Topical propranolol hydrochloride gel for superficial infantile hemangiomas

Abstract

The clinical efficacy and safety of topical propranolol hydrochloride gel in the treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) were assessed. Fifty-one cases of IHs from Oct. 2010 to Sept. 2011 were subjected to the topical propranolol hydrochloride gel intervention in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Commands, China. Changes in size, texture, color, peak systolic velocity of the hemangiomas, resistance index and adverse effects were observed. The results were evaluated by using Achauer system, and responses of IHs to pranpronolol were considered scale II (poor) in 4 patients (17.24%), scale II (moderate) in 18 patients (24.14%), scale III (good) in 22 patients (44.83%) and scale IV (excellent) in 7 patients (13.79%). The response of superficial hemangiomas was significantly better than other hemangiomas (P<0.05), and no differences in response were found among different primary sites (P>0.05). Our study indicates that topical application of 3% propranolol hydrochloride gel is effective and safe in treating IHs.

Keywords

propranolol / hydrochloride gel / infantile hemangiomas

References

[1] Léauté-LabrèzeC., Dumas de la RoqueE., HubicheT., et al.. Propanolol for severe hemangiomas of infancy. N Engl J Med, 2008, 358(24): 2649-2651

[2] SchiestlC., NeuhausK., ZollerS., et al.. Efficacy and safety of propranolol as first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas. Eur J Pediatr, 2011, 170(4): 493-501

[3] AchauerB.M., ChangC.J., Vander KamV.M.. Management of hemangioma of infancy: review of 245 patients. Plast Reconstr Surg, 1997, 99(5): 1301-1308

[4] de GraafM., BreurJ.M., RaphaëlM.F., et al.. Adverse effects of propranolol when used in the treatment of hemangiomas: A case series of 28 infants. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2011, 65(2): 320-327

[5] LvY.X., ChenS.Q., WangB., et al.. Clinical observations of effects of oral propranolol on infantile hemangioma. Zhonghua Xiaoer Waike Zazhi (Chinese), 2011, 32(5): 326-329

[6] ZvulunovA., McCuaigC., FriedenI.J., et al.. Oral propranolol therapy for infantile hemangiomas beyond the proliferation phase: a multicenter retrospective study. Pediatr Dermatol, 2011, 28(2): 94-98

[7] StorchC.H., HoegerP.H.. Propranolol for infantile haemangiomas: insights into the molecular mechanisms of action. Br J Dermatol, 2010, 163(2): 269-274

[8] ItinteangT., BraschH.D., TanS.T., et al.. Expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system in proliferating infantile haemangioma may account for the propranolol-induced accelerated involution. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2011, 64(6): 759-765