Happy New Year, everyone! Can you believe it's already February 2025? Time certainly flies! I have two exciting updates to share with you today – a newly published study and a personal announcement.
Reassuring Study on Beta-Blockers in PHACE Children
First, let's discuss an important new study that brings reassuring news about the safety of oral beta-blockers in children with PHACE syndrome. This research is particularly significant as we now understand that many of our young patients need to continue propranolol treatment for extended periods.
The study, conducted by Finstad and colleagues, is a comprehensive systematic review analyzing side effects related to beta-blocker use in the PHACE population. The researchers examined data from 403 patients across 105 articles, with the vast majority (94.5%) treated with propranolol, and a smaller number receiving oral atenolol or naldolol.
Here are the key findings:
- Out of 204 patients with detailed information on adverse events, 57 experienced a total of 77 side effects.
- The most common adverse events were sleep disturbance (9.8%) and gastrointestinal upset (7.8%).
- Two patients experienced seizures, but a direct relationship to beta-blocker use couldn't be established as they weren't accompanied by loss of consciousness or confirmed by EEG.
- Crucially, no cases of stroke or other serious side effects attributable to beta-blocker use were reported.
This study provides valuable reassurance for families and healthcare providers regarding the safety of beta-blockers in PHACE syndrome management.
A New Chapter in South Texas
On a personal note, I'm thrilled to share that I've embarked on an exciting new journey this January. I've joined the team at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. This wonderful institution provides pediatric care to a vast, often underserved area of South Texas, extending all the way to the Mexico border.
I feel incredibly blessed and happy to be part of this important work, bringing specialized care to children who need it most. If you ever find yourself in the area, please don't hesitate to stop by and say howdy! I'd love to see some familiar faces in my new home.
Wishing you all the best for a fantastic 2025 ahead. Here's to new beginnings, continued research, and the ongoing commitment to improving the lives of children with PHACE syndrome and their families.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Metry
Коментари