Propranolol for infantile hemangioma: Review of literature

Abstract

Objective: Hemangioma is the most common benign cutaneous vascular tumor in infants and children. Oral propranolol hydrochloride is a safe and effective medication for treating infantile hemangioma (IH), with decreases in IH volume, color, and elevation. This study reviews propranolol use in IH. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study of IHs treated with oral propranolol between January 2009 and June 2015. We included 300 children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years with fast-growing IHs in the proliferative phase, ulcerated IHs, and IHs that could cause functional or esthetic problems after the proliferative phase. They received propranolol 2 mg/kg/day, divided 3–4 times daily for 6–12 months and monitored in an outpatient basis. Response to treatment, time of initial, and peak response as well as side effects and sequelae were recorded. Results: We analyzed 300 IH cases. All the IHs responded to treatment; response was excellent in 45% of the cases, good in 30%, minimal in 15%, and none in 10%. No serious side effects were observed. Conclusion: In our study, we concluded that oral propranolol is efficacious and safe, with a careful dosing and monitoring regimen for IH.