Combination of pulsed dye laser and propranolol in the treatment of ulcerated infantile haemangioma

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Ulceration is the most common complication of infantile haemangioma, occurring in 15.8% of cases, usually in the proliferative phase. It can be managed in several ways. We present our experience in the treatment of ulcerated haemangioma with the combination of pulsed dye laser and propranolol. Material and methods A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients with ulcerated infantile haemangioma treated with pulsed dye laser in association with propranolol. The study included 7 patients, 3 cases in the labial area and 4 cases in the nappy area. A review was also performed on a historical cohort of 5 children with ulcerated haemangiomas with the same features, but treated only with propranolol, topical agents and occlusive dressings. Results The median size of the ulcer was 1.0 cm, with mean time from onset to treatment of 2 weeks. Pain and bleeding was present in all patients. After 2 weeks of combined propranolol and laser treatment, all lesions healed. The pain disappeared after the first laser session. Patients with ulcerative haemangioma in the labial area obtained a better response than patients with haemangioma in the nappy area. The cohort of patients treated with propranolol required a mean healing time of 5.2 weeks, with the addition of an occlusive dressing with ointment. Conclusions We believe that our results suggest that combined treatment, laser and propranolol has synergistic effects that accelerate the healing of ulcerated haemangioma, as observed in our patients. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm this finding.