[Neonatal use of propranolol for segmental facial hemangiomas].

INTRODUCTION: Segmental cervico facial hemangiomas are defined as those longer than 5 cm, affecting a specific facial area. These lesions can be eventually associated with the PHACE syndrome. Our aim is to propose neonatal treatment with propranolol, showing its efficacy/safety, given the scarce evidence on its neonatal use.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION: After written informed consent, four patients with segmental facial hemangioma were treated with propranolol in the neonatal period. Adverse effects were registered during initial admission. Three of the four patients had PHACE syndrome. Propranolol was effective in 100% of patients, showing hemangioma´s involution without any adverse effect.

COMMENTS: In our series, propranolol was effective and showed no side effects in the neonatal period. If propranolol benefits are greater than its risks, administration of the lowest effective dose is recommended, under hospital surveillance, starting shortly after diagnosis, in order to achieve improved efficacy.