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Therapeutic Effect of Propranolol in Mexican Patients with Infantile Hemangioma
Saul Castaneda1,2, Esbeydy Garcia3, Hermelinda De la Cruz4,5
1Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of the Californias, Av. Alejandro von Humboldt 11431 y Garita de Otay, 22509, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. saulcashe@gmail.com.
Insights
Propranolol effectively treats infantile hemangiomas in Mexican children, showing significant size and color reduction with minimal side effects. Early treatment before five months of age yields the best outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infantile hemangiomas are common pediatric vascular tumors affecting up to 10% of infants.
- Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is a recognized effective treatment for these lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of propranolol for infantile hemangioma in Mexican pediatric patients.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes using an extemporaneously compounded propranolol solution.
Main Methods:
- An open prospective observational study was conducted with 31 pediatric patients (3-12 months old) in Tijuana, Mexico.
- Patients received oral propranolol (0.5-2.5 mg/kg/day), with monthly clinical monitoring.
- Data on hemangioma response and adverse effects were collected over a 20-month period.
Main Results:
- Ninety-six percent of patients showed positive response, with reduced hemangioma size and coloration.
- Earlier treatment initiation (before 5 months) correlated with better response and shorter treatment duration.
- The average effective dose was 1.5 mg/kg/day, with mild adverse effects in five patients.
Conclusions:
- Propranolol is a safe and effective treatment for infantile hemangioma in Mexican pediatric patients.
- An average dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day demonstrated significant efficacy with a low incidence of adverse events.
- Early intervention with propranolol is recommended for optimal treatment outcomes.
Background:
Infantile hemangiomas are the most common childhood vascular tumors, occurring in 10 % of children aged less than 1 year. Propranolol, a β-adrenergic blocker mainly indicated for hypertension, has proven effective in treating these types of tumors.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of propranolol in Mexican pediatric patients diagnosed with infantile hemangioma, treated with an extemporaneously compounded solution of propranolol.
Methods:
An open prospective observational study at the Children's Hospital of the Californias in Tijuana, Mexico was performed on ambulatory pediatric patients between the ages of 3 and 12 months diagnosed with infantile hemangioma. Patients were treated with an oral solution of propranolol in doses ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg/kg/day. Children were monitored monthly by the physician in charge, at which time clinical and treatment data were collected.
Results:
Over a period of 20 months, 31 patients were treated (36 % male and 64 % female).The majority of hemangiomas were superficial (55 %), located mainly on the face. Treatment had an average duration of 10.5 months. Ninety-six percent responded to the treatment, showing decreases in size and coloration of the hemangioma. Children who started therapy before 5 months of age had a significantly better response and shorter duration of treatment. The average therapeutic dose was 1.5 mg/kg/day. Five patients experienced mild adverse effects during the first month of therapy.
Conclusion:
Treatment with propranolol in this group of Mexican pediatric patients proved to be safe and effective at an average dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day, reducing the size and coloration of hemangioma with a minimum incidence of adverse effects.
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