Effectiveness of Oral propranolol versus topical timolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma – A prospective single centre study

Kranti Swagatika  Guru; Sanjib Kumar  Meher; Saujanya  Behera

Authors

Kranti Swagatika Guru Junior Consultant, Department of Pediatric Surgery, VSSIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, India
Sanjib Kumar Meher Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, VSSIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, India
Saujanya Behera Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics Medicine, VSSIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, India,

Keywords:

Infantile hemangiomas, propranolol, timolol maleate, treatment efficacy, early intervention

Abstract

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common vascular tumors in infancy, with oral propranolol established as an effective treatment since 2008. However, due to systemic side effects, topical timolol has emerged as an alternative, necessitating a comparison of their efficacy and safety.

Methods: A prospective review was conducted at VSSIMSAR, Burla, over two years, involving 104 children (3 months–4 years) with superficial infantile hemangiomas. Patients were randomized into two groups receiving either oral propranolol (1.5- 2 mg/kg daily) or topical timolol maleate (0.5% twice daily) for up to six months. Treatment response was assessed through lesion size reduction and classified using Achauer’s four-point scale.

Results: Both propranolol (95%) and timolol (93.4%) demonstrated high efficacy, with propranolol showing a faster response. At one month, 10 children in the propranolol group showed significant reduction versus 5 in the timolol group. By six months, 45 and 42 children achieved marked improvement, respectively. Propranolol was associated with mild systemic side effects, while timolol was well-tolerated.

Conclusion: Both propranolol and timolol effectively treated infantile hemangiomas, with propranolol acting faster but with mild systemic effects. Early intervention is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Author Biography

Sanjib Kumar Meher, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, VSSIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, India

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