Cardiac screening in patients with infantile hemangiomas before propranolol treatment

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the cardiac findings of patients with Infantile hemangiomas (IH) prior to propronalol treatment and to compare our findings with literature data and verify the need for detailed cardiac screening. Materials and Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of patients diagnosed with IH who underwent cardiac screening between October 2021 and October 2022. Charts were reviewed and symptoms, heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram findings were recorded for each patient. Results: Of the 50 patients, 30 were female. The mean age and weight were 7.1±7.3 months and 7.6±3.0 kg. Electrocardiography screening did not reveal any contraindication for treatment. Propranolol significantly reduced heart rate and systolic blood pressure (baseline: 120.2±10.5 bpm/89.6±17.6 mmHg; 1st week: 118.5±10.4 bpm/88.7±17.5 mmHg; 2nd week: 117.8±9.5 bpm/88.7±17.3 mmHg; 2nd month: 116.5±9.4 bpm/88.6±17.3 mmHg). Diastolic pressure reduction was significant only between ‘baseline- 1st week and ‘baseline- 2nd month (58.9±15.6 vs 58.2±15.8 mmHg; 58.9±15.6 vs 57.9±15.5 mmHg, respectively). Conclusion: Screening electrocardiography and hospitalization for initiation of propranolol therapy is not necessary in most infants. Given the low frequency of complications, it seems medical history and physical examination are the cornerstones for safe initiation and monitoring of β-blocker treatment. Electrocardiography and BP control should be part of the pretreatment evaluation in high-risk patients.