Fucoidan suppresses proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process via Wnt/ß-catenin signalling in hemangioma.

Hemangioma is a common benign tumour that usually occurs on the skin of the head and neck, particularly among infants. The current clinical treatment against hemangioma is surgery excision, however, application of drug is a safer and more economical therapy for children suffering from hemangioma. As a natural sulfated polysaccharide rich in brown algae, fucoidan is widely recognized for anti-tumour bioactivity and dosage safety in humans. This study aims to demonstrate the anti-tumour effect and underlying mechanism of fucoidan against hemangioma in vivo and in vitro. We investigated the effects of fucoidan by culturing hemangioma cells in vitro and treating BALB/c mice bearing with hemangioma. At first, we measured the cell proliferation and migration ability through in vitro experiments. Then, we tested the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related biomarkers by western blot and qPCR. Furthermore, we applied ß-catenin-specific inhibitor, XAV939, to determine whether fucoidan suppressed EMT via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in hemangioma cells. In vivo experiments, we applied oral gavage of fucoidan to treat EOMA-bearing mice, along with evaluating the safety and efficacy of fucoidan. We found that fucoidan remarkably inhibits the proliferation and EMT ability of hemangioma cells, which is dependent on the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. These results suggest that fucoidan exhibits tumour inhibitory effect on aggressive hemangioma via regulating the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo, providing a new potent drug candidate for treating hemangioma.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with multiple hepatic and cutaneous hemangiomas in a female patient of Albanian origin: Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

We describe a 2-month-old female infant with macroglossia, macrosomia, omphalocele, neonatal hypoglycemia, earlobe creases, low nasal bridge, midface retrusion, syndromic facies and multiple cutaneous and hepatic hemangiomas (HH). Genetic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) with mosaic uniparental disomy 11 as the underlying genetic mechanism suggested by partial hypermethylation of H19/IGF2:IG-DMR and partial hypomethylation of KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR on chromosome 11p15.5. Pediatric endocrinology and cardiology assessments were normal. No malignant liver or renal tumors were detected during the follow-up period. Treatment with propranolol was started for the multiple HH, according to international recommendations. At 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow up, a gradual decrease in the size of the hemangiomas and AFP levels was observed, without side effects. This is the fifth case in the literature combining HH and BWS, and among these, the third case with this specific genetic defect suggesting a possible association between HH and BWS caused by 11 paternal uniparental disomy [upd(11)pat]. The case also highlights that if treatment is warranted, then oral propranolol can be used for the management of infantile HH in BWS patients similarly to non-BWS patients.

OTUB1 Catalytic-Independently Deubiquitinates TGFBI and Mediates the Angiogenesis in Infantile Hemangioma by Regulating Glycolysis.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma (IH) arises as a result of dysregulation of both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The deubiquitylase OTUB1 (OTU domain, ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1) has been reported to play an essential role in multiple cancers; however, its function in the progression of IH and the underlying mechanisms regulating angiogenesis remain unclear. METHODS: Transwell assays, EdU assays, and tube formation assays were performed to investigate the biological behavior of IH in vitro. IH animal models were established to estimate the progression of IH in vivo. Mass spectrometric analysis were conducted to detect the downstream of OTUB1 and ubiquitination sites of transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI). Half-life assays and ubiquitination test were performed to investigate the interaction between TGFBI and OTUB1. Extracellular acidification rate assays were employed to estimate the glycolysis level in IH. RESULTS: The expression of OTUB1 was obviously increased in proliferating IH as compared to the involuting and involuted IH tissues. Through in vitro experiments, the knockdown of OTUB1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human hemangioma endothelial cells, while the overexpression of OTUB1 promoted the proliferation, migration and angiogenic abilities of human hemangioma endothelial cells. The knockdown of OTUB1 significantly suppressed IH progression in vivo. Furthermore, TGFBI was predicted as a functional downstream target of OTUB1 in IH by mass spectrometry. Mechanistically, OTUB1 interacted with and deubiquitylated TGFBI on the K22 and K25 residues, which was demonstrated to be independent of the catalytic activity of OTUB1. The inhibitory effects of OTUB1 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration and tube formation ability of human hemangioma endothelial cells were reversed by TGFBI overexpression. Further, we found that OTUB1 mediated glycolysis by regulating TGFBI in infantile hemangioma. CONCLUSIONS: OTUB1 deubiquitinates TGFBI in a catalytic-independent manner and promotes angiogenesis in infantile hemangioma by regulating glycolysis. Targeting OTUB1 might be an effective therapeutic strategy for inhibiting IH progression and tumor angiogenesis.

