[Alternate day corticosteroid therapy and growth in renal transplant children].
Corticosteroid therapy is probably the main factor inducing stunted growth in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Results of a randomized study in 35 children who received their kidney between 1981 and 1984 are reported. All patients had normal renal function and were taking azathioprine and prednisone to ensure immunosuppression. Eighteen months after transplantation, patients with normal renal biopsy results were randomized to receive further daily corticosteroid therapy (group A) for an additional year or to alternate-day corticosteroid therapy (group B). Chronologic age, bone age, renal function, and previous growth retardation were strictly comparable, in the two groups. During the first year, only prepubertal children in group B exhibited catch-up growth. In children undergoing puberty, annual statural gain was greater in group B (5.6 cm versus 3.2 cm in group A: p less than 0.001). Group A children were switched to alternate-day corticosteroid therapy one year after initiation of the study and exhibited improved growth after this change. No patient had renal function deterioration under alternate-day corticosteroid therapy, throughout the study period. Alternate-day prednisone should be offered to pediatric renal transplant recipients with satisfactory renal function as a mean for protecting growth potential.
Service de Néphrologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants Malades, Paris.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Corticothérapie discontinue et croissance des enfants transplantés rénaux.