INSTRUCTIVE CASE: Growth impairment and adrenal suppression on low-dose inhaled beclomethasone

Growth impairment and adrenal suppression secondary to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is a well-recognised phenomenon. We report a 13-year-old boy, treated long-term for asthma, who presented with short stature while on low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethasone 200 microg/d). Investigations rev...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of paediatrics and child health 2006-03, Vol.42 (3), p.143
Main Authors: Shenoy, Shruthakrithi D, Swift, Peter GF, Cody, Declan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adrenal glands
Asthma
Case studies
Pediatrics
Steroids
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Growth impairment and adrenal suppression secondary to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is a well-recognised phenomenon. We report a 13-year-old boy, treated long-term for asthma, who presented with short stature while on low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethasone 200 microg/d). Investigations revealed evidence of severe adrenal suppression. Weaning off the steroid treatment resulted in recovery of adrenal activity and rapid growth. While low-dose ICS are normally considered to have few side effects, this case illustrates the extreme variability of individual sensitivity and the need for careful surveillance of all children treated with long-term steroids.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1034-4810
1440-1754
DOI:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2006.00814.x