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Propranolol for hemangiomas
Mahmudul Hasan1, Matiur Rahman, Shafiqul Hoque
1Pediatric Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh. t_mh@live.com
Insights
Oral propranolol effectively treats infantile hemangiomas, showing rapid regression within months. This study confirms propranolol
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infantile hemangiomas are common benign tumors in children.
- Approximately 10% of hemangiomas cause significant morbidity, requiring medical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propranolol for treating infantile hemangiomas.
- To observe the adverse effects of oral propranolol in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- 36 children received oral propranolol at 3 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses.
- Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during initial treatment.
- Hemangioma changes were assessed using visual analog scale with pre- and post-treatment photographs.
Main Results:
- All cases showed immediate improvement in color and growth, particularly extensive lesions.
- Clinical regression was observed within 30 days, with complete regression in 7 months.
- The average treatment duration was 4.1 months.
Conclusions:
- Oral propranolol at 3 mg/kg/day demonstrates rapid stabilization and early regression of infantile hemangiomas.
- The treatment exhibited a favorable safety profile.
- Propranolol is an effective therapeutic option for infantile hemangiomas.
Objective:
Hemangiomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumors occurring in 5-10 % of children at around the age of 1 year and of them 10 % are associated with significant morbidity and entail medical attention. In this study, efficacy and adverse effects of the drug propranolol were observed on hemangiomas.
Methods:
Oral propranolol was given to 36 children at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during the first 3 h of treatment. Treatment was continued at home and the children were re-evaluated at monthly interval. Photographs were taken in pre- and post-treatment phages and changes of hemangiomas were measured with visual analog scale.
Results:
Immediate effects on color and growth were noted in all cases that were especially dramatic in cases of extensive lesions. Clinical evidence of regression was seen within 30 days in all cases and completely regressed within 7 months. Mean duration of treatment was 4.1 months.
Conclusion:
Propranolol had a rapid stabilizing effect leading to early regression of hemangiomas when administered orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day with good quality safety profile.
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