Propranolol for the treatment of orbital infantile hemangiomas

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment of orbital infantile hemangiomas with systemic (oral) propranolol.

METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational case series of 5 infants who were diagnosed with orbital infantile hemangiomas between March and July of 2009.

RESULTS: The average age at presentation was 3.1 months (3 weeks to 9 months). The patients received oral propranolol, with dosage varying among study centers. The patients were treated for an average of 7.1 months. Treatment of 5 infantile hemangioma patients with oral propranolol produced a significant reduction in the size of the hemangioma in 4 (80%) of the patients and a minimal improvement in one patient. No patient had significant adverse events during the treatment period.

CONCLUSION: Oral propranolol may be an effective treatment for orbital infantile hemangiomas.