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Topical timolol maleate for superficial infantile hemangiomas: an observational study
Da-Peng Xu1, Rong-Yu Cao2, Shuang Tong3
1Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Insights
Topical timolol maleate effectively treated superficial infantile hemangiomas in infants, with over 80% showing good or partial response and no observed side effects. This offers a safe alternative for infantile hemangioma management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors in infants.
- Systemic propranolol is a common treatment but carries potential side effects.
- Topical therapies are sought for localized and superficial IHs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of topical timolol maleate for superficial infantile hemangiomas.
- To assess the safety profile of topical timolol maleate in infant patients.
- To determine if topical timolol maleate is a viable alternative to systemic treatments.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 35 infants with superficial IHs.
- Topical timolol maleate applied every 12 hours for a mean of 22 weeks.
- Monthly follow-ups recorded changes in size, texture, and color; response scored (good, partial, none).
Main Results:
- A total response rate of 82.8% was observed (18 good, 10 partial responses).
- No patients experienced systemic or local adverse effects from topical timolol maleate.
- All 35 patients completed the treatment duration.
Conclusions:
- Topical timolol maleate demonstrates significant efficacy in managing superficial infantile hemangiomas.
- The treatment appears safe, with no adverse events reported in the study cohort.
- Topical timolol maleate presents a promising and safe alternative to systemic propranolol for superficial IHs.
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to assess the clinical effects and safety of topical timolol maleate for the management of superficial infantile hemangiomas (IHs).
Materials And Methods:
From October 2012 to March 2014, 35 infants (24 girls and 11 boys; 2 to 10 months old; median age, 4.7 months) with superficial hemangiomas were treated with the local application of timolol maleate in the authors' department. Thirty-five lesions were treated using topically administrated timolol maleate every 12 hours for a mean duration of 22 weeks (range, 6 to 45 weeks). Follow-up visits were scheduled monthly and changes in tumor size, texture, and color were recorded. Treatment response was scored according to a 3-point scale system as good, partial, or no response. Adverse effects after medication were evaluated and managed accordingly.
Results:
All patients completed treatment. Of the 35 hemangiomas, 18 (51.4%) showed a good response, 10 (31.4%) showed a partial response, and 6 (17.2%) had no response. The total response rate was 82.8% (29 of 35). Clinically, no systemic or local side effects caused by timolol maleate were observed in the patients.
Conclusions:
Topical timolol maleate could provide an effective and safe alternative to the systemic use of propranolol for the treatment of superficial IHs. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of topical timolol maleate for the treatment of IHs.
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