[Inhaled corticosteroids and growth].
Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in patients with asthma by reducing the chronic inflammatory changes. They are widely prescribed in children and even in infants. The potential adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids on statural growth have been the matter of numerous past and present controversies. Asthma itself can delay growth. The majority of studies demonstrate that the growth impairment is dose-dependent and that moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids are safe. Monitoring statural growth of asthmatic children, whether they are treated or not with inhaled corticosteroids is mandatory. The treatment must be adapted to the severity of asthma, and overtreatment must be avoided. Inhalation techniques minimizing systemic absorption must be used. Addition of other antiasthmatic drugs to moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids should be preferred to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids alone.
Le Bourgeois
M
M
Service de pneumologie et d'allergologie pédiatriques, hôpital Necker, Paris, France.
de Blic
J
J
Scheinmann
P
P
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects*; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013256:Steroids
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids