2023 Volume 43 Issue 3 Pages 127-133
Introduction: Recently, oral propranolol (PPL) therapy has become commonplace for infantile hemangiomas (IH) in Japan. However, there are few reports on its use in low-birthweight infants, and no clear treatment protocol or safety profile has been established. In this study, we report four cases of IH in low-birthweight infants presenting a good therapeutic effect without adverse events following treatment with oral PPL.
Methods: This study included low-birthweight infants diagnosed with IH, presenting functional impairment, cosmetic problems, and risk of ulceration, and who were judged as suitable for treatment with PPL in our department between November 2018 and October 2021. PPL was started at 1 mg/kg/day and titrated every 2 days, with a maintenance dose of 2 mg/kg/day, according to recommendations.
Results: No patients developed complications. Tumor reduction was observed in all patients.
Discussion and Conclusion: Oral PPL may be a relatively safe treatment for low-birthweight infants. Evidence of the oral PPL use in low-birthweight infants with a high incidence of IH should be accumulated to establish a safer and more effective standard of care.
