Oral Propranolol for Treatment of Pediatric Capillary Hemangiomas

PURPOSE To report the long-term results of treatment of pediatric capillary hemangiomas with oral propranolol. METHODS Three infants, 3 to 4 months of age, with periocular capillary hemangiomas were treated with oral propranolol solution (Inderal, 20mg/5ml) 2-3 mg/kg per day divided in 2 doses. Propranolol was continued up to the end of the first year of life and tapered over 2-3 weeks. All infants were followed for 20 months. Lesion size and evolution were assessed during the follow-up period. RESULTS Significant improvement was noted in all patients in the first 2 months of therapy with slow and continuous effect throughout the follow-up period. No serious complications were observed. CONCLUSION Oral propranolol can be used as a first line agent in children with capillary hemangiomas.