Refractive and structural changes in infantile periocular capillary haemangioma treated with propranolol

Treatment outcomes of oral propranolol in the treatment of periocular infantile capillary hemangioma and factors predictive of recurrence and incomplete resolution: A multi-centric study

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes of periocular capillary hemangioma with oral propranolol (OP) and list the factors predictive of recurrence and incomplete resolution after treatment.

METHODOLOGY

Data were collected by retrospective review of medical files of patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) treated with OP during January 2014-December 2019 from two tertiary eye institutes from India. Patients presenting with symptoms of IH with/without any history of prior treatment were included. All patients were started on OP with the dose of 2-2.5 mg/Kg body weight and continued till complete resolution or till the lesion reached a plateau response. Details about the ophthalmic examination at each visit and availability of imaging findings were noted down from the records. Primary outcome: Study the treatment outcome of patients treated with OP and discussed our observations regarding factors that may predict nonresponse, poor response, or recurrence. Secondary outcome: complications/side effects of therapy. Response to treatment was judged as fair, good, and excellent depending on resolution <50%, >50%, and complete resolution, respectively. Univariate analysis of factors related to treatment response was judged as fair, good, and excellent depending on resolution <50%, >50%, outcome and recurrence was studied using Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were included in the study, out of which 17 were female and 11 were male. The mean age of onset of the lesion was 1.08 (± 1.484) months, 11 being congenital in origin. The mean age at presentation was 4.15 (± 2.92) months. 46.43% (n = 13) of patients showed complete resolution, while 25% (n = 7) showed more than 50% reduction in lesion size. Fair response was noted in 28.57% (n = 8). The mean duration of follow-up after stopping OP was 17.7 (± 20.774) months. The recurrence rate noted was 14.28%. The factors which were associated with incomplete resolution were age at presentation >3 months, later age of appearance of the lesion, superficial lesions with no orbital involvement. Male gender and congenital lesions responded best to OP therapy. Minor complications were noted with a rate of 25% (n = 7). Younger age at presentation was more commonly associated with complications.

CONCLUSION

OP is a safe and effective treatment for capillary hemangioma except for a smaller subset of patients who show suboptimal response to this drug. However, specific factors responsible for suboptimal response or recurrence after OP therapy remain elusive. Although not statistically significant, there was an increasing trend toward higher age at presentation, low birth weight, and superficial lesions with a poorer response. Furthermore, these factors along with the male gender were commonly associated with recurrence in our series. Larger prospective studies focused on evaluating clinical factors responsible for incomplete resolution and recurrence will help in prognosticating and suggesting alternative treatment regimes.

Effect of Oral Propranolol on Periocular Infantile Capillary Hemangioma: Outcomes Based on Extent of Involvement

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of oral propranolol in the treatment of periocular infantile capillary hemangioma (CHI) based on the involvement of embryological facial placodes and their extent of anatomical involvement.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 27 patients.

RESULTS

The mean age at the presentation of periocular CHI was 4 months (median, 3 months; range, <1-14 months). There were 11 (41%) males and 16 (59%) females. Based on embryological facial placodes, the involvement was focal in 16 (59%) cases and segmental in 11 (41%) cases. Based on the anatomical distribution, the lesions were preseptal in 4 (15%), postseptal in 13 (48%), and combined in 10 (37%) cases. The duration of use of oral propranolol was 10 months (median, 10 months; range, 4-16 months). Overall, the mean % resolution of periocular CHI was 78% (median, 90%; range, 20%-100%). The mean percentage resolution of focal lesions was 69% (median, 83%; range, 20%-100%), and segmental lesions were 92% (median, 95%; range, 70%-100%). The mean percentage resolution of preseptal component of lesions was 94% (median, 95%; range, 80%-100%) and postseptal component was 74% (median, 85%; range, 20%-100%) over a mean follow-up period of 16 months (median, 15 months; range, 4-37 months). Four (15%) patients exhibited flare-up of lesion after tapering oral propranolol.

CONCLUSION

Oral propranolol is effective in the treatment of periocular CHI. Segmental and preseptal lesions respond better to the treatment compared to focal and postseptal lesions.

Surgical Intervention of Periocular Infantile Hemangiomas in the Era of β-Blockers

PURPOSE

To examine the role of adjuvant surgical resection of infantile hemangiomas after systemic β-blocker therapy.