Exploration of the optimal time to discontinue propranolol treatment in infantile hemangiomas: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Relapse of infantile hemangiomas after withdrawal from propranolol treatment is common. Early withdrawal is believed to increase the risk of relapse. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the optimal time to discontinue propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas. METHODS: A prospective study conducted at a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: Compared to withdrawal after 1-month maintenance treatment, withdrawal after 3-month maintenance, corresponding achieving maximum regression of infantile hemangiomas, was associated with a lower major relapse rate (P = .041). The relapse (P = .055) and adverse event rates (P = .154) between the 2 withdrawal modes were not statistically significant. Compared with direct withdrawal, the relapse (P = .396), major relapse (P = .963), and adverse event rates (P = .458) of gradual withdrawal were not statistically different. Patients with/without relapse could be best distinguished according to whether withdrawal followed a 3-month maintenance and age >13 months (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.603). Patients with/without major relapse could be best distinguished according to whether withdrawal was accompanied by 3-month maintenance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.610). LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study are nonrandomization and single-center design. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal propranolol withdrawal time to avoid relapse is when the patient is aged >13 months and the lesion has maintained for 3 months after reaching maximum regression, while the optimal time to prevent major relapse is after 3 months of maintenance.

A singleton pregnancy with placental chorioangioma and hydrops fetalis complicated with mirror syndrome and ritodrine-induced side effects: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ritodrine hydrochloride is a widely used beta-adrenergic agonist used to stop preterm labor in Taiwan. Many side effects causing maternal morbidity and mortality have been reported. We report a case complicated with ritodrine-induced side effects and mirror syndrome that was associated with placental chorioangioma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old singleton pregnant woman at 25 6/7 weeks of gestation, with an undiagnosed placental chorioangioma, underwent tocolysis due to preterm uterine contractions. Her clinical condition deteriorated, attributed to mirror syndrome and adverse events induced by ritodrine. An emergency cesarean section was performed at 27 1/7 weeks of gestation, delivering an infant with generalized subcutaneous edema. A placental tumor measuring 8.5 cm was discovered during the operation, and pathology confirmed chorioangioma. Gradual improvement in her symptoms and laboratory data was observed during the postpartum period. Identifying mirror syndrome and ritodrine-induced side effects poses challenges. Therefore, this case is educational and warrants discussion. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrates mirror syndrome induced by chorioangioma, which is rare, and ritodrine-induced side effects. The cessation of intravenous ritodrine and delivery are the best methods to treat maternal critical status due to fluid overload.

Microneedle delivery system with rapid dissolution and sustained release of bleomycin for the treatment of hemangiomas.

Hemangioma of infancy is the most common vascular tumor during infancy and childhood. Despite the proven efficacy of propranolol treatment, certain patients still encounter resistance or face recurrence. The need for frequent daily medication also poses challenges to patient adherence. Bleomycin (BLM) has demonstrated effectiveness against vascular anomalies, yet its use is limited by dose-related complications. Addressing this, this study proposes a novel approach for treating hemangiomas using BLM-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA)-based microneedle (MN) patches. BLM is encapsulated during the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres (MPs). The successful preparation of PLA MPs and MN patches is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The HA microneedles dissolve rapidly upon skin insertion, releasing BLM@PLA MPs. These MPs gradually degrade within 28 days, providing a sustained release of BLM. Comprehensive safety assessments, including cell viability, hemolysis ratio, and intradermal reactions in rabbits, validate the safety of MN patches. The BLM@PLA-MNs exhibit an effective inhibitory efficiency against hemangioma formation in a murine hemangioma model. Of significant importance, RNA-seq analysis reveals that BLM@PLA-MNs exert their inhibitory effect on hemangiomas by regulating the P53 pathway. In summary, BLM@PLA-MNs emerge as a promising clinical candidate for the effective treatment of hemangiomas.

