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[Propranolol in infantile hemangiomas]
1Unité de dermatologie pédiatrique et centre de référence des maladies rares de la peau, hôpital Pellegrin-Enfants, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux cedex, France.
Insights
Propranolol is now approved for treating infantile haemangiomas (IH) in infants under 5 months. This systemic therapy requires expert initiation and monitoring due to potential risks like hypoglycemia and bronchoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are common vascular tumors in infants.
- Certain IH require prompt and effective systemic treatment.
- Propranolol offers a new therapeutic option for IH.
Purpose:
- To outline the approved indications and administration guidelines for propranolol in treating infantile haemangiomas.
- To inform healthcare professionals about the safe and effective use of propranolol for IH.
Summary:
- Propranolol is indicated for infants under 5 months with IH posing life-threatening, functional, or disfigurement risks.
- Treatment initiation requires physician expertise and a controlled clinical setting.
- Monthly monitoring, parental education on risks (hypoglycemia, bronchoconstriction), and a 6-month treatment duration are recommended.
- Relapses may necessitate a second course of treatment.
Impact:
- Provides clear guidance for clinicians on propranolol use in IH.
- Enhances patient safety through defined monitoring and risk communication.
- Establishes a standardized approach to propranolol therapy for infantile haemangiomas.
Abstract:
Propranolol has been recently approved by health authorities to treat infantile haemangiomas (IH). Propranolol is indicated in infants less than 5months of age with an IH requiring systemic therapy: IH at life-threatening and/or functional risk, painful ulcerated IH and IH that may cause permanent disfigurement. Propranolol should be initiated by physicians who have expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of IH. In addition, the first intake and every escalation should be administrated in a controlled clinical setting where adequate facilities for handling of adverse reactions, including those requiring urgent measures, are available. Then a monthly monitoring with dose adjustment weight is mandatory by the family doctor. Parents should be informed of the risk of hypoglycaemia and bronchoconstriction, especially during respiratory infectious outbreaks. The recommended duration of treatment is 6months without tapering. Relapses are possible necessitating a second course of 3 to 6months of treatment.
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