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Use of propranolol in treating hemangiomas
Yasaman R Shayan1, Julie S Prendiville, Ran D Goldman
1Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada.
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|March 16, 2011
Summary
Propranolol is an effective and safe treatment for complicated infantile hemangiomas in children. While many hemangiomas resolve on their own, this medication shows promise for problematic cases, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infantile hemangiomas are common vascular tumors in children.
- New therapeutic options are emerging for their management.
- Propranolol is a beta-blocker being investigated for hemangioma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of propranolol for treating infantile hemangiomas in children.
- To determine if propranolol is a viable therapeutic option for complicated hemangiomas.
Main Methods:
- Review of case series reporting propranolol use in pediatric patients with infantile hemangiomas.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes and adverse events associated with propranolol therapy.
Main Results:
- Most infantile hemangiomas undergo spontaneous resolution without intervention.
- Propranolol demonstrated effectiveness and a favorable safety profile in multiple case series for complicated hemangiomas.
- Evidence suggests propranolol is beneficial for hemangiomas causing functional or cosmetic issues.
Conclusions:
- Propranolol is an effective and safe treatment option for infantile hemangiomas requiring intervention.
- Further research is necessary to establish optimal dosing and treatment duration for propranolol therapy.
- Spontaneous resolution is common, but propranolol offers a valuable therapeutic avenue for problematic cases.
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