Objective To study the efficacy and rebound growth of propranolol for the treatment of medium and high risk infantile hemangiomas.

Methods From March 2013 to March 2015, 151 cases with medium and high risk infantile hemangiomas were treated with oral propranolol. The dose of oral propranolol started at 0.5 mg/Kg·d with an increase by 0.25 mg/Kg·d everyday at the first 3 days, up to 1.0 mg/Kg·d, and the maximum dose was 2 mg/Kg·d. Complete blood tests and doppler ultrasound were obtained before, during and after treatment. The total treatment cycle last 6-12 months, with a 3-year period of follow-up study for clinical observation.

Results A total of 151 patients were enrolled, and 141 patients completed the therapy and follow-up, the completion rate was 93.38%. The average age of first therapy was 2.32±0.85 months, the average duration of oral propranolol was 9.61±4.06 months. There were 55 (39.01%) patients had rebound growth during propranolol therapy. The patients whose first therapy age under 6-month had the higher risk of rebound growth, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The pathogenic site of head and face region hemangiomas had the higher risk of rebound growth than other regions (P<0.05).

Conclusion Oral propranolol in the treatment of hemangioma can appear rebound growth, so it is recommended to gradually reduce the dosage and lengthen the medication period to reduce rebound and recurrence.