Aesthetic Outcome of Propranolol vs Atenolol Treatment of Children with Infantile Haemangioma

Infantile haemangiomas are common benign tumours of infancy, which can be treated effectively with beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Different ty-pes of beta-blockers may result in different long-term aesthetic outcomes. This study evaluated the differen-ce in long-term aesthetic outcomes between infantile haemangiomas treated with either propranolol or ate-nolol, including the perspective of physicians, parents, and children. Children, aged >= 6 years, treated with pro-pranolol or atenolol for infantile haemangioma during infancy, participated in this 2-centre cross-sectional study. The primary endpoint was change in appearan-ce of the infantile haemangioma from pre-treatment to follow-up, using a physician-rated visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were the Patient Ob-server Scar Assessment Scale (physician-and parent -rated) and a VAS (child-rated), assessing the residual lesion. In total, 103 children (35 treated with propra-nolol, 68 with atenolol) were analysed. No differences were found between children treated with propranolol and children treated with atenolol on physician-rated VAS (p = 0.10) or any secondary outcomes. Physicians indicated a large aesthetic improve ment from pre-treatment to follow-up. Physicians, parents and child-ren were positive about the current state of the residu-al lesion. Minor sequelae were common (86%). These results, in combination with the favourable safety pro-file of atenolol, should be considered when choosing beta-blocker treatment for infantile haemangioma.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the long-term aesthetic outcomes of treating infantile haemangiomas with propranolol or atenolol, based on the perspectives of physicians, parents, and children. The results showed no significant differences between the two treatments in terms of aesthetic outcomes. Physicians, parents, and children had a positive outlook on the residual lesion.