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REGULAR ARTICLE
Propranolol treatment for severe infantile hemangiomas: a single-centre 3-year experience
Article first published online: 24 JUL 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02783.x
© 2012 The Author(s)/Acta Pædiatrica © 2012 Foundation Acta Pædiatrica
Additional Information
How to Cite
Georgountzou, A., Karavitakis, E., Klimentopoulou, A., Xaidara, A. and Kakourou, T. (2012), Propranolol treatment for severe infantile hemangiomas: a single-centre 3-year experience. Acta Paediatrica, 101: e469–e474. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02783.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 29 AUG 2012
- Article first published online: 24 JUL 2012
- Accepted manuscript online: 14 JUL 2012 10:10AM EST
- Received 26 March 2012; revised 30 June 2012; accepted 4 July 2012.
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Keywords:
- Infantile hemangiomas;
- Propranolol treatment
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of propranolol as single-agent treatment in patients with problematic, proliferative-phase, infantile hemangiomas (IHs).
Methods: Oral propranolol was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day to 28 children. Cardiologic evaluation was performed before treatment initiation. Hemodynamic variables and blood glucose levels were monitored during the first 24 h of treatment, while the children were hospitalized. Clinical response and tolerance were assessed every month, along with photographic documentation. Macroscopic regression was considered the reduction >90% in the size of the IHs.
Results: Effects on colour and growth were observed within the first month in all cases. Twenty-four patients completed treatment after a mean duration of 7.56 months, and their hemangiomas were successfully regressed. Propranolol was administered again, with satisfactory results, in three patients (12.5%) because of hemangioma regrowth. Satisfactory response is noticeable in ongoing cases. Episodes of hypotension were noted in four patients. There were no treatment interruptions because of side effects.
Conclusions: Propranolol, as first-line treatment, yielded excellent results with very good clinical tolerance and also seems to be effective in relapses. The optimal duration of the treatment remains to be defined by long-term observation.