ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the efficacy and safety of oral propranolol in the treatment of periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A 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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Propranolol appears to be a safe and effective treatment in the management of periorbital proliferating phase infantile hemangioma.</p>