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Oral propranolol reduces periocular infantile hemangiomas
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Oral propranolol was efficacious in treating periocular infantile hemangioma, according to a study.
Nine infants with periocular infantile hemangioma were given propranolol for 2 to 12 months with doses increasing from 0.5 mg/kg/day to 3 mg/kg/day in the prospective interventional case series conducted at the ophthalmology outpatient service of HC-FMUSP in Brazil.
The treatment was efficacious at 3 mg/kg/day, both clinically and radiologically. Most patients reacted to the propranolol in the first 24 hours, with 88% seeing clinical regression. During the first 6 months of treatment, a reduction in lesion volume of more than 75% and in vascular density of more than 40% was observed using Doppler ultrasonography. In addition, the arterial resistivity index increased, then declined. After 12 months of treatment, no recurrence was observed.
More data are needed to determine when to withdraw the treatment.
“Despite the small sample, our results suggest that, in cases of deep orbitopalpebral lesions, the decision to withdraw medication should be based on criteria of clinical improvement and on Doppler [ultrasonography] parameters, including the arterial resistivity index,” the study authors wrote. – by Rebecca L. Forand
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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