Management of hemangiomas by propranolol: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects: retrospective study about 15 cases

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of cutaneous hemangioma at the Niamey National Hospital. This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of 2 years, in the Unity of Dermatology and Venerology. Out of a total of 1648 consultations in 2 years, 33 cases of cutaneous angioma were identified; which represented 2%. The prevalence was predominantly female (80%) and the sex ratio M/F was 0.25. The age group 0-5 months was more represented (66.7%) with ages ranging 2 days and 24 months. Of the 33 cases of angioma, 25 were hemangiomas and 8 were malformations without any cardiac anomalie. Patients retained for the study were those with hemangioma (25 cases with 76%) who received the Propranolol protocol used in the oral dosage of 1 mg/kg/day for 24 months. Only 15 patients recovered totally from hemangioma. Tolerance was good in 93.3%. Conclusion: Several therapies still show their limit. Due to the often serious side effects with corticosteroids, treatment based on betablockers can be a way of the future, given the satisfaction of results and the good tolerance to these molecules.

Adverse effects of propranolol in a fulminant ulcerated infantile hemangioma

“…Usually, the first clinical signs include blackish spots on the surfaces of red zones [8]. Moreover, white discoloration of an IH or its margins appears to be highly sensitive and relatively specific for predicting ulceration in an IH [11,12]. Such ulceration may be very painful and complicated by secondary infection and bleeding, which may lead to severe anemia and the need for transfusion.…”