The efficacy of a combination of oral low-dose prednisolone with propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangioma

Pradyumna Pan

Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology 2018 19(3):230-235

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are very common vascular tumors. Corticosteroid and propranolol are drugs for the treatment of hemangioma. High dose given for longer duration causes higher side effects. Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of this study was to determine the outcome of a combination of low-dose oral prednisolone with oral propranolol for the treatment of IH. Methods: The study comprised 42 consecutive patients with IH managed with low-dose oral prednisolone and oral propranolol between 2013 and 2016. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were registered through the outpatient department. Diagnosis was confirmed clinically and on Color Doppler. All the patients were given oral prednisolone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day and propranolol at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day. Treatment was given for 4 months and then titrated down for 2 months before the cessation of treatment. Results: Distribution was more on head, face, and neck. The median age at the start of treatment was 4.7 months. Out of the total 42 patients, forty patients responded to therapy (95.2%). Results were found to be excellent in 57.14% of infants and good in 30.95%. Treatment failure was seen in 4.7%. Side effects were not serious and resolved when treatment was discontinued. Rebound growth occurred in two infants (4.7%). No patients suffered drug morbidity. Conclusion: The frequency of acceptable outcome of a combination of low-dose oral prednisolone with oral propranolol for the treatment of IH shows high efficacy, low severe complication rate, and rapid clinical improvement.