Treatment of Facial Infantile Hemangioma: Comparative Study Between Propranolol and Ethanolamine Oleate

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign vascular tumors in childhood. Approximately 10% to 15% of these tumors require drug or surgical intervention. There are many options for IH treatment, of which propranolol is currently considered the gold standard. This study aims to compare the therapeutic results of 2 distinct drugs (ethanolamine oleate and propranolol), in order to increase the available therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of IH, thereby benefiting a larger group of patients. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted to assess 16 patients with facial IH, allocated into 2 groups (n = 8). All patients met the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. The resulting evolution assessment was based on photographic documentation produced in a professional setting, and was performed before, during, and after treatment. Two measurement scales, photographic-based assessment of infantile hemangioma characteristics, and outcomes were used for comparison between the 2 therapeutic methods. Results: Both assessment methods did not present any significant statistical difference (P > 0.05) at 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion: Both therapeutic modalities are able to offer the patient similar and satisfactory final esthetic results. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Cassio Eduardo Raposo-Amaral, MD, PhD, Institute of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, SOBRAPAR Hospital, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; E-mail: cassioraposo@hotmail.com Received 15 December, 2017 Accepted 20 February, 2018 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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