title: Low-dose propranolol for multiple hepatic and cutaneous hemangiomas with deranged liver function.
abstract: We report here the case of an infant with multiple hepatic and cutaneous infantile hemangiomas (IHs) associated with deranged liver function who was treated successfully with low-dose propranolol. We also discuss our recent data that show that IH is a developmental anomaly of hemogenic endothelium derived from primitive mesoderm with a neural crest-cell phenotype. We previously presented evidence that this hemogenic endothelium is governed by the renin-angiotensin system, which we propose can account for both the action of propranolol and the process of spontaneous involution of IH. We further speculate on the possibility of using inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and that of angiotensin II receptor 2 as potential alternative therapies.
authors.affiliation: Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, High Street, Private Bag 31-907, Lower Hutt, New Zealand. swee.tan@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
authors.forename: Swee Thong
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Tinte
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Itinteang
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leadbitter
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol