title: Topical propranolol for treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  "Wait-and-see" is a common principle for most superficial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) because of their expected involution. Topical propranolol has recently been reported to be an effective treatment for superficial IHs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1% propranolol ointment in the treatment of superficial IHs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed on 25 children (21 female and 4 male) with a median age of 4 months (range, 1-10 months). A total of 28 lesions were treated with 1% propranolol ointment. Topical propranolol was applied thrice daily for a mean duration of 21 weeks (range, 5-59 weeks). Changes in the size, texture, and color of the tumor were monitored and recorded at regular intervals. The treatment response was evaluated using a 3-point scale system: good, partial, and no response. Adverse effects after medication were evaluated and managed accordingly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 28 hemangiomas, 16 (57%) demonstrated good response, 9 (33%) showed a partial response, and 3 (10%) had no response. Among all the IHs, 90% showed either good or partial responses to topical 1% propranolol ointment treatment. No systemic complication was observed in any of the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This report is a retrospective uncontrolled study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical therapy with 1% propranolol ointment may be a safe and effective method for the treatment of superficial IHs and can be used as an adjuvant treatment measure during the wait-and-see period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Aesthetic Plastic, and Burn Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
authors.forename: Guangqi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Renrong
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lv
authors.forename: Zhongfang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Ran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huo
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D009824:Ointments; D011433:Propranolol