need for treatment and has made it challenging to establish a standardized approach to the management. Th e vast majority of these tumors do not require any surgical or medical intervention. Despite benign and self-limited nature, some IHs cause complications such as bleeding, ulceration, infection, and functional and cosmetic disability. In addition, they may compromise vital organ functions. Rarely, IHs may be associated with one or more underlying congenital anomalies. Treatments for IHs include topical, intralesional, and systemic therapies. Laser and surgical modalities are also sometimes used depending on the clinical course. Pharmacological therapy has been limited to a few medications. Steroids have remained the fi rst-line therapy for problematic IHs for over 40 years despite their known side eff ects. Vincristine has emerged as an alternative to interferon for steroid-resistant IHs because of signifi cant interferon’s adverse events, especially neurotoxicity. During the past few years, beta-adrenergic blockers have become the preferred fi rst-line therapy for problematic IHs in many centers. Th e recent discovery of the role of stem cells and of the renin-angiotensin system in the biology of IHs underscores the possibility of more targeted therapies. Education of parents about the natural history, prognosis, benefi ts and complications of potential treatment is important aspect of the management of IHs.
Jelena Roganovic completed her MD and Ph.D. from Rijeka University School of Medicine. She is board-certifi ed in pediatric hematology/ oncology and pediatrics. She completed her residency in pediatrics in Croatia, and a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology in Padua, Italy. Dr Roganovic is the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Rijeka, and Full Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Rijeka. She has published numerous papers and proceedings in the fi eld of pediatric hematology and oncology, and serves as an editorial review board member of repute.