Trial Information

Immune Suppression of Infants Treated With Oral Corticosteroids for Infantile Hemangiomas: A Pilot Study

Infants with large or complicated hemangiomas are often treated systemically with oral
steroids. The side effects of the drug on young infants has not been studied. The goal of
this study is to clarify the degree of immune suppression in infants requiring therapy and
to create guidelines for evaluation and prevention of infection in infants on oral steroids
for hemangiomas. Prednisone will be started according to established standard of care.
Visits will occur every four weeks for follow-up. There will be six blood draws from
baseline to completion of study. Approximately up to 1 ½ teaspoons per blood sample will
be drawn to test the strength of the infant's immune system. Participation in this study
will last up to 14 months or until stabilization of the hemangioma. Evaluation will occur 12
weeks after discontinuing the steroid for its long-term effects on the immune system.