Faculty Collaboration Database

Propranolol reduces infantile hemangioma volume and vessel density. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012 Aug;147(2):338-44

Date

06/14/2012

Pubmed ID

22691693

DOI

10.1177/0194599812451570

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84867339608 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   38 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in infantile hemangioma tissue before and after propranolol therapy, using gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review.

SETTING: Tertiary pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records and image studies of head and neck infantile hemangioma patients treated with propranolol, identified in a quality improvement database, were reviewed. Patients with imaging before and at least 4 weeks following the initiation of treatment were included. Data collected included sex, age, location, and concurrent treatment. Student t tests were used to evaluate change in cutaneous lesion area, volume, and vessel density. Logistic regression was used to compare lesion area, volume, and vessel density.

RESULTS: Of the 177 patients identified, 19 met inclusion criteria. Fourteen of 19 were female, and 5 of 19 were older than 1 year. Mean lesion area change with treatment was 13.0 cm(2) (range, -2.8 to 28.9 cm(2), P = .05). Measured volume change was a mean of 10.3 cm(3) (range, 1.5-19.2 cm(3), P = .01). Mean vessel density change was 4.4 vessels per cm(2) (range, 2.5-6.3 vessels per cm(2), P < .01). Treatment decreased clinically determined hemangioma area proportionately less than gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound measured lesion volume. Gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound measured treatment response did not differ with sex, lesion location, or age at propranolol initiation.

CONCLUSION: Gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound imaging of propranolol-treated infantile hemangiomas detected a significant reduction in lesion volume and vessel density. Patient age at propranolol treatment and concomitant corticosteroid use did not affect lesion volume change.

Author List

Bingham MM, Saltzman B, Vo NJ, Perkins JA

Author

Nghia (Jack) Vo MD Chief, Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Child, Preschool
Female
Hemangioma
Humans
Infant
Male
Propranolol
Skin Neoplasms