The Effect of Oral Propranolol versus Oral Corticosteroids in Management of Pediatric Hemangiomas

BACKGROUND Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of infancy. This study evaluated the efficacy of oral propranolol comparing to oral steroids in management of pediatric hemangiomas. METHODS In North India from January 2012 to January 2015, sixty children <6 years old with superficial hemangiomas were divided into 2 groups; oral propranolol vs. oral prednisolone. All participants were assessed for electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure and sugar and initial therapy was started using 1 mg/kg and in absence of adverse effects, 2 mg/kg was administered after 2 weeks. The hemangioma Activity Score (HAS) was used for scoring and patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS The propranolol group mostly showed early response to the drug and needed the drug for less time compared to corticosteroid group. In propranolol group, 16.5%, 23% and 59% needed the drug to be continued for 8-12, 4-8 and 4 months. In corticosteroid group, the therapy was continued for 8-12, and 4-8 months in 76.8% and 16.5% and in 6.6% was stopped within 4 months. In propranolol group, the response was 70% compared to 40% in other group. The mean HAS decreased significantly in propranolol group when compared to steroid group. Three patients on prednisolone developed Cushingoid features, while 1 patient in propranolol group had mild flue like symptoms. CONCLUSION Two mg/kg of oral propranolol significantly decreased HAS, when compared to oral prednisolone, with good parent satisfaction, minimal adverse effects and no recurrence/relapse of hemangiomas after a follow up period of 6 months.