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Propranolol for infantile haemangioma

Author: Daniel Jun Yi Wong, Medical Student, University of Melbourne, 2012.


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What is propranolol?

Propranolol is a medicine from the class of beta-blockers. It has been used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other medical conditions for decades. Since 2008 it has also been used off-license for the treatment of complicated infantile haemangioma. The majority of infantile haemangiomas are not at risk of complication and do not require treatment.

Oral propranolol is available as tablets and liquid suspension. It has also been used as a 1% ointment. A similar medication, timolol, is available as a topical solution.

How does propranolol work in infantile haemangioma?

Propranolol is thought to inhibit the growth of blood vessels and constrict existing blood vessels within the haemangioma.[1] It acts on beta adrenergic receptors to decrease the release of blood vessel growth-signalling molecules (vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor) and by triggering programmed cell death.[2]

When should propranolol be considered?

In many cases, haemangiomas are small and hidden; once they have reached their full size, they can be expected to slowly shrink over the next few years. These do not require treatment. However, propranolol should be considered when there is a risk of a complication. Indications for treatment include infantile haemangiomas that are growing in high risk sites where they may interfere with normal function such as breathing, feeding, vision and hearing, such as:

  • Within the airway
  • Around the eye
  • Around the mouth or on the lips
  • Within the ear canal
  • On the tip of the nose
  • Large lesions on the face
  • Napkin area
  • Skin creases
  • Haemangiomas that have a steep or stepped border, thick pebbled surface or combined superficial and deep components
  • PHACES syndrome (large segmental facial haemangioma)
  • PELVIS syndrome (large segmental lumbosacral haemangioma)
  • Multiple haemangiomas including visceral (internal) lesions.

Infantile haemangioma treated with propranolol

How effective is propranolol at treating infantile haemangioma?

Propranolol is most effective when started during the growth phase of the haemangioma, in infants up to 6 months of age; they may begin to respond within 24 to 48 hours. The haemangioma softens (decrease in volume) and darkens in colour. The optimal duration of treatment is yet to be established, though most reports are of use for 3-12 months. Rebound growth may occur on cessation and gradual weaning may be required.

Propranolol may also be effective if it is started after the growth phase, even over the age of 12 months. It may speed up the rate at which the haemangioma decreases in size and eventually disappears. Some residual skin changes such as telangiectasia (dilated capillaries), scarring or fibrofatty residue may remain.[4]

For ulcerated infantile haemangiomas, propranolol shortens the time to healing and helps decrease pain. [5-6]

The effects of propranolol for infantile haemangioma

What are the risks and side effects of propranolol?

Propranolol is generally safe and well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon, and more likely in low birthweight babies, but may include:[7-8]

  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • slowed heart rate (bradycardia)
  • low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia)
  • restless sleep
  • irritability and fussiness
  • cold extremities
  • constipation.

It is generally recommended when starting propranolol to monitor closely for cardiovascular effects and blood sugar.

Topical timolol is rarely associated with adverse effects but cardiovascular effects should be monitored especially in low birthweight infants.

Propranolol should be used with caution for children with multiple haemangiomas if there is involvement of blood vessels in the brain or heart. For example, PHACES syndrome, PELVIS syndrome or diffuse neonatal haemangiomatosis.

It is not always effective, so the haemangioma may persist and continue to grow larger.

Is propranolol better than steroid for infantile haemangioma?

Most dermatologists and other physicians now prefer to use propranolol as a first line treatment for those infantile haemangiomas that require treatment. There is increasing evidence that propranolol is safer and possibly more effective in treating infantile haemangioma compared to systemic steroid. Propranolol causes fewer side effects, less ulceration, and a lower requirement for surgery after treatment.[9] A consensus statement was prepared by the Australasian Vascular Anomalies Network and the Australasian Paediatric Dermatology Network (2017). [14] In summary:

  • Infants with haemangiomas that are life-threatening, at risk of ulceration, or at risk of causing a significant functional impairment, psychological impact of physical deformity should be treated early with oral propranolol.
  • Oral propranolol is safe and effective and in most healthy infants, oral propranolol can be started in an outpatient setting. 

Other treatments

Propranolol can be combined with pulsed dye laser (which treats superficial haemangioma).

New Zealand approved datasheets are the official source of information for these prescription medicines, including approved uses and risk information. Check the individual New Zealand datasheet on the Medsafe website.

 

References

  1. Hogeling M, Adams S, Wargon O. A randomized controlled trial of propranolol for infantile hemangiomas. Pediatrics. 2011 Aug;128(2):e259–66. PubMed
  2. Sans V, Dumas de la Roque E, Berge J, et al. Propranolol for Severe Infantile Hemangiomas: Follow up report. Pediatrics. 2009 Sep;124(3):e423–31. doi: 10.1542/peds.2008-3458. PubMed
  3. Bagazgoitia L, Torrelo A, Gutierrez JC, Hemandez-Martin A, Luna P, et al. Propranolol for infantile hemangiomas. Pediatr Dermatol. 2011;28(2):108–14. PubMed
  4. Zvulunov A, McCuaig C, Frieden IJ, Mancini AJ, Puttgen KB, et al. Oral propranolol therapy for infantile hemangiomas beyond the proliferation phase: a multicenter retrospective study. Pediatr Dermatol. 2011;28(2):94–8. PubMed
  5. Saint-Jean M, Leaute-Labreze C, Mazereeuw-Hautier J, et al. Propranolol for treatment of ulcerated infantile hemangiomas. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 64:827. PubMed
  6. Hermans DJ, van Beynum IM, Schultze Kool LJ, et al. Propranolol, a very promising treatment for ulceration in infantile hemangiomas: a study of 20 cases with matched historical controls. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 64:833. PubMed
  7. Lawley LP, Siegfried E, Todd JL. Propranolol treatment for hemangioma of infancy: risk and recommendations. Pediatr Dermatol 2009; 26: 610. PubMed
  8. de Graaf M, Breur JM, Raphael MF, et al. Adverse effects of propranolol when used in the treatment of hemangiomas: a case series of 28 infants. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 65:320. PubMed
  9. Price CJ, Lattouf C, Baum B, et al. Propranolol vs corticosteroids for infantile hemangiomas: a multicenter retrospective analysis. Arch Dermatol 2011: 147:1371. PubMed
  10. Xu G, Lv R, Zhao Z, Huo R. Topical propranolol for treatment of superficial infantile haemangiomas. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012:67;1210–3. PubMed
  11. Leaute-Labreze C, Dumas de la Roque E, Hubiche T, et al. Propranolol for severe hemangiomas of infancy. NEJM 2008;358(24):2649–51. PubMed
  12. Wedgeworth E, Glover M, Irvine AD, et al. Propranolol in the treatment of infantile haemangiomas: lessons from the European Propranolol In the Treatment of Complicated Haemangiomas (PITCH) Taskforce survey. Br J Dermatol. 2016;174(3):594–601. PubMed
  13. Léaute-Labrèze C, Boccara O, Degrugillier-Chopinet C, et al. Safety of oral propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangioma: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2016;138(4):e20160353. PubMed
  14. Smithson SL, Rademaker M, Adams S et al. Consensus statement for the treatment of infantile haemangiomas with propranolol. Australas J Dermatol. 2017 May;58(2):155–159. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12600. Epub 2017 Mar 1. PubMed PMID: 28251611. PubMed.

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