New opportunities in the conservative therapyof hemangiomas in children

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