HERMANS, Mireille M., PASMANS, Suzanne G. M. A., DE GRAAF, Marlies, RAGAMIN, Aviël, MENDELS, Elodie J., BREUR, Johannes M. P. J., LANGEVELD, Hester R., RAPHAEL, Martine F., DE LAAT, Peter C. J., DE WILDT, Saskia N., RIETMAN, André B., BREUGEM, Corstiaan C., and SCHAPPIN, Renske
Parents of infants treated with beta-blockers for infantile haemangioma are often concerned about the long-term aesthetic outcome. This cross-sectional study assessed the influence on the long-term aesthetic outcome of characteristics of the infantile haemangioma, the beta-blocker treatment, and the infant. The study included 103 children aged 6–12 years, treated with beta-blockers (propranolol or atenolol) for infantile haemangioma during infancy (age at treatment initiation ≤1 year) for ≥6 months. Dermatologists and parents scored the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and the child scored a visual analogue scale. Dermatologists identified whether telangiectasia, fibrofatty tissue, and atrophic scar tissue were present. The long-term aesthetic outcome of infantile haemangioma was judged more negatively by dermatologists and parents in case of a superficial component, ulceration, older age at treatment initiation, higher cumulative dose, and/or shorter follow-up time. According to children, infantile haemangioma located on the head had better aesthetic outcome than infantile haemangioma located elsewhere. Close monitoring, particularly of infantile haemangioma with a superficial component, is essential for early initiation of treatment, and to prevent or treat ulceration. These outcome data can support parental counselling and guide treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]