Effect of Oral Propranolol on Periocular Infantile Capillary Hemangioma: Outcomes Based on Extent of Involvement

Kavya M Bejjanki1, Kahkashan Akhtar1, Arushi P Gupta1

  • 1Ocular Oncology Serices, The Operation Eyesight Universal Institute for Eye Cancer, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.

Insights

Oral propranolol effectively treats periocular infantile capillary hemangioma (CHI). Segmental and preseptal CHI showed better response to propranolol treatment than focal and postseptal types.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Dermatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Periocular infantile capillary hemangioma (CHI) presents a therapeutic challenge.
  • Understanding lesion characteristics based on embryological facial placodes is crucial for treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of oral propranolol for periocular CHI.
  • To correlate treatment outcomes with lesion classification based on embryological facial placodes and anatomical location.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 27 patients with periocular CHI treated with oral propranolol.
  • Classification of lesions as focal or segmental based on embryological facial placodes.
  • Categorization of lesions as preseptal, postseptal, or combined based on anatomical involvement.

Main Results:

  • Overall mean resolution of periocular CHI was 78% with oral propranolol over a mean follow-up of 16 months.
  • Segmental lesions (92% resolution) and preseptal components (94% resolution) demonstrated superior response compared to focal lesions (69% resolution) and postseptal components (74% resolution).
  • Four patients (15%) experienced lesion flare-up after propranolol tapering.

Conclusions:

  • Oral propranolol is an effective treatment for periocular infantile capillary hemangioma.
  • Lesion type significantly influences treatment response, with segmental and preseptal CHI responding better than focal and postseptal CHI.
Abstract