Treatment of infantile subglottic hemangioma with oral propranolol

Pediatr Int. 2016 May;58(5):385-388. doi: 10.1111/ped.12813. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Abstract

Infantile subglottic hemangioma (SH) can cause biphasic stridor, respiratory distress and even life-threatening airway compromise. Treatment of SH in infants has traditionally been characterized as a challenging situation with multiple therapeutic options without consensus as to which one is the best and with risks of severe side-effects. Four infants with SH were treated with propranolol. Treatment with oral propranolol resulted in resolution of symptoms within 2 days, followed by complete recovery. Propranolol appears to be an effective treatment for SH and should be used as a first-line treatment for SH when intervention is required.

Keywords: infant; propranolol; subglottic hemangioma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports