Initial experiences with propranolol treatment of infantile hemangiomas: report of three cases

Abstract

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common benign tumors in infancy, affecting 5-10% of all infants and they can still cause disfigurement and serious complications depending on their location and size, which can be associated with ulcerations and haemorrhage. Since 2008, propranolol has become the first choice of therapy for complicated IH, compared to conventional approach with systemic corticosteroid therapy as first-line treatment and then interferon or vincristine as second- or third-line therapeutic agents. We report three cases of hemangioma, successfully treated with propranolol. Oral propranolol was given for a period of 6 months with monthly follow up. All cases showed dramatic response without any relapse after stopping the treatment. Propranolol is novel and safe medication for treatment of infantile hemangioma.