Topical timolol in the treatment of periocular superficial infantile hemangiomas: a prospective study / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy and side effect of topical beta-blocker (Timolol Maleate) in the treatment of periocular hemangioma in a prospective study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>432 outpatients with infantile hemangioma visited our special clinic service in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from July 2010 to December 2011. Among them, 12 superficial periocular lesions were selected in the study. Timolol was used topically on the lesion in every 12 hours. Two independent special doctors evaluated the results according to the pictures before and after four-week application of timolol.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Were categorized into four levels: continuous growth (the lesion continues to grow), stable (no visible change), moderate (0-50% of regression) , perfect (more than 50% of improvement). Result of the 12 outpatients, 4 showed perfect result, 2 moderate, 4 stable and 2 continuous growth. No side effect was observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Topical timolol is effective and safe in the treatment of superficial periocular infantile hemangioma. It could be considered as the first line treatment of proliferative superficial hemangioma.</p>

A prospective study of propranolol as first-line treatment for problematic infantile hemangioma in China / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety or propranolol as a first-line treatment for problematic infantile haemangioma in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From Mar. 2009 to Feb. 2010, 78 patients with problematic infantile hemangioma were included in the prospective study. The characteristics of the tumor, including sex, age, site, complications, were recorded. The response to treatment at 1 week, at 1 month and at the end of treatment was evaluated. The efficacy of treatment was graded as no response, stabilization, or accelerated regression. The indications for treatment, side effects and relapse after treatment were documented. The mean follow-up period was 16.7 months (range, 12.1-23.6 months).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Oral therapy was initiated at mean age of 3.7 months (range, 1.1-9.2 months) as first-line therapy. The mean age at the end of treatment was 11.2 months (range, 5.2-22.3 months). The treatment was lasted for 7.6 months (range, 2. 1-18.3 months). One week after treatment beginning, the hemangioma growth was controlled in all the patients. The accelerated regression was achieved in 88.5% (69/78) of patients after one week of treatment, and 98.7% (77/78) of patients after 1 month of treatment and at the end of treatment. Ulceration was occurred in 14 cases before treatment, which was healed after treatment for 2 months. Minor side effects were happened in 15.4% (12/78) of patients. Rebound growth of lesion was noticed in 35.9% (28/78) of patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Propranolol is effective in the treatment of infantile hemangioma with minor side effect. We suggest it should be used as the first-line treatment.</p>

Clinical application of imiquimod for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical application of imiquimod for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>320 children with IH, including 250 superficial cases, 20 deep cases, and 50 mixed cases, were treated with 5% imiquimod cream every other day for 16 weeks. The clinical efficacy and side effects were evaluated at one year of age.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rates of the superficial, deep, and mixed IH were 61.2% (153/250), 10.0% (2/20) and 60.0% (30/50) respectively, showing no statistical difference between superficial and deep type (P = 0.874), but significant difference between superficial and mixed (P < 0.01), deep and mixed type (P < 0.01). 56.0% (28/50) of mixed IH showed proliferation of its deep lesions. Slight skin erythema and crusting were the most common side effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>5% imiquimod cream is effective and safe in superficial IH and superficial lesions of mixed IH with minimal skin reactions. The dysplasia of local tissue and systemic growth retardation are not found. It should be avoided to apply the cream to IH located around the cavities and skin fold. Imiquimod cream is a simple and convenient home-nursing medication. It can reduce care burden of family. Thus topical use of imiquimod can be considered as a good clinical indication for the treatment of superficial lesions of IH.</p>