The role of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma

Abstract Introduction Infantile hemangioma (IH) is one of the most common childhood tumors. There are various medical or surgical therapeutic options, all with suboptimal results. Recently, the successful use of propranolol for involution of IH was described. We report the results of a single-center...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista portuguesa de cardiologia (English ed.) 2014-05, Vol.33 (5), p.289-295
Main Authors: Laranjo, Sérgio, Costa, Glória, Paramés, Filipa, Freitas, Isabel, Martins, José Diogo, Trigo, Conceição, Pinto, Fátima F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cardiovascular
Hemangioma infantil
Infantile hemangioma
Propranolol
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction Infantile hemangioma (IH) is one of the most common childhood tumors. There are various medical or surgical therapeutic options, all with suboptimal results. Recently, the successful use of propranolol for involution of IH was described. We report the results of a single-center experience with this therapeutic option. Objective To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of propranolol in children with infantile hemangioma. Methods We performed a prospective analysis of clinical data of all patients with IH referred to a pediatric cardiology center for baseline cardiovascular assessment prior to propranolol therapy. Propranolol was given at a starting dose of 1 mg/kg/day and titrated to a target dose of 2–3 mg/kg/day according to clinical response. Efficacy was assessed through a photograph-based severity scoring scale. Safety was assessed by collecting data regarding significant side effects. Results Starting in 2010, 30 patients (15 female) were referred for propranolol treatment of IH, at a median age of six months (1–63 months). The mean target propranolol dose was 2.8 mg/kg/day, with a mean duration of therapy of 12 months. All patients experienced significant reduction of IH size and volume. There were no side effects. Conclusions In our experience propranolol appears to be a useful and safe treatment option for severe or complicated IH, achieving a rapid and significant reduction in their size. No adverse effects were observed, although until larger clinical trials are completed, potential adverse events should be borne in mind and consultation with local specialists is recommended prior to initiating treatment.
ISSN:2174-2049
2174-2049
DOI:10.1016/j.repce.2013.10.047