Open-label nonrandomized left-right comparison of imiquimod 5% ointment and timolol maleate 0.5% eye drops in the treatment of proliferating superficial infantile hemangioma

Abstract

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common childhood tumors.

Objective: Our study aimed to compare the efficacy and side effects of imiquimod and timolol maleate for the treatment of proliferating superficial IHs.

Methods: A total of 54 patients with superficial IHs were enrolled in this study. Each lesion was evenly divided into two parts. One part was treated with 5% imiquimod cream once every other day, and the other part was smeared with 0.5% timolol maleate eye drops thrice daily. After 16 weeks of treatment, the thickness, color and size of each lesion were measured, and the side effects were recorded.

Results: The efficacy rates for imiquimod and timolol maleate were 81.4 and 88.9%, respectively, but the difference between treatments was not significant. However, timolol maleate showed better effects for color involution, onset time and side effects than imiquimod.

Conclusion: Timolol maleate might be the first choice for the topical treatment of superficial IHs.