Efficacy and adverse effects of propranolol in the treatment of severe hemangiomas in infancy

Abstract

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor in infancy. Despite of their self-limited course, severe hemangiomas can be accompanied by severe edmplications, which may cause disfigurement,functional impairment, and even life-threatening condition. It has been reported that propranolol has a satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of severe hemangiomaa. The proposed treatment mechanisms of propranolol in hemangiomas include induction of vasoconstriction and apoptosis as well as inhibition of the production of vascular growth factors such aa endothelial vascular growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factors. As a non-selective beta-blocker, propranolol may cause hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycemia and bronchospasm, so, vital signs should be monitored in patients treated with this drug. Key words: Hemangioma; Infant; Propranolol