Defining vascular anomaly phenotypes in children based on a systematic literature search: A critical step in developing a single severity score for interventional clinical trials

AbstractIntroductionGenetically targeted drugs in vascular anomalies (VA) are used despite the absence of a validated severity score. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of grouping phenotypic VA clinical characteristics into a single severity score.MethodsA systematic literature review including children treated with sirolimus accompanied by a detailed description of phenotype and management was conducted. Demographic data and clinical features were extracted to define distinct categories of phenotypes.ResultsChildren with VA display two main phenotypes regardless of VA subtype, which may overlap. A systemic phenotype results from direct invasion and compression of vital structures generally leading to hospitalization and aggressive management in infancy. A functional phenotype is associated with chronic pain and disability manifesting mainly during early adolescence and managed in the outpatient setting.ConclusionThe two distinct phenotypes described could be the basis for developing a unified scoring system for VA severity assessment.

Defining vascular anomaly phenotypes in children based on a systematic literature search: A critical step in developing a single severity score for interventional clinical trials Journal Articles