[Clinical analysis of 17 cases of pneumatic compression therapy in infants with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To summarize the efficacy and safety of employing pneumatic compression therapy in infants with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP).

METHODS:

Seventeen patients with KMP (11 males, 6 females) were treated with pneumatic compression therapy from October 1997 to May 2008. And their clinical characteristics, course of treatment and clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed. Among 17 patients, 8 cases were located in trunk, 5 in lower extremities and 4 in upper extremities. The diameters of lesions exceeded 8 cm in all patients. The platelet count was all < 100 x 10(9)/L while hemoglobin < 110 g/L and fibrinogen < 2.0 g/L. The self-designed device for pneumatic compression hemangioma therapy was employed (Patent No: ZL97232266. 3). Biopsy and exairesis were performed from the local lesions with KMP in order to determine the pathological features.

RESULTS:

Two patients were cured after pneumatic compression therapy for 4 and 6 months respectively, and their lesions disappeared, blood parameters became normal and remained relapse-free after a 5/11-year follow-up. Eleven patients were effective after pneumatic compression therapy for 4 - 6 months, and improvement was demonstrated after 6 - 24 months follow-up without any treatment. Two patients showed improvement after pneumatic compression therapy for 6 months after a follow-up for 5 months or 2 years without progression. After a 6-month pneumatic compression therapy, 2 ineffective patients underwent surgical resection. There were 14 cases of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and 3 cases of tufted hemangioma (TA).

CONCLUSION:

Pneumatic compression therapy has definite curative effects for KMP lesions in extremities and trunk and its side effects are fewer.

• Authors: Xue-Jian Liu, Mao-Zhong Tai, Ming-Xia Tian, Zhong-Ping Qin
• Journal: Zhonghua yi xue za zhi (Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi) Vol. 89 Issue 26 Pg. 1830-3 (Jul 14 2009) ISSN: 0376-2491 [Print] China
• PMID: 19953927 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Anemia, Hemolytic (therapy)
• Atmospheric Pressure
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Hemangioendothelioma (therapy)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Retrospective Studies
• Thrombocytopenia (therapy)