Effect of propranolol in cutaneous and intracavitary hemangiomas

Objectives: The objective was to study the role of propranolol in decreasing the size and severity of hemangioma. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in JNMC, AMU, Aligarh, India, on 100 patients who were divided according to their age group among infants (0-1 year), children (1-14 years), and adults (>14 years). Intracavitary hemangioma was diagnosed with ultrasonography/magnetic resonance imaging scan. Treatment with oral propranolol was started after ruling out any contraindication to therapy. The patients were assessed according to the Hemangioma Activity and Severity Index (HASI) at the start and at the end of treatment. The treatment outcome and side effects were recorded. Results: Among the total patients studied, there were more number of adult patients in this study, most of them were male. There were more number of patients of extracutaneous hemangioma, most of which were intra-abdominal. The difference of location of hemangioma and age group was observed, with intra-abdominal hemangiomas being more common in adult patients and cutaneous hemangioma being more common in infant and pediatric age group. The propranolol therapy was effective in all age groups, with mean HASI being reduced significantly between start and end of treatment at 16 weeks (P = 0.001). There was regression in a good number of patients with partial regression in 55% of patients and complete regression in 32.5% of patients. Minor side effects of hypoglycemia, palpitation, and episodic bradycardia were observed in very few patients. Conclusions: Propranolol is effective in reducing the size and severity of hemangiomas among all age group of patients without causing any severe side effect.