Low Risk of Adrenal Insufficiency After Use of Low- to Moderate-Potency Topical Corticosteroids for Children With Atopic Dermatitis

Our objective was to assess the risk of adrenal insufficiency (AI) with short-term use of low- to moderate-potency topical corticosteroids (TCS) for treatment of atopic dermatitis. Our systematic literature search revealed 9 studies (n = 371) that evaluated AI using adrenocorticotropic hormone stimu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical pediatrics 2019-04, Vol.58 (4), p.406-412
Main Authors: Davallow Ghajar, Ladan, Wood Heickman, Lauren K., Conaway, Mark, Rogol, Alan D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Topical
Adolescent
Adrenal Cortex Hormones - administration & dosage
Adrenal Cortex Hormones - adverse effects
Adrenal glands
Adrenal Insufficiency - chemically induced
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Atopic dermatitis
Child
Child, Preschool
Children
Corticoids
Corticosteroids
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, Atopic - drug therapy
Eczema
Humans
Infant
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Our objective was to assess the risk of adrenal insufficiency (AI) with short-term use of low- to moderate-potency topical corticosteroids (TCS) for treatment of atopic dermatitis. Our systematic literature search revealed 9 studies (n = 371) that evaluated AI using adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing, with measures of serum cortisol levels at baseline and following at least 2 weeks of TCS application. Biochemical AI was defined by a stimulated cortisol level of ≤18.0 µg/dL (~500 nmol/L). The overall proportion of AI with low-to-moderate TCS use was 2.7% (95% confidence interval = 1.47% to 4.89%). None of the children showed any clinical evidence of AI or adrenal crisis. Short-term use of low- to moderate-potency TCS for the treatment of atopic dermatitis is associated with a low risk of adrenal suppression. General practitioners do not need to test these patients for adrenal suppression in the absence of concerning signs and symptoms of AI.
ISSN:0009-9228
1938-2707
DOI:10.1177/0009922818825154