Oral propranolol for parotid infantile hemangiomas

J Craniofac Surg. 2015 Mar;26(2):438-40. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001335.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of oral propranolol for the treatment of parotid infantile hemangiomas. Between October 2009 and January 2013, propranolol was given orally to 30 infants with proliferating hemangiomas at a dose of 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg per day in our department. The patients included 12 male infants and 18 female infants, aged between 2 and 13 months, with a median of 5.9 months. The lesions were located in the parotid region and measured from 1.5 cm × 2 cm × 0.5 cm to 6 cm × 8 cm × 3 cm in volume. Oral propranolol was administered once daily for a mean duration of 22.7 weeks (range, 14-32 wk). Follow-up times were from 1 to 10 months (median, 6.4 mo). Changes in the color and size of the tumor were recorded using hemisphere measurements and digital photographs. The treatment results were scored according to a 4-point scale. Overall response was graded scale 4 (excellent) in 18 patients, scale 3 (good) in 11 patients, scale 2 (moderate) in 1 patient, and scale 1 (poor) in none. No major collateral effects and rebounds were observed in any of the patients. Oral propranolol was a well-tolerated and effective treatment with mild adverse effects for parotid infantile hemangiomas.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Color
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemangioma / drug therapy*
  • Hemangioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Parotid Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Photography / methods
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Remission Induction
  • Safety
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Propranolol