Propranolol for Severe Hemangiomas of Infancy

Abstract
Despite their self-limited course, infantile capillary hemangiomas can impair vital or sensory functions or cause disfigurement. Corticosteroids are the first line of treatment for problematic infantile capillary hemangiomas1,2; other options include interferon alfa3 and vincristine.1 We have observed that propranolol can inhibit the growth of these hemangiomas. Our preliminary data from 11 children are summarized in Table 1 in the Supplementary Appendix, available with the full text of this letter at www.nejm.org.