OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of oral propranolol in the treatment of periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma.

METHODSA retrospective review of patient medical records was performed. 12 patients (9 female, 3 male; 1.5-8.5 months, average 3.3 months) with periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma underwent oral propranolol therapy. The dosage was slowly increased to 2 mg/kg daily in divided doses for a mean duration of 16 weeks (range 4 weeks-41 weeks). Therapeutic outcomes and safety were established by evaluating colour, size of lesion, duration of treatment and side-effects of treatment before and after treatment.

RESULTSOf these, 9 had a signification reduction in colour and size of the lesions, 2 had no further growth. 1 is stopped therapy due to hypotension after drug administration. 11 other patients, although mild adverse effects were noted, no symptoms were severe enough to discontinue treatment.

CONCLUSIONSPropranolol appears to be a safe and effective treatment in the management of periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma.