Brachial plexus paralysis due to giant cavernous hemangioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: successful management with interferon alpha

Platelets. 2009 Dec;20(8):603-5. doi: 10.3109/09537100903247790.

Abstract

Giant hemangiomas are rare in newborn babies and may cause some life-threatening complications such as congestive heart failure and coagulopathies including severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and bleeding such as Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. We have presented here one infant case with a right lower brachial plexus paralysis due to giant hemangioma treated successfully with interferon alpha and have discussed the treatment. This is the first case of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome associated with a right lower brachial plexus paralysis treated with interferon in the literature to our knowledge. The administration of interferon-alpha might be indicated as a therapy for severe, life-threatening and giant hemangiomas such as Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, especially when there is resistance to steroid. However, more extensive data and new patients are needed to clarify this issue.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies* / drug therapy
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies* / etiology
  • Female
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous* / complications
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins