Experience with OK-432 in lymphatic vascular malformations in a hospital from northern Mexico

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic vascular malformations (LVM) or formerly called lymphangiomas are congenital malformations present in about 1 out of 6,000 to 16,000 births. The most relevant classification system for lymphangioma management is based on the size of the cysts. Spontaneous resolution is uncommon; thus, expectant management is not recommended. The classic treatment is excisional surgery, but it can affect adjacent structures or have relapses, so, sclerosing substances like OK432 are being studied. The majority of the studies are in a small sample of patients and are from Japan; the largest studies in Mexico are focused on specific lesions (macrocystic) or a determined anatomical region. To date, there are no studies of the population of the north of Mexico. Methods: The experience with OK-432 was described through a retrospective, descriptive study in patients with LVM, from 2011 to 2016, in a reference hospital of northern Mexico. Results: A total of 26 patients with LVM were treated with OK-432. The majority of the lesions were macrocystic (69%), microcystic (19%) and mixed (12%). From the total number of patients, 11 fully healed, and 72% of the study population had > 50% reduction in lesion size with only two applications. There were no recurrences. Complications were reported in two patients who had skin hyperpigmentation. conclusions: OK-432 probed to be an effective treatment for LVM in a reference hospital in the north of Mexico.