Deep coma in a child treated with propranolol for infantile hemangioma

BMC Pediatr. 2019 Jul 2;19(1):216. doi: 10.1186/s12887-019-1598-0.

Abstract

Background: Propranolol hydrochloride is the first-line agent recommended for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IH). Serious adverse effects of propranolol therapy for hemangiomas are infrequent.

Case presentation: We report a case presented in deep hypoglycemic coma during his treatment with propranolol for IH. Through our case report and the review of the literature, we aimed to underline the importance of recognizing adverse effects during propranolol therapy. Although propranolol has a long history of safe and effective use in infants and children, pediatricians should be aware that life-threatening adverse effects can happen during propranolol therapy for IH.

Conclusion: Early identification of these adverse effects can be of great importance for patient management and prognosis. It must certainly be noted that not just early identification among doctors, but education for parents is crucial.

Keywords: Infantile hemangioma; adverse effects; propranolol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Coma / chemically induced*
  • Glucose / administration & dosage
  • Hemangioma / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypoglycemia / therapy
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Propranolol
  • Glucose