The burden of treatment of propranolol for infantile hemangiomas: A mixed methods study

The burden of treatment (BOT) related to propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IH) has never previously been explored. A modified validated questionnaire, the Treatment Burden Questionnaire, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were used to assess the BOT for propranolol for IH. Out of 80 caregivers, the overall burden score was very low at 1.2 out of 10; thematic analysis of interviews grouped themes into administration, monitoring, financial, and associated anomalies. The BOT of propranolol for IH is very low but could be reduced further by offering age-based risk stratification related to feeding frequency and risk of hypoglycemia, pragmatic advice around timing of doses before sleep, and reducing frequency of vital sign monitoring.