METHODS

This is a multicentered retrospective study. Standard protocol for oral propranolol was employed by the referring physicians. Ocular indications for surgery included ptosis obstructing the visual axis, high degrees of astigmatism causing amblyopia, or disfigurement from residual tumor. Patients underwent complete excision or debulking.

RESULTS

Eleven girls and 4 boys were surgically treated with mean operative age of 34.4 months. Patients were followed for a mean of 19.6 months after surgery. Four patients required surgical treatment due to an inability to tolerate medical therapy secondary to drug-related side effects (including bradycardia). The other 11 patients proceeded to surgery due to residual eyelid and orbital lesions despite medical treatment. All 15 patients underwent orbitotomy for residual hemangioma excision. Four patients also underwent simultaneous levator advancement at the time of excision. In all cases, there was resolution of ptosis with clearing of the visual axis. No complications were incurred during the surgical treatment and there were no hemangioma recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report surgical management of periocular infantile hemangiomas recalcitrant to standard therapy in the β-blocker era. In patients with infantile hemangioma who have failed medical therapy, adjuvant surgical treatment still plays an important role. For patients with persistent tumor causing ocular sequelae, surgical intervention aimed at soft tissue debulking and ptosis repair can be successful in achieving excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal side effects.For patients with periocular infantile hemangiomas with residual soft tissue deformity following propranolol therapy, surgical treatment plays an important role in improving functional and cosmetic outcomes with minimal side effects.

To compare intralesional and oral propranolol for treating periorbital and eyelid capillary hemangiomas

Purpose:

A pilot randomized control trial to compare the efficacy and side effects of intralesional and oral propranolol in periorbital and eyelid capillary hemangiomas.

Methods:

Twenty patients were prospectively randomized to two groups of ten each. Group 1 was initiated on oral propranolol 1 mg/kg/day titrated to final dose of 3 mg/kg/day over 1 week which was continued for 6 months and then tapered over 1 week; Group 2 received 3 doses of direct intralesional propranolol hydrochloride 1 mg/ml; 0.2 ml/cm 4–6 weeks apart. Hemangioma area and corneal astigmatism were measured.

Results:

Within each group at 6 months there was a significant reduction in area (group 1: 83.48 ± 11.67%, P = 0.0019; group 2: 67.78 ± 21.71%, P = 0.0019) and improvement in astigmatism (pre, post: group 1: 2.98D @ 179.8°, 1.13D @ 179.8°, P = 0.0045; group 2: 1.62D @ 90.16°, 0.75D @ 179.9°, P = 0.0001). There was no difference in area reduction (P = 0.056), change in appearance (P = 0.085), ptosis (P = 0.23) and side effects (lethargy, poor feeding; P = 0.171) between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Efficacy and side effects with intralesional propranolol are comparable to oral propranolol for periorbital and eyelid lesions.

Effect of oral propranolol on periocular Capillary Hemangiomas of Infancy

BACKGROUND

To assess the safety and efficacy of oral propranolol in the management of periocular Capillary Hemangiomas of Infancy (CHI).

METHODS

Medical records of 21 infants diagnosed with periocular capillary hemangioma during a period of 5 years from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The data collected included demographic details, clinical features and details of imaging studies and response to the therapy. All patients received oral propranolol under the supervision of a pediatrician. The initial dose was 0.2-1 mg/kg body weight, which was increased to 2 mg/kg body weight (3 divided doses) in 48 h if there was no adverse reaction to the initial dose. The response to the treatment was assessed clinically as well as by radiographic imaging. Photographic documentation was done periodically.

RESULTS

Out of 21 patients, 18 were females and remaining three were males. The median age at the time of presentation was 4 months. The most common presenting feature was lid mass (n = 17, 80%) followed by proptosis (n = 7, 33%). Reddish discoloration of face was seen in 2 (1%) patients. All patients showed reduction in the size of the lesion. None of the patients included in this study had any adverse reaction to propranolol or recurrence following cessation of the therapy.

CONCLUSION

Oral propranolol is highly effective and safe in the treatment of periocular capillary hemangiomas in infants.

The Use of β-Blockers for the Treatment of Periocular Hemangiomas in Infants: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

PURPOSE

To review the published literature assessing the efficacy of β-blockers for the treatment of periocular hemangioma in infants.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in May 2018 in PubMed with no date restrictions and limited to studies published in English and in the Cochrane Library database without any restrictions. The combined searches yielded 437 citations. Of these,16 articles were deemed appropriate for inclusion in this assessment and assigned a level of evidence rating by the panel methodologist.