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY-INDUCED ACUTE EXUDATIVE MACULOPATHY IN A CASE SERIES OF CIRCUMSCRIBED CHOROIDAL HEMANGIOMA.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence, features, and clinical outcomes of photodynamic therapy-induced acute exudative maculopathy (PAEM) in circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. METHODS: Prospective series of 10 patients who underwent standard-fluence photodynamic therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. Best-corrected visual acuity in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Score and swept-source optical coherence tomography were performed before PDT and 3 days and 1 month after PDT. Central retinal thickness, circumscribed choroidal hemangioma retinal thickness, and subretinal fluid were measured. Photodynamic therapy-induced acute exudative maculopathy was considered as an increase ≥50 µ m in subretinal fluid or intraretinal fluid or the appearance of fibrin 3 days after photodynamic therapy. RESULTS: Six men and four women were included; median age was 55 years (19-69 years). The incidence rate of PAEM was 7 of 10. Five PAEM patients showed an increase in intraretinal fluid, two in subretinal fluid, and one developed abundant fibrin. Median best-corrected visual acuity at baseline was 57.5 letters (5-76 letters) being stable at 1 month (64 letters; 5-80) ( P = 0.03). Median central retinal thickness increased from 516 µ m (262-1,265 µ m) to 664.5 µ m after 3 days and diminished to 245 µ m after 1 month (156-1,363) ( P ≤ 0.022). In 6 of 7 of PAEM, a complete resolution of the fluid was obtained. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy-induced acute exudative maculopathy was frequent in circumscribed choroidal hemangioma, although a favorable prognosis was observed in most cases.

Rare complication - skin atrophy - after systemic conservative therapy of infantile hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Hemangiomas, also called infantile hemangiomas (IH) or hemangiomas of infancy are the most frequently seen benign vascular tumors of infancy. Different types of hemangiomas are described in the literature. The current approach is to assess the risk and, if needed, first line treatment is to initiate systemic propranolol. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-month-old Caucasian female patient was brought as an outpatient. The main complaint was an infantile hemangioma in the facial area, which as per the parents' story appeared within a week of birth like a small reddish line and it rapidly grew. Systemic propranolol was proposed as a first-line treatment and the adverse effects were explained. The parents, afraid of the side effects, wanted to explore other possibilities such as topical timolol, however, since it had no effect, propranolol was initiated in the end. Hemangioma was completely reduced in size; however, a skin defect was detected. As per the dermatologist's counsel, topical cream was initiated. The skin defect was reduced but not fully healed. The child is still being monitored periodically. CONCLUSION: After successful treatment of hemangioma, we identified a skin defect, which was very similar to steroid-induced skin atrophy. However, we cannot attribute this to a single factor. The only thing that can be concluded is that the subject needs a thorough studying, since rate of infantile hemangioma is high, and pediatricians need a clear management strategy of how to approach skin atrophy after successfully treating the hemangioma itself.

Knowledge of community pharmacists on infantile haemangioma: Gaps and lack confidence to deliver propranolol still need to be filled.

AIM: To evaluate the knowledge, practices and self-confidence of community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students about infantile haemangioma (IH) and propranolol treatment. METHODS: A national survey was conducted in France from May 2022 to October 2022. A 42-item online questionnaire was used to assess pharmacists' knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical features and management of IH and propranolol treatment. RESULTS: The survey included 255 participants. The mean age was 34.9 years (±9.0); 225 (88%) were women. In all, 193 (76%) practised in urban pharmacies. Altogether, 83 participants (33%) had delivered oral propranolol solution for IH in the last 6 months. Participants' median score for self-confidence regarding propranolol dispensing was five (interquartile range, 2.5-6) on a scale of 1 to 10. Overall, 96 (38%) had more than 50% correct answers on the questionnaire. Multinomial regression models showed high scores on the questionnaire associated with high self-confidence when delivering oral propranolol solution, low number of years since graduation and having already delivered propranolol treatment. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a lack of knowledge of IH and modalities of propranolol treatment by community pharmacists and slight self-confidence when delivering propranolol. Greater cooperation between healthcare professionals could improve the proper use of medicine.

The burden of treatment of propranolol for infantile hemangiomas: A mixed methods study.

The burden of treatment (BOT) related to propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IH) has never previously been explored. A modified validated questionnaire, the Treatment Burden Questionnaire, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were used to assess the BOT for propranolol for IH. Out of 80 caregivers, the overall burden score was very low at 1.2 out of 10; thematic analysis of interviews grouped themes into administration, monitoring, financial, and associated anomalies. The BOT of propranolol for IH is very low but could be reduced further by offering age-based risk stratification related to feeding frequency and risk of hypoglycemia, pragmatic advice around timing of doses before sleep, and reducing frequency of vital sign monitoring.

