Infantil Hemangioma and Optimum Dose of Propranolol Treatment: A Retrospective Tertiary-Center Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Propranolol is the mainstay treatment of infantile hemangioma, and the optimal dose is unclear. Few studies are comparing the efficacy of propranolol dose of 2 vs.3 mg/kg/day. We compared the efficacy between these two doses and propranolol groups with no treatment group. Methods: One hundred eight patients with infantile hemangioma (15 days-27 months of age) were examined. The patients with high-risk features and/or a score of >6 points are given propranolol with a final dose of 2 or 3 mg/kg/day according to tolerance for 6-12 months. The resolutions rates for propranolol vs. placebo and propranolol 2 mg/kg/day vs. 3 mg/kg/day are compared. Results: The demographic and clinical features of the groups ( the non-treatment, propranolol 2 mg/kg/day group, propranolol 3 mg/kg/day group) are similar. Propranolol is significantly efficent in infantil hemangioma treatment (p<0.001). The resolution rates are not statistically different between 2 mg/kg/day propranolol group vs 3 mg/kg/day propranolol group at the sixth (68,59 ± 28,95 vs 73,44 ± 32,54)(p=0,673) and twelfth month (p=0,673) (89,08 ± 46,58 vs 91,13 ± 37,46 respectively )of follow up. A milld (n=3)(4%) adverse event was reported with no need for cessation.Conclusions: Propranolol is a safe drug for treating infantile hemangioma with an ideal dose of 2 mg/kg/day rather than 3 mg/kg/day.