RESULTS

None of the 16 studies included in this assessment were rated level I, 3 were rated level II, and 13 were rated level III. The most common treatment regimen was 2 mg/kg daily oral propranolol, but intralesional and topical β-blockers were also used. Treatment effect was most often measured in terms of reduction in the size of the lesions, which occurred in the majority of patients. β-Blockers were consistently shown to reduce astigmatism, but this reduction was shown to be statistically significant in only 2 series. The effect of β-blockers on amblyopia was not adequately documented. β-Blockers were generally well tolerated and had mild side effects (fatigue, gastrointestinal upset/diarrhea, restlessness/sleep disturbances, minor wheezing, and cold extremities). Complications severe enough to require cessation of treatment occurred in only 2 patients out of a total of 229 who received β-blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence to support the safety and efficacy of both topical and systemic β-blockers to promote regression of periocular hemangiomas. Additional research may confirm the best dosage and route of administration to maximize efficacy in reducing induced astigmatism and amblyopia associated with periocular hemangiomas while minimizing side effects.

Orbital infantile haemangioma: radiological features and treatment - case series and literature review

AIM

The aim of this study is to report a retrospective case series on orbital infantile haemangiomas (OIH). Radiological features and treatment with oral propranolol (OP) are illustrated along with an updated literature review.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of six children, diagnosed with OIH from November 2015 to October 2016, was carried out. Only children with deep documented orbital involvement were included. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under general anaesthesia. OP was administered to the infants according to the Nottingham Children's Hospital guideline. As per the guideline, a preliminary paediatric assessment was performed and a 1 mg/kg test dose was administered, followed by definitive treatment at a dosage of 2 mg/kg in three divided doses.

RESULTS

Average age at presentation was within the first 3 weeks of life. T1 hypointensity, T2 hyperintensity, avid enhancement with contrast, and the presence of flow-voids appear a fixed pattern of OIH on MRI. Response to treatment was noticed within 4 weeks in all children, and two of them (33.3%) responded within the first 7 days. In two children (33.3%), the haemangioma became clinically undetectable by the seventh month of treatment, while the other four (66.6%) experienced an almost complete regression of the OIH by the last follow-up. No complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series strengthens the understanding that MRI is the preferred imaging modality in the investigation of OIH, showing vascular features, detailed orbital extension, and possible associated malformations. OP is the treatment of choice for OIH, and our study confirms its safety and effectiveness.

Medical Management of Vascular Anomalies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This chapter will summarize the most recent literature regarding the current state of medical treatment for vascular anomalies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research into the biology of these anomalies has strengthened our understanding of each anomaly and has helped to pave the way for more tailored treatment options involving molecular and/or genetic targets.

SUMMARY

While there is still a role for surgical intervention, medical therapies that target the etiology of vascular anomalies may represent an alternative or adjunctive approach in the management of these lesions.

Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Periocular Infantile Hemangioma Treated With Oral Propranolol: A Case Series

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of propranolol (3 mg/kg/day) in the treatment of periocular infantile hemangioma (IH) based on clinical and radiological findings.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Study of previously untreated infants with IH conducted at the ophthalmology outpatient service of HC-FMUSP (Brazil). The patients were submitted to a complete ophthalmologic examination, gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Lesion regression was evaluated clinically and radiologically during follow-up. The sample consisted of potentially amblyogenic and disfiguring lesions. The dose was increased at weekly intervals, from 0.5 mg to 3 mg/kg/day. The age at onset of treatment was 2-28 months. Follow-up lasted up to 48 months.

RESULTS

Nine infants with periocular IH were treated with propranolol (oral) for 2-12 months (mean: 7.1 months). Clinical regression (attenuation of color and reduction in size) was observed in 88% during the first days of treatment. Partial recurrence was observed during follow-up in a patient treated for 6 months. On Doppler ultrasonography, during the first 6 months of treatment lesion volume and vascular density decreased while the arterial resistivity index (RI) increased, followed by a decline.

CONCLUSION

Propranolol at 3 mg/kg/day was clinically and radiologically efficacious against deep IH in the proliferative stage, with no recurrence in patients treated for 12 months. RI might help determine when treatment can be safely interrupted.

