Immunosuppressive Effects in Infants Treated With Corticosteroids for Infantile Hemangiomas

Abstract

These results demonstrate that corticosteroids measurably affect both lymphocyte cell numbers and function in this patient population. Prophylaxis with the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole should be considered in infants treated with corticosteroids for infantile hemangiomas. We also recommend that tetanus and diphtheria antibodies be checked in patients who receive oral corticosteroids during the immunization period and that additional immunization be administered if the titers are not protective after corticosteroid therapy.