New opportunities in the conservative therapy of hemangiomas in children

Hemangiomas are the most common tumors of skin and soft tissues in children. In recent years, the number of patients suffering hemangiomas becomes increasing. Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of non-selective (3-blockers in treatment of hemangiomas in infants with short duration of the disease. Materials and methods. Propranolol, a non-selective (3-blocker, was chosen as a medication. Observed group was composed of 5 infants aged 1 year. Starting dosage of propranolol was 2-4 mg, with hemodynamic parameters being controlled before and after the drug administration. Target dosage was 2.0-2.5 mg/kg. Results. All children had a distinct clinical improvement after 1 week of propranolol treatment. In 4 infants Doppler mode ultrasound scan of hemangiomas demonstrated the hollowing of a feeding vessel. Resistance index was reduced in 4 infants. Shrinking of hemangiomas was stated in 2 infants during ultrasound scanning. All infants continue to be observed by surgeons and pediatricians. The drug is well-tolerated. Adverse effects during the treatment with propranolol have not be noticed, both during the in-patient and out-patient phase. Conclusion. Using propranolol as the first-line drug opens new possibilities in the conservative therapy of hemangiomas when surgical intervention is not possible.