The changing face of complicated infantile hemangioma treatment

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors of infancy. A multidisciplinary approach including dermatologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, hematologists/oncologists and interventional/diagnostic radiologists is crucial for appropriate management of children with complicated infantile hemangiomas. Since its unforeseen discovery in 2008, propranolol has become the first-line treatment for infantile hemangiomas, eclipsing systemic corticosteroids and radiologic intervention. There are still, however, uncommon indications for more aggressive interventional management. We review the 2014-updated International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification for vascular anomalies. Additionally, we suggest management algorithms for complicated lesions, including recommendations for radiologic and surgical intervention.

Safety of Oral Propranolol for the Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Given the widespread use of propranolol in infantile hemangioma (IH) it was considered essential to perform a systematic review of its safety. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the safety profile of oral propranolol in the treatment of IH.

METHODS

We searched Embase and Medline databases (2007-July 2014) and unpublished data from the manufacturer of Hemangiol/Hemangeol (marketed pediatric formulation of oral propranolol; Pierre Fabre Dermatologie, Lavaur, France). Selected studies included ≥10 patients treated with oral propranolol for IH and that either reported ≥1 adverse event or effect (AE) or planned to capture AEs. Data capture was standardized and extracted study design, demographic characteristics, IH characteristics, intervention, and safety outcomes. AEs were assigned a system organ class and preferred term.

RESULTS

A total of 83 of 398 identified literature records met the inclusion criteria, covering 3766 propranolol-treated patients. The manufacturer's data for 3 pooled clinical trials (435 propranolol-treated patients) and 1 Compassionate Use Program (1661 patients) were included. AE data were reported for 1945 of 5862 propranolol-treated patients. The most frequently reported AEs included a range of sleep disturbances, peripheral coldness, and agitation. The most serious AEs (atrioventricular block, bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm/bronchial hyperreactivity, and hypoglycemia-related seizures) were managed by decreasing doses or temporary/permanent discontinuation of propranolol. Limitations included the variety of included study designs; monitoring, collection, and reporting of AE data; small sample sizes for some articles; and the wide scope of review.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral propranolol is well tolerated if appropriate pretreatment assessments and within-treatment monitoring are performed to exclude patients with contraindications and to minimize serious side effects during treatment.

Beta Blockers in the Treatment of Periocular Infantile Hemangiomas: A Review

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign tumor of infancy, and in the periocular region can be associated with permanent visual impairment from amblyopia. Previous treatment options included systemic and local corticosteroids, surgical excision, laser therapy, and in rare cases immunomodulatory therapy, many of which had variable outcomes with undesirable side effect profiles. Since their initial use for IH in 2008, beta blockers have become the mainstay of therapy for periocular IH due to their excellent clinical efficacy and tolerability. While the exact mechanism of action of beta blockers in IH has not been fully elucidated, both oral and topical therapy have demonstrated low rates of adverse events and improved outcomes in the management of periocular IH. This review summarizes the most recent studies on the clinical outcomes, management, and guidelines for the treatment of periocular IH with topical and oral beta blockers.

Infantile Periocular Haemangioma: Optimising the Therapeutic Response

Oral propranolol is now established as the first-line treatment for infantile haemangiomas, and used in up to 20 % of all cases. Propranolol use in infants is most commonly instigated in a controlled environment to monitor for potential serious adverse events such as hypoglycaemia and hypotension. Two test doses are recommended, the first one of 300 μg/kg followed by 2-hourly monitoring. On the subsequent day, a further dose of 650 μg/kg is administered with the same monitoring. A dose of 2 mg/kg divided into three is started from the next day. Parents/carers need to be warned of common adverse effects, of which disturbed sleep is the commonest. Treatment is recommended for up to a year to avoid rebound growth and the need to restart the treatment.

Visual acuity and astigmatism in periocular infantile hemangiomas treated with oral beta-blocker versus intralesional corticosteroid injection

BACKGROUND

Periocular infantile hemangiomas (PIH) can induce anisometropic astigmatism, a risk factor for amblyopia. Oral beta-blocker therapy has largely supplanted systemic or intralesional corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and time course of these treatment modalities on visual acuity and induced astigmatism.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with PIH treated with oral propanolol between November 2008 and July 2013 were retrospectively reviewed for data on visual acuity and astigmatism. Patients with incomplete pre- and post-treatment ophthalmic examinations were excluded. Results were compared to those of a similar cohort treated with intralesional corticosteroid injection.

