Oral Propranolol Combined with Topical Timolol Maleate for the Treatment of Compound Infantile Hemangioma in Parotid Region

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical results and safety of oral propranolol combined with topical timolol maleate for the management of infantile hemangioma in parotid region. Between October 2014 and June 2017, 25 infants with parotid hemangiomas were treated with a combination of oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate. There were 10 males and 15 females, aged from 2 to 10 months with a mean age of 4.5 months. Propranolol was administrated at a dose of 1.0-1.5 mg/kg body weight, and the drug was taken once per day. All lesions were also administrated using topically timolol maleate in every 12 hours. The blood pressure, heart rate values, and adverse events were recorded during hospitalization. The electrocardiogram was reviewed one month after discharge. The therapeutic outcomes and safety were assessed by the changes of color, size of tumor, and adverse effects throughout the course of treatment. The mean therapy duration was 5.6 months ranged from 3 to 10 months. Of 25 the patients, 17 demonstrated excellent response, 8 showed good response. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were all decreased to some extent in the children after administration, but the difference was not statistically significant (all P > 0.05), and also was not associated with any clinical symptoms. No serious adverse effects were encountered. Oral propranolol combined with topical timolol maleate was an effective treatment for infantile parotid hemangioma with minor side effects, and might be used as the first-line treatment selection.