Oral propranolol is successful in treating periocular infantile haemangiomas.

A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has confirmed the safety and efficacy of oral propranolol for the treatment of periocular infantile haemangiomas.

Dr Tara G. Missoi et al., Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri–Columbia, Missouri, USA, treated periocular hemangiomas from 17 children with oral propranolol 3 times a day. To document haemangioma, size serial examinations and external photography were used. The starting dose was 0.5mg for 1 week, then 1mg for 1 week and 2mg for the remainder of treatment.

Findings demonstrated that propranolol reduced the size of all infantile haemangiomas. Astigmatism was lowered by 33%, surface area reduced by 39% and vision was equalized in all but 1 child. The mean change in surface area was 61% of the original size. In 2 patients there was some rebound growth that did not require retreatment. Amblyopia was found in 7 patients and 1 patient experienced a benign episode of bradycardia.

Early use of propranolol is effective in treating and improving visual acuity in periocular infantile hemangiomas.