Regimen for accelerated propranolol initial dosing (RAPID).

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas are common vascular tumors in children. Propranolol has proven effective in treating infantile hemangiomas and while generally safe, has potential risk for more serious side effects of hypoglycemia, hypotension, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and cardiovascular or respiratory compromise. Current prescribing guidelines recommend initiating propranolol doses at 1 mg/kg/day, with up-titration to 2 mg/kg/day. This study aims to compare the incidence of adverse events in infants and children treated with propranolol initiated at 1 mg/kg/day versus being initiated directly at 2 mg/kg/day. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records of patients receiving propranolol therapy for infantile hemangiomas between October 2018-March 2021 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Patients were categorized by initial propranolol dosage: 1 or 2 mg/kg/day. The primary outcome measures included parent-reported adverse events, hypotension (defined by the Pediatric Advanced Life Support criteria), and bradycardia (defined as <1st percentile for age) following propranolol initiation. RESULTS: Out of the 244 patients identified, 123 were initiated at the 1 mg/kg/day dose, and 121 at the 2 mg/kg/day dose. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (p = .057). Additionally, among patients initiated at 2 mg/kg/day, there were no significant differences in the incidence of age-related or weight-related adverse events for those younger than 2 months or those in the 1st or 2nd quartile for weight (p = .53). CONCLUSION: Infants and children initiated at 2 mg/kg/day did not demonstrate an increased incidence of adverse events associated with propranolol compared to those initiated at 1 mg/kg/day. These findings provide clinical evidence for the practice of accelerated propranolol initiation dosing.

Recent updates in laryngeal hemangioma management: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review of the current strategies in the management of laryngeal hemangiomas, with an aim to introduce a management algorithm that aligns with the variable clinical presentations and anatomical complexities of these lesions. METHODS: We conducted an extensive literature search across major databases using specific and general terms, combined with Boolean operators, to ensure comprehensiveness. Articles from January 2004 to August 2023 were included, with findings categorized by management approach. RESULTS: Laryngeal hemangiomas exhibit a spectrum of manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic lesions to those causing severe airway obstruction. Optimal management demands an individualized approach tailored to the patient's unique presentation and anatomical considerations. Diverse treatment modalities, each with distinct indications, advantages, and limitations, are explored. Notable highlights encompass the prominent role of Beta-blockers, notably Propranolol, in addressing problematic infantile hemangiomas, the nuanced efficacy of laser therapies contingent upon hemangioma type and depth, and the critical relevance of tracheotomy in emergencies. Novel approaches like transoral robotic surgery and transoral ultrasonic surgery, demonstrate promise in specific scenarios. We propose a management algorithm based on the complexity and presentation of laryngeal hemangiomas, emphasizing individualized treatment strategies, thereby addressing the unique challenges and nuances of each case. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal hemangioma management requires personalized approaches informed by diverse therapies, clinical expertise, and collaboration. The review introduces an algorithm spanning observation to advanced interventions, adapting to each case's complexity. Ongoing research promises innovative treatments.

Urgent Treatment of Complicated Ulcerated Infantile Hemangioma with ß-Blockers via Telemedicine: A Case Report.

Introduction: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) exacerbated by ulceration invariably necessitate hospitalization, although simple IHs are sometimes managed remotely. Furthermore, according to international regulations, ß-blocker medication for such hemangiomas should be systemic and performed in a clinic, especially if there is infection and risk of bleeding. Case: War in Ukraine made it impossible to hospitalize and properly examine a patient with a complex ulcerated and infected IH, forcing us to administer ß-blocker timolol therapy only through telemedicine. Conclusions: Our case demonstrates the possibility of successful distant treatment of IH with ulcer using only a topical ß-blocker carried out remotely through telemedicine, which is critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, war, hostilities, or natural disasters where inpatient treatment is not available.

Shikonin reverses pyruvate kinase isoform M2-mediated propranolol resistance in infantile hemangioma through reactive oxygen species-induced autophagic dysfunction.

