Assessment of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Propranolol for the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common vascular tumors affecting pediatric populations, often necessitating medical intervention due to their potential for complications. Propranolol has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for IHs, although optimal dosing regimens and treatment outcomes remain areas of ongoing research. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, safety profile, and clinical characteristics associated with propranolol treatment in pediatric patients with IHs. Eighty infants aged one month to 1 year were included in the study, with IH occurrence and treatment initiation predominantly observed within the first 12 months of life. Propranolol was administered orally at a starting dose of 2 mg/kg/day, titrated up to 3-4 mg/kg/day as tolerated. Assessment of therapeutic response revealed significant reductions in IH size and vascularity, with 31.3% of patients demonstrating an excellent response and 37.5% showing a good response. Adverse effects were minimal, with diarrhea (22.5%) and decreased heart rate (7.5%) being the most commonly reported side effects. Anatomical distribution analysis identified the parotid region as the most common site of lesion occurrence, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of IHs. Overall, our findings support the favorable outcomes of propranolol therapy in pediatric patients with IHs, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment approaches tailored to patient-specific characteristics.