Topical Beta Blockers versus Oral Beta Blockers for Treatment of Periocular Infantile Haemangioma

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v42i3.2344

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the safety and efficacyyof topical versus systemic (oral) beta-blockersin the treatment of infantile hemangiomas involving periocular region at early proliferative stage.

Study Design:  Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration:  This study was done at Paediatric Ophthalmology Department,College of AlliedVisionSciences, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from December 2020 to June 2021.

Methods:  A total of 26 patients were divided into two groups. Group A was given oral beta blockers and Group B topical beta blockers for infantile hemangioma. Oral propranolol in the dose of 1mg/Kg twice daily was given to Group A and increased to 2mg/Kg twice daily after two weeks. In Group B Timolol maleate 0.05% solution was given to be rubbed on the affected skin for five seconds twice a day. Patients were monitored for any local or systemic adverse effects. Response of patients to therapy was observed for next four months. Before and after therapy,HemangiomaActivity Score was used to record the proliferative activity, change in size of lesion and color.

Results:  The mean age of patients was 26.0± 14.5 months in group A and 25.4±12.0months in group B respectively. There was a significantimprovement in the Hemangioma Activity Score(P ˂ 0.001) within the same group after treatment. However, difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P value 0.78).

Conclusion:  In early proliferative stage of infantile hemangioma, oral and topical beta-blockers are equally effective.