Impaired growth in children with asthma during treatment with conventional doses of inhaled corticosteroids.
We describe 6 (4F, 2M) prepubertal children with moderate asthma diagnosed at a mean age of 2.8 years. All patients were treated with inhaled corticosteroids in a dose of between 300 and 800 mcg of beclomethasone dipropionate (becotide) daily, given either as an aerosol or rotahaler. Mean height velocity SDS decreased from -0.8 (range +0.5 to -2.0) to -3.2 (range -1.3 to -4.8) when the dose was increased. Alternatively, when the dose was reduced or stopped, mean height velocity SDS increased from -3.2 (range -2.0 to -4.8) to +0.8 (range -1.2 to +2.7). Careful assessment of height velocity is indicated in all children receiving treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.
Thomas
B C
BC
Medical Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
Stanhope
R
R
Grant
D B
DB
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male
D001507:Beclomethasone