ORAL VERSUS TOPICAL PROPRANOLOL IN MANAGEMENT OF INFANTILE HEMANGIOMA

Abstract

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common soft tissue tumors of infancy, which occur in 4% to 10% of children under 1 year of age. Female infants are three to four times more likely suffering from IH as male infants. Hemangioma may require no treatment except if any complications occur. Objective: To compare the efficacy of orally administered propranolol versus topical propranolol in the management of infantile hemangiomas in infants and children below 7 years of age. Patients and Methods: These studies were conducted on 40 patients attending to Egyptian Military Hospitals with Infantile hemangioma, and were divided into two groups: Group A received oral propranolol and Group B received topical propranolol for 6 months in both groups, this was from February 2019 to November 2019. Results: Oral and topical propranolol achieved a satisfactory results with no significant difference in both groups, with mean reduction in size of 36.55% and 34.54% respectively according to U/S. No significant difference in visual analogue scale (VAS). Complications rate among the two groups were 25% and 10% respectively in the form of relapse, hypoglycemia and broncho spasm in oral group, while relapse was with topical group. Conclusion: Oral and topical propranolol have a good effect in management of IH, with no significant difference of both. We recommend usage of topical propranolol as first option especially in superfacial type.