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ECG not beneficial as beta-blocker pretreatment for infantile hemangioma

Electrocardiogram did not provide additional value as a pretreatment tool prior to initiation of beta-blocker treatment in patients with infantile hemangiomas and unremarkable cardiovascular history, a normal heart rate and blood pressure, according to study results.

Researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 109 patients with infantile hemangiomas (IH) who were treated with propranolol or atenolol between July 2008 and August 2012. Prior to therapy initiation, patient and family history, pretreatment electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate and blood pressure were determined. Measurements of blood pressure and questionnaires completed by parents addressing side effects took place during therapy.

Three cases of a family history of cardiovascular disease in first-degree relatives were identified in the analysis of 83 questionnaires. In those cases, ECG findings were normal, with no serious complication of therapy, according to the researchers.

On baseline ECG, the researchers found abnormalities in 6.5% of patients, and cardiac consultation was obtained. Contraindication to beta-blocker therapy was not identified in those patients, and no major complications were experienced during therapy.

Nine patients had hypotension with no serious complications, and beta-blocker therapy was continued for those patients, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.