title: Topical timolol for small hemangiomas of infancy.
abstract: Propranolol has become the treatment of choice of large and complicated infantile hemangiomas. There is a controversy concerning the safety of systemic propranolol. Here we show that topical use of the beta-blocker timolol can also inhibit the growth and promote regression of infantile hemangiomas. In this case series we treated 11 infantile hemangiomas in nine children including six preterm babies with the nonselective betablocker timolol. A timolol containing gel was manufactured from an ophthalmic formulation of timolol 0.5% eyedrops. This gel was applied using a standardized occlusive dressing (Finn-Chambers) containing approximately 0.25 mg of timolol. In all infants topical timolol was associated with growth arrest, a reduction in redness and thickness within the first 2 weeks. Seven hemangiomas showed almost complete resolution, and four became much paler and thinner. No data are available on the transdermal absorption of timolol. Even supposing complete absorption of timolol from the occlusive dressing, a maximum dose of 0.25 mg of timolol would result per day and hemangioma. Regression of infantile hemangiomas treated using 0.5% timolol gel in this case series occurred earlier than spontaneous regression which is generally not observed before the age of 9-12 months. The promising results need to be verified in prospective randomized trials on topical beta blocker administration for infantile hemangiomas which should address dose, duration, and mode of application.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany. moehrle@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moehrle
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Léauté-Labrèze
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Röcken
authors.forename: Christian-F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Poets
authors.forename: Rangmar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goelz
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D013999:Timolol