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor in infancy. Propranolol, a nonselective ß-adrenergic receptor blocker, is now the first-line therapy for IH. Recently, low sensitivity to propranolol therapy has become one major reason for the failure of IH treatment. However, the exact underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we reported that pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), an essential glycolytic enzyme, played a critical role in regulating the progression of IH and the therapeutic resistance of propranolol treatment. Shikonin reversed the propranolol resistance in hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and in hemangioma animal models. Moreover, shikonin combined with propranolol could induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and lead to autophagic dysfunction, which is essential for the enhanced therapeutic sensitivity of propranolol treatment. Taken together, our results indicated that PKM2 has a significant role in hemangiomas progression and therapeutic resistance; it could be a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for those hemangiomas with poor propranolol sensitivity combined with shikonin.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000915 promotes propranolol resistance of hemangioma stem cells in infantile haemangiomas.

BACKGROUND: Propranolol is a first-line clinical drug for infantile haemangiomas (IH) therapy. Nevertheless, resistance to propranolol is observed in some patients with IH. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been increasingly reported to act as a pivotal regulator in tumor progression. However, the underlying mechanism of circRNAs in IH remains unclear. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect Circ_0000915, miR-890 and RNF187 expression. Protein levels were determined using western blot. CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Caspase-3 activity assay and flow cytometry were conducted to determine cell apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay was carried out to assess the interaction between miR-890 and Circ_0000915 or RNF187. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to detect the interaction between STAT3 and Circ_0000915 promoter. Biotin pull-down assay was used to detect the direct interaction between miR-890 and Circ_0000915. In vivo experiments were performed to measure tumor formation. RESULTS: Here, we discovered depletion of Circ_0000915 increased propranolol sensitivity of haemangioma derived stem cells (HemSCs) both in vitro and in vivo, whereas forced expression of Circ_0000915 exhibited opposite effects. Mechanistically, Circ_0000915, transcriptionally induced by IL-6/STAT3 pathway, competed with RNF187 for the biding site in miR-890, led to upregulation of RNF187 by acting as a miR-890 "sponge". Furthermore, silence of miR-890 reversed increased propranolol sensitivity of HemSCs due to Circ_0000915 ablation. Moreover, increased Circ_0000915 and RNF187 levels were observed in IH tissues and positively associated with propranolol resistance, miR-890 exhibited an inverse expression pattern. CONCLUSION: We thereby uncover the activation of IL-6/STAT3/Circ_0000915/miR-890/RNF187 axis in propranolol resistance of IH, and provide therapeutic implications for patients of IH with propranolol resistance.

Sirolimus for diffuse intestinal infantile hemangioma with PHACE features: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: We report a 3-month-old female with cardiovascular anomalies and diffuse intestinal infantile hemangioma (IIH) of the small bowel suggesting possible diagnosis of PHACE syndrome (posterior fossa anomalies, hemangioma, arterial lesions, cardiac abnormalities/coarctation of the aorta, eye anomalies). The GI symptoms persisted under treatment with propranolol, whereas the addition of sirolimus led to regression of the IIH. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE databases between 1982 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 4933 articles were identified; 24 articles met inclusion criteria with 46 IIH cases. The most common GI presentations were unspecified GI bleed (40%) and anemia (38%). The most common treatments were corticosteroids (63%), surgical resection (32.6%), and propranolol (28%). Available outcomes were primarily bleeding arrest (84%). Nine cases (19.5%) were diagnosed with definite PHACE, 5 (11%) with possible PHACE, and 32 (69.5%) no PHACE. Our case presented with symptoms most consistent with those of possible PHACE and definite PHACE. No cases in this review underwent treatment with sirolimus. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of successful treatment of IIH with sirolimus. Our case, along with other patients who present with IIH and PHACE features, suggests consideration of IIH as a diagnostic criterion for PHACE syndrome. IMPACT: This is the first reported case in which sirolimus showed regression of an intestinal infantile hemangioma. This study serves to demonstrate the presentation, treatment, outcomes of intestinal infantile hemangioma, and correlation with PHACE. The potential correlation between intestinal infantile hemangioma and PHACE deserves more study in consideration of intestinal infantile hemangioma as a diagnostic criterion of PHACE.

Efficacy of timolol in the treatment of facial hemangioma and its effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of hemangioma stem cells.

