Hypoglycemia in children taking propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangioma.
BACKGROUND
Propranolol hydrochloride has been prescribed for decades in the pediatric population for a variety of disorders, but its effectiveness in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) was only recently discovered. Since then, the use of propranolol for IHs has exploded because it is viewed as a safer alternative to traditional therapy.


METHODS
We report the cases of 3 patients who developed symptomatic hypoglycemia during treatment with propranolol for their IHs and review the literature to identify other reports of propranolol-associated hypoglycemia in children to highlight this rare adverse effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Although propranolol has a long history of safe and effective use in infants and children, understanding and recognition of deleterious adverse effects is critical for physicians and caregivers. This is especially important when new medical indications evolve as physicians who may not be as familiar with propranolol and its adverse effects begin to recommend it as therapy.
Holland
Kristen E
KE
Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. kholland@mcw.edu
Frieden
Ilona J
IJ
Frommelt
Peter C
PC
Mancini
Anthony J
AJ
Wyatt
David
D
Drolet
Beth A
BA
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007223:Infant; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001786:Blood Glucose; D011433:Propranolol