The Use of Propranolol for Infantile Hemangioma: Consensus Recommendations

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign neoplasms that comprise proliferating endothelial-like cells. As many as 12% require treatment, but the need for FDA-approved therapies remains. In the past, standard treatments such as systemic steroids induced numerous adverse effects and variable responses. Since 1998, the nonselective beta adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol has become the first-line treatment for complicated IH; however, evidence-based recommendations are lacking, and initiation and safety protocols vary. A group of expert clinicians in dermatology, pediatrics, otolaryngology, cardiology, and hematology/oncology gathered to review the existing literature and current practices.

Propranolol therapy has been used safely for…