Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: September | Volume: 6 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 108-114
Is Steroids in Infantile Hemangioma: An Unnecessary Evil?
Divya Prakash1, Roshan Snehith2, Neharika3
1Senior Resident, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lucknow
2Senior Resident (Pediatric Surgery), Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala
3Assistant Professor, Dept. of Surgery, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, UP - 225003
Corresponding Author: Roshan Snehith
ABSTRACT
Aim: To compare the efficacy of propranolol alone versus a combination of propranolol and steroids in inducing regression of hemangiomas.
Methods: 3- groups were made. Oral Propranolol was given in incremental dosage for duration of 6 months. Oral Prednisolone was given and then tapered over 10weeks period. 3rd group was control group. Vitals (Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate and Blood glucose level), measurement and color of the lesion were checked at every visit or change of medication dosage.
Result: Maximum reduction of (69.5% versus 42.9%) in length and (72.4% versus 38.2%) in width was seen in patients receiving propranolol alone. Even though, there were statistically significant variations observed in the Systolic BP, Diastolic BP, Pulse rate and Blood Glucose level but clinically the variations were not significant. There were no major side-effects and impact of the medications on the vital parameters in each group. In control group, there was 10% and 12.6% mean reduction in the length and width of the lesion respectively during study period. Color reduced to light red color in 58% of patients and 26% of patients just had mild discoloration.
Conclusion: Propranolol alone is safe, superior and more effective in treating IH compared to the traditional first-line oral corticosteroid treatment. We can avoid the unnecessary serious adverse-effects of the steroids in small children.
Key words: Side effect, Lesion, IH
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