Evaluation of intralesional propranolol for periocular capillary hemangioma

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of intralesional propranolol injection in the management of periocular capillary hemangioma. METHODS A prospective study was performed in 22 consecutive patients with periocular hemangioma. Twelve patients underwent intralesional propranolol injection and ten patients underwent intralesional triamcinolone injection. The size of the lesion was measured serially every week during the first month, every 2 weeks for the second month, and then monthly for another 2 months. The refractive error and degree of ptosis if present were measured before injection and at the end of the study. RESULTS There was reduction in the size of hemangioma, astigmatic error, and degree of ptosis in both groups. The difference in outcome between both groups was not statistically significant. Rebound growth occurred in 25% of the propranolol group and 30% of the steroid group but responded to reinjection. No adverse effects were reported during or after intralesional propranolol injection. CONCLUSION Intralesional propranolol injection is an alternative and effective method for treatment of infantile periocular hemangioma.