A novel topical nano-propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangiomas

Topical propranolol has been used for the therapy of superficial infantile hemangiomas (IH). A retrospective investigation was conducted in 50 patients to evaluate the clinical effect of a new type of topical nano-propranolol-dispersed hydrogel. Participants were treated 3 times per day for 2 weeks to 11 months. 68% of patients were female and 12% had received other treatments before therapy. The nano-propranolol 0.5% hydrogel was initiated at a mean age of 5.010 months and for a mean duration of 3.610 months. The response rate was 86%. No recurrence and rebound growth occurred after withdrawal of hydrogel. Slight side effects (application site itching, erosion and crusting) were observed in only 2 cases. All the local irritations were evaluated as mild and were tolerated without discontinuing the medication. We suggest that topical nano-propranolol hydrogel could be an alternative option for the treatment of uncomplicated superficial IH with satisfactory tolerability and optimal effectiveness.

The current recommended treatment for infantile hemangiomas is oral propranolol. Nonetheless, a small proportion of patients will have systemic side effects. In this article, the authors developed topical nano-propranolol hydrogel and tested this on clinical patients and found favorable response.