Low-dose propranolol for infantile hemangioma of the head and neck: Analysis of 23 consecutive patients.

Background More and more infantile hemangiomas(IH) began to treat with propranolol, however the effectiveness, dosage, and treatment course were still in dispute. The objective of this observational study was to describe the therapeutic response, tolerance, and safety of low dose propranolol in 23 children with infantile hemangiomas on head and neck. Methods Data were collected from the medical charts of patients treated with low dose propranolol from December 2009 through November 2011. Oral dose was 1~1.5 mg/kg once per day. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during the first 24 hours of treatment. In the absence of side effects, treatment was continued at home and the child was reevaluated every month. Results All patients had a good response, even if treated with corticosteroid before. It was noted color and growth changes within a week. Treatment was administered for a mean total duration of 6 month until the hemangiomas was totally disappeared or stabilization. There were no severe adverse reactions. Side effects were limited and mild including blood pressure decrease, somnolence,and nausea. No relapse was noticed. Conclusions Low dose propranolol appears to be an effective and safe treatment for IH, especially for those patients who were treated with corticosteroid and had no response or severe side effects before. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.