THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF TOPICAL TIMOLOL MALEATE IN INFANTILE HEMANGIOMAS

Abstract

Introduction: Infantile hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors in infants, which can regress over time but sometimes produce sequelae, such as telangiectasias, which can cause disfigurement and influence psychosocial development. Treatment must be individualized and usually includes propranolol, corticosteroids or laser. However, the use of topical timolol maleate in these patients has recently been proposed. Objective: Know the therapeutic effects of topical timolol maleate in infantile hemangiomas. Methods: Documentary study, with selection of randomized controlled clinical trials, carried out in the last ten years; The scientific databases used were PubMed through the National Library of Medicine platform, Lilacs and IBECS through the Virtual Health Library; CENTRAL, through Cochrane; Academic Search, PsycINFO, Cinahl and SPORTDiscus, through EBSCO Host; WOS and SciELO through the Web of Science. Results: Topical timolol maleate is effective in the treatment of infantile hemangioma, the total sample was 294 patients from six studies. Topical timolol was applied at a concentration of 0.5%, the frequency of application ranged from 2 to 4 times a day, and the total duration of treatment was 3 to 12 months. Conclusions: Topical timolol maleate reduces the volume of infantile hemangiomas, as well as coloration, complications, and the need for additional intervention; It is a well-tolerated treatment, the response of which depends on the age at the time of initial treatment.