RESULTS

Mean astigmatism in affected eyes was 1.90 D before propranolol and 1.00 D after; patients showed a monophasic reduction in astigmatism over 12 months. By comparison, patients treated with corticosteroid injection showed a biphasic response, with an immediate steep decrease followed by a slow monophasic decline, paralleling propranolol-treated patients. Oral propranolol treatment caused a 47% reduction in mean induced astigmatism, less than the 63% reduction reported for the cohort treated with corticosteroid. No patient had visual acuity in the affected eye more than 1 standard devation below the age-matched norm, and none experienced significant side effects when treated with oral propranolol.

CONCLUSIONS

In this patient cohort oral beta-blocker was well-tolerated. Treatment was therefore often initiated prior to the induction of significant astigmatism, with treatment effects comparable to steroid treatment. Visual outcomes were good. Early treatment may minimize the potential effect of astigmatism on postnatal visual development.

A randomized, controlled trial of oral propranolol in infantile hemangioma

BACKGROUND

Oral propranolol has been used to treat complicated infantile hemangiomas, although data from randomized, controlled trials to inform its use are limited.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, adaptive, phase 2-3 trial assessing the efficacy and safety of a pediatric-specific oral propranolol solution in infants 1 to 5 months of age with proliferating infantile hemangioma requiring systemic therapy. Infants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or one of four propranolol regimens (1 or 3 mg of propranolol base per kilogram of body weight per day for 3 or 6 months). A preplanned interim analysis was conducted to identify the regimen to study for the final efficacy analysis. The primary end point was success (complete or nearly complete resolution of the target hemangioma) or failure of trial treatment at week 24, as assessed by independent, centralized, blinded evaluations of standardized photographs.

RESULTS

Of 460 infants who underwent randomization, 456 received treatment. On the basis of an interim analysis of the first 188 patients who completed 24 weeks of trial treatment, the regimen of 3 mg of propranolol per kilogram per day for 6 months was selected for the final efficacy analysis. The frequency of successful treatment was higher with this regimen than with placebo (60% vs. 4%, P<0.001). A total of 88% of patients who received the selected propranolol regimen showed improvement by week 5, versus 5% of patients who received placebo. A total of 10% of patients in whom treatment with propranolol was successful required systemic retreatment during follow-up. Known adverse events associated with propranolol (hypoglycemia, hypotension, bradycardia, and bronchospasm) occurred infrequently, with no significant difference in frequency between the placebo group and the groups receiving propranolol.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial showed that propranolol was effective at a dose of 3 mg per kilogram per day for 6 months in the treatment of infantile hemangioma. (Funded by Pierre Fabre Dermatologie; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01056341.).

Monitoring propranolol treatment in periocular infantile haemangioma

OBJECTIVE

To develop a tool for assessing amblyopic risk and monitoring the treatment effect of propranolol in periocular haemangioma management.

METHODS

We present a study of nine children with periocular haemangioma who underwent propranolol treatment at York Hospital between 2009 and 2013.A proposed measure of amblyogenic risk based on the induced anisometropia resulting from a periocular haemangioma was calculated in the form of a single quantitative value, measured in dioptres. This calculation used published work and developed it to produce a new function, termed the delta defocus equivalent (DFE-∂).Refraction measurements were retrospectively collected from patients' notes in order to measure the trend of DFE-∂ over the treatment period with propranolol.

RESULTS

The average DFE-∂ at commencement of propranolol was 1.54 (±0.62) D. The average at the end of treatment was 0.39 (±0.38) D.

CONCLUSION

This work presents a possible tool for assessing amblyopic risk in cases of periocular infantile haemangioma. The DFE-∂ gives a measure in dioptres, which may represent the true amblyopic risk, and so be useful in supporting treatment decisions in paediatric ophthalmology.

Propranolol and periocular capillary hemangiomas: assessment of refractive effect

PURPOSE

To assess the effects of systemic propranolol on refractive error in infants with periocular capillary hemangiomas.

METHODS

A single-center study of consecutive patients with capillary hemangiomas treated with systemic propranolol. Refractive data were analyzed using Long's matrix formalism and the methods of Harris and Kaye.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included. At 6 months postoperatively, hemangioma size reduced from 3,214 to 1,806 mm(3) (standard deviation: 4,122 to 2,441). Mean refractive error in the affected eye significantly reduced: -1.25/0.38 × 36 (95% confidence intervals: -5.08/1.20 × 90 to 1.64/1.43 × 180, P = .048) with a smaller change (P = .06) in the unaffected eye of -1.01/+0.31 × 3.16 (95% confidence intervals: -4.02/+1.12 × 180 to +1.49/+0.51 × 90).

