Epidemiological features and risks of hemangiomas

Abstract

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of childhood. The known risk factors in developing hemangiomas are female gender, prematurity and low birth weight. Our study was designed to investigate prenatal and natal risk factors in addition to the above factors that would potentially affect development of hemangiomas. Two hundred forty hemangioma patients and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Both groups were interviewed for age, gender, prenatal characteristics (presence of maternal pregnancy hypotension, hypertension and hyperemesis, parental smoking habits) as well as natal characteristics (delivery, birth weight, gestational age) and maternal-paternal age. Hemangiomas were mostly localized in the head and neck. Risk of developing hemangioma was higher in girls and in firstlings. History of hyperemesis during pregnancy increased incidence of hemangioma. Post-term delivery was found to be protective against developing hemangioma. We are in the opinion that there is a need for wider studies with a bigger sample size so as to detect other risk factors.