Propranolol for hemangiomas

Abstract

Objective

Hemangiomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumors occurring in 5–10 % of children at around the age of 1 year and of them 10 % are associated with significant morbidity and entail medical attention. In this study, efficacy and adverse effects of the drug propranolol were observed on hemangiomas.

Methods

Oral propranolol was given to 36 children at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during the first 3 h of treatment. Treatment was continued at home and the children were re-evaluated at monthly interval. Photographs were taken in pre- and post-treatment phages and changes of hemangiomas were measured with visual analog scale.

Results

Immediate effects on color and growth were noted in all cases that were especially dramatic in cases of extensive lesions. Clinical evidence of regression was seen within 30 days in all cases and completely regressed within 7 months. Mean duration of treatment was 4.1 months.

Conclusion

Propranolol had a rapid stabilizing effect leading to early regression of hemangiomas when administered orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day with good quality safety profile.