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Evidence summaries

Propranolol for Infantile Hemangiomas

Propranolol may reduce the size of infantile hemangiomas Level of evidence: "C"

The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients) and indirectness (differences between the population of interest and those studied: most patients were older than the age when hemangiomas proliferate).

Summary

A trial 1 included 40 children between the ages of 9 weeks and 5 years with facial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) or IHs in sites with the potential for disfigurement. The patients were randomly assigned to receive propranolol or placebo oral solution 2 mg/kg per day divided 3 times daily for 6 months. Children younger than 6 months were admitted to the hospital for monitoring after their first dose at weeks 1 and 2. Blinded volume measurements showed significant differences in the percent change in volume between groups, with the largest difference at week 12. Significant decrease in IH redness and elevation occurred in the propranolol group at weeks 12 and 24 (P = .01 and .001, respectively).

Date of latest search: 20.7.2013

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