Atenolol versus propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas: a randomized controlled study.

Abstract

Infantile hemangiomas have a dramatic response to propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker. However, this treatment is not risk-free and many patients are excluded because of respiratory comorbidities. Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that may have fewer adverse events. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of atenolol against propranolol in a noninferiority trial. In all, 23 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to receive either atenolol or propranolol. Thirteen patients were treated with atenolol and 10 with propranolol. Follow-up was made at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and then monthly for 6 months. Patients treated with atenolol had a complete response of 53.8% and 60% with propranolol, respectively. These results were nonsignificant (P = .68). Relevant adverse events were not reported. The reduced number of patients could have influenced our results. Atenolol appears to be as effective as propranolol. We did not find significant differences between these results or any adverse events.