Propranolol for treatment of ulcerated infantile hemangiomas

Background: Ulcerated infantile hemangiomas (IH) are a therapeutic challenge. Propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, was recently introduced as a novel treatment for IH. Objective: To evaluate our experience of propranolol in the management of ulcerated IH. Methods: A national, multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted. Data were collected from the medical charts of patients treated from 2008 to 2009 and supplemented by information obtained from parents during targeted telephone interviews. Results: Thirty-three infants with propranolol-treated ulcerated IH were included. The average time to complete ulceration healing was 4.3 weeks in 30 of 33 patients and was significantly faster for head-and-neck locations (P = .0354). The mean time to complete pain control was 14.5 days. Parents rated treatment as very effective for 27 of 31 patients and very well tolerated for 29 of 31 cases. Limitations: This was a retrospective uncontrolled study. Conclusion: Propranolol appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ulcerated IH. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2011;64:827-32.)