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

BACKGROUND: Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) is a rear but dangerous type of hemangioma, which seriously threatens the life safety of KMS patients. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic and side effects of local administration of urea combined with methylprednisolone for the treatment of KMS in the maxillofacial region of infants.

CASE PRESENTATION: 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 10-36 months of follow-up, 13 out of 14 cases were cured and 1 case was improved. Two cases relapsed and were effectively managed with additional urea injections over 6-10 days. Observed over a 1-2-month period post-treatment, external carotid artery catheterization with urea and methylprednisolone injection is effective for the treatment of maxillofacial KMS in infants.

CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that, external carotid artery ligation combined with urea and methylprednisolone can be curative for the treatment KMS in maxillofacial regions of infants, with little trauma and minimal side effect. The combined therapy is recommended for treating severe hemangiomas complicated by Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in maxillofacial region of infants.