Reconsidering the Use of Propranolol in the Treatment of Cosmetic Infantile Hemangiomas

Brad A Bryan

doi:10.4172/2329-9495.1000e101

Abstract

Reconsidering the Use of Propranolol in the Treatment of Cosmetic Infantile Hemangiomas

Highlights

Up to 10% of infants are stricken with benign vascular tumors commonly referred to as strawberry marks and clinically defined as Infantile Hemangiomas (IHs)
The beta blocker propranolol has been utilized as the gold standard of treatment against IHs, with an efficacy rate of close to 95%
Data published by Slotkin et al [11] suggest that regulation of beta adrenergic signaling in the developing brain differs substantially from the homeostatic mechanisms seen in maturity, and that beta blockade in the neonate induces heterologous sensitization leading to sustained and enhanced responses to the treatment

Summary

Introduction

Up to 10% of infants ( females) are stricken with benign vascular tumors commonly referred to as strawberry marks and clinically defined as Infantile Hemangiomas (IHs). More and more vascular anomaly centers are using propranolol with great success and generally good control over acute side effects, little discussion has been put forth regarding the long term side effects of systemic beta blockade in developing children.

Results

Conclusion