New AAP Guidelines for Infantile Hemangioma: Prompt treatment – when needed – for best outcomes

New AAP Guidelines Aim to Prevent Potential Problems from Common Type of Baby Birthmark – The goal: prompt treatment – when needed – for best outcomes.

Since 2012, I have been working with former President, Dr. Thomas McInerny, of the American Academy of Pediatrics to change the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas. Much progress has been made but many babies, worldwide, are still denied early intervention.

My constant petitioning has resulted in many changes including updating the Physician’s Desk Reference, Changing the Pediatric Pocket Guide, Issuing a letter to all Insurance Companies and distributing a webinar I co-hosted with former Ped Derm President Dr. Bernard Cohen of Johns Hopkins.

Just before Christmas, Dr. McInerny wrote to me to tell me that the previous “wait and see” approach is now being “discouraged” with the issuance of brand new guidelines. What a great way to ring in the New Year!

“The American Academy of Pediatrics’ first infantile hemangioma clinical practice guideline discourages the traditional “wait and see” approach. Instead, the report calls for early identification of certain hemangiomas that may cause scarring or medical problems. The goal: prompt treatment – when needed – for best outcomes.”

Can you imagine what would happen if there was no more “leave it alone” philosophies? One giant leap for mankind today!!! To say I am thrilled is an understatement.

– — Dr. Linda, PHD

The report, “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Infantile Hemangiomas,” will be published in the January 2019 Pediatrics (available online Dec. 24)

For more information you can find the official press release from the American Academy of Pediatrics on their website.

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To learn more about Hemangiomas, check out some of these articles:

• A Psychological Profile of Children and Families Afflicted with Hemangiomas
• Laser Therapy for Treating Port Wine Stains and Infantile Hemangiomas
• Dr. Linda’s VBF Fact of the Week: Infantile Hemangiomas