Beta-blockers in pharmacological treatment of infantile hemangioma

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective analysis of pharmacological treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH, vascular hyperplasia) with beta-blockers (enteral use of Propranolol and topical use of Timolol) in our pediatric surgery department. This method performed from 2014 to 2017 at our center. The protocol of examination and treatment developed to provide rare but serious side effects of Propranolol administration including hypoglycemia, wheezing, hypotension, and bradycardia. 78 children were treated with propranolol at the dosage 2mg/kg/ day. In 17 cases we use topical 0,1% ointment of Timolol. The age of the children ranged from 10 days to 13 months, 51 female and 27 male. The treatment duration was from 5 to 13 months. Positive clinical effect it obtained at all patients. Side effects of propranolol administration were observed in 4 cases, after 5-6 month of treatment (bradycardia) which disappeared after the treatment withdrawal. In 3 cases after cancelling treatment, we determined the recurrent of hemangioma, but not to the initial size. Our experience confirms the efficacy and safety of treatment with beta-blockers in accurate compliance with protocol management.