Safety assessment of propranolol for infantile hemangioma: a study in an Asian population
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1Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
Insights
Oral propranolol is a safe treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH), with no serious side effects observed. Monitoring for potential side effects like bradycardia and hypoglycemia is recommended during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Neonatal Care
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in infants.
- Propranolol has emerged as a first-line treatment for IH.
- Evaluating the safety profile of propranolol in IH management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety of initiating and maintaining propranolol therapy for infantile hemangioma (IH).
- To evaluate the safety of different propranolol dosages in infants.
- To monitor key physiological parameters during propranolol treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 336 infants with IH treated between January 2016 and October 2017.
- In-hospital and outpatient monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, hepatic/renal function, cardiac enzymes, and lipids.
- Cardiac examinations including ECG and echocardiography, alongside physical development measurements.
Main Results:
- Propranolol effectively decreased blood pressure and heart rate upon initiation.
- Increased incidences of sinus bradycardia and hypoglycemia were observed with prolonged administration.
- No significant impact on mean height, weight, or head circumference was noted.
- PR prolongation occurred in 0%-5.7% of cases, with dose-independent effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and developmental parameters.
Conclusions:
- Oral propranolol is a safe and effective treatment for infantile hemangioma.
- Serious adverse events were not identified in this cohort.
- Vigilant clinical monitoring for potential side effects during propranolol therapy is essential.
Objective:
To evaluate the safety of initiating and maintaining propranolol therapy for infantile hemangioma (IH) and the safety of different doses.
Methods:
The retrospective analysis included 336 consecutive cases of infants with IH treated between January 2016 and October 2017. The patients were assessed in the hospital at the initiation of the therapy and later in outpatient settings during the therapy. The monitoring included blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), blood glucose, hepatic and renal function, myocardial enzymes and serum lipids. Cardiac examinations in the outpatient follow-up included electrocardiography, ultrasound echocardiography, height, weight and head circumference.
Results:
Propranolol decreased BP and HR at the initiation of treatment. The incidences of sinus bradycardia and hypoglycemia increased with the time of administration. Mean height, weight and head circumference were not affected during the treatment. The incidence of PR prolongation was 0%-5.7%. The effect of propranolol on the cardiovascular system, metabolism and physical development was not affected by its dose.
Conclusion:
Oral propranolol is a safe treatment for IH. Serious side effects were not observed. Attention should be paid to the side effects during clinical treatment.
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