STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers assessed studies using predetermined inclusion criteria.
DATA EXTRACTION:One reviewer extracted data with review by a second.
RESULTS:We included 18 studies in a network meta-analysis assessing relative expected rates of IH clearance associated with β-blockers and steroids. Oral propranolol had the largest mean estimate of expected clearance (95%; 95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI]: 88%-99%) relative to oral corticosteroids (43%, 95% BCI: 21%-66%) and control (6%, 95% BCI: 1%-11%). Strength of evidence (SOE) was high for propranolol's effects on reducing lesion size compared with observation/placebo. Corticosteroids demonstrated moderate effectiveness at reducing size/volume (moderate SOE for improvement in IH). SOE was low for effects of topical timolol versus placebo.
LIMITATIONS:Methodologic limitations of available evidence may compromise SOE. Validity of meta-analytic estimates relies on the assumption of exchangeability among studies, conditional on effects of the intervention. Results rely on assumed lack of reporting bias.
CONCLUSIONS:Propranolol is effective at reducing IH size compared with placebo, observation, and other treatments including steroids in most studies. Corticosteroids demonstrate moderate effectiveness at reducing IH size/volume. The meta-analysis estimates provide a relative ranking of anticipated rates of lesion clearance among treatments. Families and clinicians making treatment decisions should also factor in elements such as lesion size, location, number, and type, and patient and family preferences. Dr Chinnadurai contributed to the conceptualization and design of the original review and meta-analysis and helped assess studies, verify data, develop the analysis, and draft the initial manuscript; Dr Fonnesbeck contributed to the conceptualization and design of the original review and meta-analysis, conducted the metaanalysis, and helped verify data and draft the initial manuscript; Drs Likis and McPheeters contributed to the conceptualization and design of the original review and meta-analysis and helped assess studies, develop the analysis, and draft the initial manuscript; Drs Morad and Snyder contributed to the conceptualization and design of the original review and meta-analysis and helped assess studies, verify data, develop the analysis, and draft the initial manuscript; Ms Sathe contributed to the conceptualization and design of the original review and meta-analysis and helped evaluate studies, extract and verify data, develop the analysis, and draft the initial manuscript; and all authors approved the fi nal manuscript as submitted. Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common tumors of childhood. IH are benign but possess potential for permanent local tissue damage, ulceration, infection, bleeding, functional impact, and pain. Because of historical inconsistencies in naming conventions, the true prevalence of IH is unclear, but it is estimated that they affect ∼4% to 5% of children, 1 with higher prevalence in females and Caucasians. 2,3 ...