A New Perspective for Infantile Hepatic Hemangioma in the Age of Propranolol: Experience at Baskent University

Exp Clin Transplant. 2017 Mar;15(Suppl 2):74-78. doi: 10.6002/ect.TOND16.L19.

Abstract

Propranolol was first used in 2008 to treat hemangioma; its efficacy and safety have since changed the classical treatment indications. Infantile hepatic hemangioma presents as a spectrum of clinical conditions varying from simple asymptomatic lesions to lethal complications. Tufted hemangioma and Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma are congenital vascular tumors that lead to Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Hemangiomas, like pure arteriovenous malformations, can cause hyperdynamic heart failure, and diffuse nodular-type hemangiomas can present with hypothyroidism. Respiratory problems and hepatic failure can be associated with diffuse nodular-type liver hemangiomas. There is a spectrum of approaches to management, varying from "watchful waiting" to liver transplant. In the age of propranolol, there has been a prominent change in the infantile hepatic hemangioma treatment algorithm. Our suggestion is early treatment with 3 mg/kg/day propranolol plus 1.0 to1.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone in all patients. This protocol is the most effective strategy for type 3 infantile hepatic hemangioma. Approximately one-third of patients with abdominal compartment syndrome in the era before propranolol treatment required liver transplant; this new treatment obviates transplant for many of these patients.

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Algorithms
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Critical Pathways
  • Female
  • Hemangioma / drug therapy*
  • Hemangioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Propranolol / adverse effects
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Turkey
  • Universities*

Substances

  • Prednisolone
  • Propranolol