Trends in healthcare utilization for infantile hemangioma in the United States.

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common vascular tumor of infancy . Most hemangiomas follow a predictable pattern with proliferation followed by slow involution and many do not require medical or surgical intervention. However, some hemangiomas cause complications, including disfigurement, visual obstruction and/or functional impairment, which require therapeutic intervention. Since the discovery of beta blockers as effective topical and oral therapy for IH, hemangioma specialists suggest early therapy and referral for IH to prevent permanent sequalae . Yet, little is known about utilization patterns for hemangiomas in the United States.