Two very low birth weight infants of infantile hemangioma treated with propranolol from early infancy

Abstract

 Infantile hemangiomas are common in preterm and low birth weight infants. Infantile hemangiomas proliferate most rapidly during the proliferating phase, especially between 5.5 and 7.5 weeks of age. However, the safety of propranolol in low birth weight infants and infants younger than 5 weeks has not been established. We treated two premature and very low birth weight infants with propranolol for infantile hemangiomas from early infancy. In a case we had treated successfully, but in another case we had to discontinue propranolol therapy after 6 weeks treatment because of liver dysfunction. It was effective, but safety needed attention. Even preterm and low birth weight infants may be given propranolol early to prevent the sequelae of infantile hemangiomas with careful monitoring. But if side effects are observed, we should discontinue administration.