[Prevalence and characteristics of haemangiomas in young children].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To obtain current data on the prevalence and characteristics of haemangiomas within a population-based group of children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: During March-May 2002, all children aged 0-16 months who presented for regular check-ups at child health centres in the Tilburg area, The Netherlands, were examined by physicians for the presence of haemangiomas. The characteristics of the children with a haemangioma were recorded and parents were asked for more specific information. RESULTS: Of the 2204 children included, 219 (10) had 256 haemangiomas. The girl-boy ratio was 19:1 The haemangioma was already present at birth in 24% of children. Of the 256 haemangiomas, 15% were located subcutaneously, 33% were located in the head-neck area and 37% on the body. Of the 84 haemangiomas in the head-neck area, 75% were located on the scalp and forehead. Of the 219 children with a haemangioma, 7% and 6% visited a general practitioner or specialist regarding the haemangioma, respectively. They were consulted particularly when the haemangioma was present at birth, located subcutaneously, located in the head-neck area, and when multiple haemangiomas were present.