Evaluation Of Role Of Propranolol In The Treatment Of Haemangiomas And Vascular Malformations

Abstract

Introduction:Haemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) aredifficult to classify and manage.The treatment of these lesions is individualized.Aims &Objectives:We evaluate the role of propranolol in the management of haemangiomas and vascular malformations.Methods& Material: All patients attending Plastic surgery OPD with resistant or difficult haemangiomas and vascular malformations of all ages were included in this study. The patients were started on oral propranolol in the dose of 0.2 mg/kg and gradually increased over a period of 1 week to 2 mg/kg given in 2 to 3 divided doses. Patients were reviewed weekly for the 1st two weeks and twice weekly for next 6 weeks and monthly thereafter on the basis of size of the lesion, colour of the lesion, consistency of the vascular anomaly.Results: 20 patients were included in our study - 9 patients with infantile haemangiomas, 6 patients with venous malformations and 5 patients with AVM.All 9 patients with haemangiomas had more than 25% reduction in the size of the lesion.Eleven of the 20 patients included in this study reported improvement in skin discoloration. Thus,haemangiomas had statistically significant benefit (P<0.05) with regards to change in size and skin discoloration whereas the results in vascular malformations were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There were no complications with propranolol at dose of 2mg/kg/day.Conclusion: Oral propranolol in the dose of 2 mg/ kg/day is an effective treatment modality for the infantile haemangiomas but not an effective treatment modality for the treatment of vascular malformations.. [Yogesh S SEAJCRR 2018; 7(4):1-8]