A RECENT multicenter cohort study reveals that preterm infants are more likely to develop severe forms of infantile hemangiomas (IH), raising concerns about delayed diagnosis and potential scarring risks. Conducted across three tertiary referral centers, the study evaluated 830 infants with localized IH, comparing preterm and term populations.
The findings showed that 75% of infants born before 33 weeks had predominantly superficial hemangiomas, compared to 50% in full-term infants. Furthermore, these hemangiomas tended to have thicker components and irregular, stepped borders, which are associated with increased scarring potential.
The average age at diagnosis was 5.6 months, with no significant difference between preterm and term infants. However, by this point, many preterm infants had already entered the proliferative phase of IH, when irreversible skin changes may have occurred. This highlights the need for earlier detection and possible systemic treatment.
While the study’s retrospective design and use of clinical photographs may limit generalizability, the data underscore a critical need for heightened vigilance in monitoring preterm infants. Early referral to specialists could mitigate long-term skin complications, particularly given the unique presentation of IH in this vulnerable group.
For pediatricians and dermatologists, this research reinforces the importance of timely assessment and potential intervention strategies tailored to preterm infants.
Reference: Bradley Fe et al. A retrospective multicenter cohort study of differences in clinical characteristics of Infantile Hemangiomas in preterm and term infants: Prematurity increases risk of permanent cutaneous sequelae. JAAD. 2024. [In press].
