PROPRANOLOL IN INFANTILE HEMANGIOMA TREATMENT – EXPERIENCE IN 2 CASES

Abstract

Introduction: Infantile hemangioma is the benign tumor more frequent in pediatric age. The majority was a good outcome however, depending on location they can distort important anatomic structures or take to local or systemic complications. In this context, since Léauté-Labréze published in 2008 their experience with propranolol, multiple case reports and small series have been reported in international literature where this drug is used “off-label” as first line therapeutic agent. The present work aims to report the experience of a department with propranol as first line drug in infantile hemangioma treatment in 2 patients.

Clinical cases: The patient 1 was a female with infantile hemangioma since 5 weeks old localized at the nose. The patient 2 was a male with two ulcerated infantile hemangiomas: one at the face, and another at the scrotum. Both underwent therapeutic induction with propranol on an inpatient basis, with a target dose of 2-3 mg/Kg/day. After a 6 months follow-up period, a good response was achieved with no complications noted.

Discussion: Propranol is a safe and effective alternative in hemangioma treatment. Although no complications were noted, they are described and occur mainly during the therapeutic induction, making important the clinical vigilance during this period.

KEYWORDS – Infant, Hemangioma; Propranolol; Skin Neoplasms; Therapy.