Combination of Laser Therapy and Oral Propranolol Therapy for Infantile Hemangioma

Abstract

Although infantile hemangioma regresses spontaneously, disappearance is incomplete, and there are many complications and sequelae during the course of the disease. Since the efficacy of propranolol treatment was reported in 2008, oral propranolol treatment has become the first choice for infantile hemangioma. On the other hand, dye laser treatment has little effect on early shrinkage of the tumor, but it destroys the blood vessels on the skin surface and produces a discoloration effect. In addition, oral propranolol and laser therapy are also used in combination at many facilities, and are used together with the expectation of a synergistic effect, especially in large, severe cases, or in cases of exposed areas that pose major cosmetic problems. We look back on the history of infantile hemangioma treatment while viewing the treatment experience at our department, and consider the indications and significance of propranolol and laser combination therapy, as well as future issues.