To investigate the efficacy of timolol in the treatment of facial hemangioma and the effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of hemangioma stem cells, 60 cases of children with IHs admitted to our hospital between 2020 and 2021 were selected and divided into two groups. The grouping was according to the lottery method, with 30 cases in each group. In the observation group, 0.5% timolol maleate eye drops were applied topically, and in the control group, propranolol hydrochloride tablets were administered orally to observe the efficacy of hemangioma, changes in hemangioma stem cells and the incidence of adverse reactions in both groups. Results showed that combined with the four-level score and ultrasound results, the number of effective treatment cases in the observation group was 28, which was higher than that in the control group, (P<0.05). The total number of adverse reactions in the observation group was 2, with an incidence rate. Under the intervention conditions of timolol, the proliferation level of hemangioma stem cells was inhibited, and the apoptosis rate of hemangioma stem cells increased with the increase of culture time (P<0.05). Among them, the apoptosis rate of the timolol group was higher than that of the blank control group at the same time point (P<0.05), and the difference was most significant at 48h (P<0.001). In conclusion, Timolol can effectively treat facial hemangioma in children, inhibit the proliferation of hemangioma stem cells and promote their apoptosis, with good curative effect, short treatment time and no obvious adverse reactions and it is economical and easy to accept.

Can Propranolol Affect Platelet Indices in Infantile Hemangioma?

INTRODUCTION: Propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker used in the medical treatment of infantile Hemangioma (IH), has been shown to decrease the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and reduce angiogenesis with its antiproliferative and antiangiogenetic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It has been reported that the storage, transport, and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are associated with platelet volume indices (PVI). We aimed to investigate the effect of propranolol on PVI in IH patients. Propranolol treatment was started on 22 IH patients. Platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit values in the follow-ups at months 0, 1, and 2 were compared between 22 patients who received treatment and 25 patients who did not. RESULTS: While a statistically significant difference between months 0, 1, and 2 in PDW and MPV values was detected in the treated group, it was not detected in the untreated group. Taking into consideration that VEGF levels were higher at the beginning of the treatment in the pathophysiology of the disease, it was thought that the decrease in VEGF levels by propranolol may have led to a decrease in MPV and PDW levels in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Consequently, in IH cases, propranolol response follow-up can be evaluated with PVIs, especially MPV and PDW, and it may facilitate clinicians' monitoring of the disease after propranolol administration.

Practice Variations in Managing Infantile Hemangiomas.

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor of infancy. For children with IH who require treatment, propranolol and other beta blockers have been shown to be safe and effective. Although consensus guidelines for managing IH have been published, anecdotal experience suggests that there remain variations in management. This study was performed to document these variations amongst providers and to identify areas for future research. We conducted an Internet-based survey of clinicians who treat patients with IH. Hypothetical cases and management scenarios were presented. Twenty-nine respondents participated in the survey. Most respondents use generic propranolol in infants with growing IH of the head and neck, with a goal dose of 2 mg/kg/d, until ~1 year of age. A variety of management strategies were documented including which patients should be treated, optimal dose and duration of therapy, how patients should be monitored, which patients should get additional workup, how propranolol should best be discontinued, and how often to see patients in follow-up. This study demonstrates wide practice variations in managing patients with IH. Further research is indicated to address these variations and develop additional/updated evidence-based guidelines.

Off-label Prescription in Paediatric Dermatology: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Hospital.

Off-label prescription in paediatric patients is common, where some studies indicate that dermatological conditions are more prone to off-label treatment. This is the first study to analyse the prevalence of off-label prescription in paediatric dermatology consultation. This retrospective observational study was performed using the medical records of paediatric patients who were evaluated in a paediatric dermatological consultation in Pontevedra University Hospital, Pontevedra, Spain. Of the 468 patients reviewed, 186 prescriptions were issued and 51.10% were off-label prescription drugs. The dermatological conditions for which off-label prescription was most common were atopic dermatitis (29.0%), followed by warts (12.9%) and infantile haemangiomas (11.8%). With respect to drugs, topical tacrolimus (23.7%) was the most frequently prescribed off-label drug. The main reason for prescribing an off-label drug was for a disease not included on the label (62.4%), followed by issuing it at a lower age than authorized (55.9%). There was a significant association between a higher percentage of off-label prescription and younger age (p < 0.001), and the treatment of vitiligo, infantile haemangiomas and warts (p < 0.001). Likewise, the off-label prescription was significantly more common in the case of topical terbinafine, timolol, desloratadine and topical salicylic acid (p < 0.001). To conclude, off-label prescription is predominant in paediatric dermatology, as observed in 51.1% of our patients.