Abstract
A number of clinical trials evaluated the effect of topical timolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma and provided inconsistent results. The present study assessed the response rate and adverse events of topical timolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma. Pubmed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Cochrane library were searched until October 2016. Specific inclusion criteria were used to evaluate articles. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model. A total of 10 studies, comprising 887 infants with hemangioma, were included. The response rate was reported in eight trials; these studies compared the topical timolol to laser, observation, placebo, or propranolol. The heterogeneity was statistically significant (P < 0.00001, I2 = 83%). The difference in the response rate was significant (RR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.31-6.24) while comparing the topical timolol to the controls. However, no significant difference in the response rate was observed while comparing the topical timolol to propranolol (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.70-1.42). The difference in the adverse events was found to be significant (RR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.97) when the timolol group was compared to the control group. This meta-analysis confirmed that the topical timolol alone was more beneficial on response rate and adverse event than laser, placebo, and observation. The response rate did not differ significantly when comparing the topical timolol to propranolol. However, further studies are essential using an improved design of the study.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.