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Propranolol for severe infantile hemangiomas: follow-up report

Véronique Sans1, Eric Dumas de la Roque, Jérôme Berge

  • 1National Reference Center for Rare Skin Diseases, Children's Hospital, Bordeaux, France.

Pediatrics
|August 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oral propranolol effectively controls infantile hemangiomas (IHs), the most common infant tumors. This treatment rapidly reduces IH growth and offers a safe, well-tolerated therapeutic option.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common vascular tumors in infants.
  • Effective management strategies for IHs are crucial to prevent complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral propranolol in managing the growth phase of infantile hemangiomas.

Main Methods:

  • 32 children with IHs received propranolol (2-3 mg/kg/day) after clinical and ultrasound assessment.
  • Cardiac evaluations and vital sign monitoring were performed.
  • Treatment outcomes and side effects were assessed over a mean duration of 6.1 months.

Main Results:

  • All patients showed immediate improvement in IH color and growth.
  • Ulcerated IHs healed within 2 months; significant regression observed by 2 months.
  • Mild side effects were noted, with one case of wheezing.

Conclusions:

  • Oral propranolol at 2-3 mg/kg/day demonstrates consistent and rapid therapeutic effects on IHs.
  • The treatment significantly shortens the natural course of IHs with good clinical tolerance.
  • Propranolol offers a safe and effective alternative to systemic corticosteroids.
Abstract

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