Propranolol given orally for proliferating infantile haemangiomas: analysis of efficacy and serological changes in vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in 35 patients

We investigated the clinical efficacy of propranolol in treating proliferating infantile haemangiomas, and the serological changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) during treatment. Propranolol was given orally to 35 infants with proliferating haemangiomas in a dose of 1.0–1.5 mg/kg/day. Hemisphere measurements, the 4-score method, and feedback from parents were used to evaluate the clinical curative effects. An ELISA was used to measure the serum concentrations of VEGF and eNOS before, and 1 and 2 months after, treatment. The response was excellent in 6 patients, good in 16, moderate in 10, and poor in 3. The peripheral serum concentrations of VEGF and eNOS 2 months after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (p < 0.01). We conclude that propranolol can be safely and effectively used to treat proliferating infantile haemangiomas. It can reduce the peripheral serum concentrations of VEGF and eNOS in affected children.