Clinical Efficacy of Herbal Medicine for Pediatric Lymphatic Malformations: A Pilot Study

Abstract

BackgroundLymphatic malformations (LMs) are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that commonly affect the head and neck region and cause marked cosmetic and functional complications. In this pilot study, we present eight children with LMs treated using an herbal medicine for this indication.MethodsBetween January 2009 and May 2014, eight children (four boys, four girls) with LMs were treated using oral administration of an herbal medicine, Eppikajyutsuto (TJ‐28; Tsumura, Tokyo, Japan), as monotherapy.ResultsFour of the cases were macrocystic and four were mixed micro‐ and macrocystic. The mean treatment duration was 7.2 ± 2.9 months (range 5–12 mos). The mean LM volume shrinkage on magnetic resonance imaging was 54.5 ± 38.3% (macrocystic 73.6 ± 27.0%; mixed micro‐ and macrocystic 35.4 ± 41.5%). One of four macrocystic lesions had a marked reduction, two had a moderate reduction, and one had no response. A marked reduction was observed in three of the four mixed micro‐ and macrocystic cases; the other mixed cystic case had no response. The treatment was well tolerated, without severe adverse events.ConclusionsThis preliminary study demonstrates the beneficial effects of TJ‐28. Further evaluations of this therapeutic modality are warranted.

Prenatally diagnosed large mediastinal lymphangioma: A case report

“…Eppikajutsuto (TJ‐28), a Japanese herbal medicine, is reported to reduce redundant body fluids and have anti‐inflammatory effects . Our literature search revealed that TJ‐28 treatment led to the regression of lymphangiomas in 10 children; the locations included the head, neck, shoulder, chest, and retroperitoneum . The successful treatment of a mediastinal lymphangioma with TJ‐28 has only been reported in a 2‐year‐old boy, in whom the lesion showed marked regression after 9 months of treatment.…”

Combination therapy with traditional medicines for perianal abscess in children

“…The use of some traditional medicine formulations for treating pediatric surgical conditions has been reported . Ohya et al .…”

A Case of Suspected Adverse Reactions to Sirolimus in the Treatment of Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly

“…The herb ephedra is suggested to suppress of vascular endothelial growth factor activity by inhibiting prostaglandin E2 synthesis and cyclooxygenase protein synthesis, which might contribute to the shrinkage of LMs [7, 10–12]. Hashizume et al reported the mean LM volume shrinkage rate of 54.5 ± 38.3% in eight patients who received the medicine [6].…”