CONCLUSIONS

Propranolol produced a clinically significant reduction in the infants' refractive error and anisometropia. The reduction in the total refractive error and anisometropia has not been evident in previous analyses, which have concentrated on the change in the "cylinder" as the principal outcome measure.

Treatment of periorbital infantile haemangiomas: a systematic literature review on propranolol or steroids

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of propranolol versus corticosteroids for the treatment of periorbital infantile haemangiomas (IHs).

METHODS

A literature review using PubMed, Ovid Medline, EBSCO, Springer, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, CNKI and associated references before 2 March 2013 was conducted. The main outcomes were distribution of locations, response rate, rebound growth rate, spherical and cylinder power before and after treatment, amblyopia rate and adverse events.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies including 425 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 70.6% of patients were female, 89.6% of the periorbital IHs were located in the upper or lower eyelid area. The most common administration routes involved oral propranolol and intralesional injection of corticosteroids. The mean response rate was 94.0% for propranolol and 82.3% for corticosteroid (P = 0.001). The rebound growth rate was 13.9% for propranolol and 12.0% for steroids (P = 0.71). Astigmatism was reduced in both propranolol and steroid studies (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), but a significant reduction in spherical power was only demonstrated in propranolol studies (P = 0.005). A total of 31.1% of patients treated with corticosteroids developed post-operative amblyopia compared with 16.7% of patients treated with propranolol (P = 0.04). Oral propranolol seemed to induce more temporary adverse events than intralesional corticosteroids administration (24.0% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Propranolol may represent an effective therapy for periorbital IHs compared with the use of corticosteroids; however, further randomised control studies are needed to compare adverse events.

Infantile hemangioma: treatment with surgery or steroids

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) often pose a significant risk to visual development. The lesions interfere with visual development by causing deprivation, astigmatism, or strabismus. Propranolol has been suggested as the new standard of care for treatment of IH. Alternative treatments such as intralesional steroids or surgery may need to be considered as equal or better treatments in some cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of the various modalities for periocular IH.

METHOD

A literature search was conducted for IH and propranolol, steroids, and surgery. The pertinent published literature on surgical resection of IH were reviewed and summarized. A retrospective analysis was also performed of the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital (VCH) surgical case series of twelve children who underwent surgical resection of a sight threatening IH.

RESULTS

Seven articles reported twenty or more patients treated with propranolol for IH. Many of these patients only had a partial response to propranolol in spite of months of treatment. In addition to the impact on IH, propranolol has been demonstrated to block neural pathways critical for learning and memory. Twelve children underwent surgical resection of a visual threatening IH at VCH. Two of these children had failed treatment with oral propranolol. The average time of surgery was 80 minutes. All twelve children had immediate resolution of the visual compromise.

CONCLUSION

Early surgical intervention can successfully and quickly result in excellent visual and anatomic outcomes. Propranolol may have unrecognized neurocognitive impact and should be reserved for those lesions unamenable to surgical or local steroid injection.

Propranolol and infantile hemangiomas four years later: a systematic review

To systematically review the literature evaluating efficacy and adverse events of propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas, we searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for all studies examining the response of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) to propranolol published between June 12, 2008, and June 15, 2012. Forty-one studies with 1,264 patients were included; 74% of patients were female and approximately 30% had received other treatments before propranolol. Propranolol was initiated at a mean age of 6.6 months at a mean dose of 2.1 mg/kg/day and for a mean treatment duration of 6.4 months. The response rate for patients with IHs treated with propranolol was 98% (range 82%-100%), with response rate defined as any improvement with propranolol. Treatment response rates were comparable for studies evaluating IHs at specific sites, such as periorbital IHs. Studies that followed patients after treatment completion reported IH rebound growth in 17% of patients. There were 371 adverse events reported in 1,189 patients. The most common adverse events were changes in sleep (n = 136) and acrocyanosis (n = 61). Serious adverse events were rare, with reports of symptomatic hypotension in five patients, hypoglycemia in four, and symptomatic bradycardia in one. This systematic review of 1,264 patients treated with propranolol for IHs showed a high rate of efficacy and a low rate of serious adverse events.