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Propranolol treatment of complicated hemangiomas

Derya Ozyörük1, Emine Zengin

  • 1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The Ministry of Health, Şanlıurfa Children's Hospital, Şanlıurfa, 63000, Turkey, dozyoruk@yahoo.com.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Propranolol is a safe and effective first-line treatment for complicated infantile hemangiomas, showing an 80% response rate with minimal side effects. Routine cranial imaging may not be necessary for hemangiomas without neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Vascular Anomalies
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Infantile hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors.
  • Complicated hemangiomas can lead to functional or cosmetic issues.
  • Limited data exists on propranolol's efficacy in complicated cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Evaluate laboratory and radiological features of childhood hemangiomas.
  • Assess the efficacy and safety of propranolol as a first-line treatment for complicated infantile hemangiomas.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 60 patients diagnosed with capillary hemangioma.
  • Detailed review of 14 patients with complicated hemangiomas treated with propranolol.
  • Analysis focused on treatment duration, efficacy, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Propranolol was used in 14 patients (23%) for ulcerated, infected, or deep hemangiomas.
  • Treatment duration ranged from 3 to 12 months (median 6 months).
  • An 80% response rate was observed with limited side effects; one patient experienced bronchospasm.

Conclusions:

  • Propranolol is a safe and effective treatment for complicated infantile hemangiomas.
  • Encouraging response rates and minimal side effects support its use.
  • Routine cranial imaging is likely unnecessary for hemangiomas without neurological symptoms.
Abstract

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