Pediatric Dermatology: What we’ve learned that has changed the way we think about and practice medicine (continued…)

Sheila Friedlander, MD and Ilona Frieden, MD

Part 4: Hemangiomas and the Use of Beta-Blockers

Propranolol

In this section, Dr Frieden discusses the use of propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. A consensus report, published in the Journal of Pediatrics in January of 2013, discussed the initiation and use of propranolol for infantile hemangiomas. Dr Frieden was a co-author on this publication and believes that it may have an affect on the way in which we practice medicine.  The background to this report is that there was a tremendous amount of diversity among the users of this medication. When there is not a lot of data available, the idea of a consensus is to try to come to a central point with general recommendations.

Is hospitalization needed?

The consensus group, comprised by a variety of specialists, recommended inpatient hospitalization if the patient is less than eight weeks old or less than eight weeks adjusted gestational age, and if the patient has other “high-risk” medical conditions. Patients older than eight weeks should receive outpatient monitoring, using heart rate and blood pressure, with dose escalation. Monitoring should be performed one to two hours after dose escalation as great as 0.5mg/kg/day. In Dr Frieden’s practice, she finds that blood pressure monitoring can be difficult with infants; however, heart rate monitoring is easily doable and just about anyone can do this, including parents.

Is EKG needed?

A consensus was not achieved on the use of ECG for everyone.  One may; however, consider ECG in the following circumstances:

  • HR is below normal for age
    • Newborns (<1 month old), <70 beats per minute,
    • Infants (1–12 months old), <80 beats per minute, and
    • Children (>12 months old): <70 beats per minute.
  • Family history of congenital heart conditions or arrhythmias (eg, heart block, long QT syndrome, sudden death); maternal history of connective tissue disease
  • History of an arrhythmia or an arrhythmia is auscultated during examination

The consensus group developed an algorithm that you can utilize or recommend to your pediatric colleagues regarding the initiation of treatment.

Key Take Home Points

In March of 2014, propranolol was approved for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas at a dosage of 3mg/kg/day. A randomized trial demonstrated a 60 percent clearance; however, in systematic reviews, the response rate of propranolol is in the range of 90 to 97 percent, although not everyone achieved clearance. Significant uncertainty and divergence of opinion still exist regarding the safety, monitoring, and dose escalation of propranolol. If the child is at risk for PHACE, at the minimum, you should perform an echocardiogram before considering initiating propranolol. Remember that the peak effect of the medication, in terms of cardiovascular effects, occur one to three hours after administration. The dose response is most pronounced after the first dose and it is extremely important to recheck the heart rate with dose escalation greater than 0.5 percent mg/kg/day. Hypoglycemia is the most common, serious complication. You should discontinue the medication during intercurrent illness, especially with decreased oral intake.

Topical Beta-Blockers

If you are concerned about hypoglycemia and other potential side effects, topical therapy may be a viable option.

What’s the evidence with regards to timolol? There are many citations supporting the safety of  timolol with minimal to no toxicity reported. Most dermatologists have found it useful for thin facial and hand lesions; however, there are some data that support its use in focal, deep facial lesions. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that timolol 0.5 percent gel twice a day  was a safe and effective option for small superficial infantile hemangiomas that have not ulcerated and are not on mucosal surfaces.

There have been some recent concerns regarding potential toxicity of  timolol when utilized on ulcerated lesions, mucous membranes, or when used extensively in small premature infants.  as it may be absorbed and lead to  systemic levels of drug that could be problematic. Dr Friedlander and her colleagues are currently conducting a study at UCSD investigating  this issue.

Many experts suggest utilizing the drug sparingly, not more than  one to two drops twice a day, particularly in  micropreemies.

Part 5: Vascular Birthmarks and Overgrowth

A 2013 article by Lee MS, et al published in the JAAD reconfirmed Dr Frieden’s approach to the management of vascular birthmarks and overgrowth. Vascular stain and overgrowth were previously lumped together as “Klippel-Trenaunay.” As far back as 2004, Dr Frieden and her colleagues were able to report that the geographic stains had much higher morbidity and a much poorer prognosis. Many cases that were previously diagnosed as CMTC actually reticulate port wine stain. So, how do we give accurate prognostic information to patients and families?

It is important, as clinicians, to distinguish geographic from blotchy/reticulate stains. Conduct serial leg measurements if stains involve the lower extremity and measure head circumference. It is also imperative to look for dysmorphic features, e.g, syndactyly and facila dysmorphism. If dysmorphic features are present, you should consider rare Vascular Stain/Overgrowth syndromes.

Pediatric Dermatology Summary

  • Don’t forget about Kawasaki Disease—maybe the wind blew it in??
  • Birthmarks aren’t necessarily present at birth- and we now sometimes know the associated mutation
  • Dysphagia is an early symptom in DRESS
  • Propranolol is the drug of choice for most problematic infantile hemangiomas and treatment guidelines exist
  • Timolol for children is A-OK