Treatment of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in infants' maxillofacial regions with local, accurate administration of urea combined with methylprednisolone

Abstract

Infantile hemangioma is a common vascular tumor of infants. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) is a rear but dangerous type of hemangioma. The present study analyzed the therapeutic and side effects of local administration of urea combined with methylprednisolone for the treatment of KMS in the maxillofacial region of infants. A retrospective study was conducted on the KMS patients in the department from July 2012 to September 2020. A total of 14 cases of KMS in infants’ maxillofacial region were treated with local injection of 40% urea solution and methylprednisone after the external carotid artery ligation. After 6–36 months of follow-up, 13 out of 14 cases were cured and 1 case was improved. During treatment, 2 cases relapsed and were treated continuously with local injection of urea for 6–10 more days. High efficacy and satisfactory recovery were observed in all cases after 1–2 months of treatment. No death or serious side effect occurred in the 14 cases. External carotid artery catheterization with urea and methylprednisolone injection is effective for the treatment of maxillofacial Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in infants. Careful postoperative observation and management of tube placement are important for the success of catheterization treatment.