OBJECTIVETo investigate a novel method to differentiate hemangioma from vascular malformation, to stage hemangiomas and to monitor the efficacy of management for hemangioma.

METHODSThe urinary basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) concentration of 144 cases (including 69 cases of proliferating hemangiomas, 41 cases of involuting hemangiomas, 23 cases of vascular malformations and 11 negative controls) was examined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSThe differences of urinary bFGF concentration among proliferating hemangiomas, involuting hemangiomas, vascular malformations and negative control were all significant, while the differences between the latter three groups were not significant.

CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that examination of urinary bFGF concentration using ELISA technique is helpful in differentiating hemangioma from vascular malformation, staging hemangiomas and dynamically monitoring the efficacy of treatment for hemangiomas. Our results probably shed new light on the potential pathogenesis of hemangiomas and vascular malformation.