Hypoglycemia as a result of propranolol during treatment of infantile hemangioma: a case report

Pediatr Dermatol. 2011 Mar-Apr;28(2):169-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2010.01224.x.

Abstract

Propranolol is a new and promising treatment for hemangiomas of infancy. We report of a patient in whom steroid maintenance therapy is successfully tapered after introduction of propranolol. This patient, however, developed symptomatic hypoglycemic events presumably because of a concurrent deficiency of epinephrine and cortisol as a direct result of both beta-blockage by propranolol and adrenal insufficiency as a result of prednisone use. Extreme care should be taken in patients treated with both propranolol and prednisone as they are at increased risk of hypoglycemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Hemangioma / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / adverse effects*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Propranolol
  • Prednisone