The CHIP Score: A Valuable Method for Determining Risk of Surgical Intervention for Hemangioma Patients

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumor of infancy. These tumors may have wide-ranging effects on functional and cosmetic outcomes for patients. With variations in recommendations for surgery among providers, it can be difficult to counsel patients and their families on potential surgical treatment. Through the development of the Case Western Hemangioma Intervention Predictor (CHIP) score, this study aims to improve the consistency of counseling regarding surgery and timing of surgical referral. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients (179) treated for IHs at a single tertiary care center over 17 years. Patients were divided equally into 2 cohorts. Descriptive statistics and correlation plots were performed on the first cohort to evaluate which disease factors (including size, location, and complications) and patient factors significantly correlated with the decision to pursue surgical treatment (surgical risk). These factors were used to form a CHIP score, which was then validated through logistic regression with length of medical management as a covariate against the second cohort of patients. Results: After controlling for length of medical management to treat IH, lack of medical management, functional impairment, and ulceration were found to be significantly correlated with the risk of surgical intervention (P < .05). When validated against the second half of our cohort, a CHIP score of 3 (of a maximum score of 3) was found to have a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 81% in predicting risk of surgical intervention. Conclusion: IHs can have clinical characteristics that may be predictors of complexity and surgical intervention. The CHIP score can assist in educating patients and families on surgery as a treatment option and guiding appropriate referrals.