title: Adverse effects of propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas in China.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The β-blocker propranolol was discovered to be highly effective for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs), since 2008. Although some side effects have been reported earlier, no serious side effects of its use have been reported so far in Asia, especially in China. To determine the safety of this therapy, the side effects were analyzed in 97 infants who used propranolol (2 mg kg(-1)·d(-1)) against hemangioma from 2010 to 2011.
  
  
  METHODS
  Routine blood and urine tests, hepatic and renal function tests, myocardial enzyme, electrolytes and blood sugar levels at baseline were performed. Electrocardiogram monitoring was performed 48 h after administration of the first dose (2 mg kg(-1)·d(-1)). Every patient (n = 97) was required to report to the hospital once a month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The following adverse effects were observed: bronchial hyperactivity (n = 5), cyanosis and cold extremities (n = 1), agranulocytosis (n = 1), and low body temperature (n = 1). These side effects were reported for the first time in Asia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although propranolol is effective against IHs, its potential side effects should be considered and appropriate monitoring performed. Further studies need to be conducted to determine the optimal dose and duration of propranolol treatment for large and complex hemangiomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Central South University, XiangYa Hospital , Changsha, Hunan , China.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jian
authors.forename: Xiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Karishma
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Babajee
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xinling
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Hongfu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Ji
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000139:chemically induced; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol