Oral Atenolol for Infantile Hemangioma: Case Series of 46 Infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Vascular Anomalies
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in infants.
• Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, is the standard first-line therapy for problematic IH.
• Some infants experience adverse effects from propranolol, necessitating alternative treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral atenolol, a selective beta-1 blocker, for treating infantile hemangioma.
• To assess atenolol as a potential alternative to propranolol in infants with IH.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series analysis was conducted.
• Data from 46 infants treated with oral atenolol for infantile hemangioma were reviewed.
• Treatment success and adverse events were documented.

Main Results:

• Oral atenolol demonstrated successful treatment outcomes in all 46 infants.
• No significant adverse side effects were reported in the treated infants.
• Atenolol proved to be a safe and effective therapeutic option.

Conclusions:

• Oral atenolol is a highly effective and safe treatment for infantile hemangioma.
• Atenolol represents a viable alternative to propranolol, particularly for infants who cannot tolerate or have contraindications to non-selective beta-blockers.
• Further research into selective beta-blockers for IH is warranted.