Nilesh Nagdeve
BACKGROUND The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of topical 0.5% timolol maleate solution for superficial infantile haemangioma (IH). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was carried out over a period of 4-years and included patients of IH. All patients were managed on outpatient basis. Parents were asked to apply 2 drops of 0.5% solution of timolol maleate eye drops over the entire haemangioma two times in a day. The total duration of treatment was 8 months. They were called for review on 15th day, then every two months for a total period of one year. Any side effect or recurrence were noted. The response was categorized into five groups: no response, controlled growth, partial response, good response and excellent response. RESULTS 78 patients who satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. All patients showed response to topical timolol application. Timolol application resulted in controlled growth in six patients (7.7%); partial response in seven (8.9%) patients; good response in 21 (26.9%) patients and excellent response in 44 (56.4%) patients. Complete regression was observed in 35 patients after completing the treatment. No patient showed any relapse in 6 months follow up after completion of treatment. Significant difference in the degree of response was noted between patients less than 6 months and more than 6 months. Also, the response rate in patients less than 2 months was significantly higher than that in older patients. None of the parents reported any adverse effects of the drug during treatment. CONCLUSION 0.5% timolol maleate solution is an effective therapy option for infantile haemangioma without any major side effects and should be considered as a regular treatment.
