[Adrenal function and lipid metabolism in asthmatic children treated with budesonide].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of low doses of inhaled budesonide on the adrenal function and lipid metabolism of asthmatic children.


METHODS
The study included 10 asthmatic children (mean age, 8.8 years) treated with inhaled budesonide (200-300 micrograms/day) for a period longer than 3 months (group A); 15 asthmatic children (mean age, 7.8 years) without steroid treatment (group B) and 10 non-asthmatic children (group C). Basal cortisol levels, as well as postACTH, adrenal androgens, lipids and urinary cortisol were determined.


RESULTS
No significant differences were detected between groups A and B in the studied variables. In asthmatic children, urinary cortisol was significantly higher than in non-asthmatic children. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index levels were higher in asthmatic children with and without budesonide treatment, compared with non-asthmatic children.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of asthmatic children with low doses of inhaled budesonide did not modify the adrenal axis function nor lipid metabolism. Asthmatic patients showed an atherogenic lipid profile which could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Paoli-de Valeri
M
M
Unidad de Endocrinología, Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes (IAHULA), Mérida, Venezuela.
Zerpa-de Miliani
Y
Y
Valeri-Dávila
E G
EG
Bellabarba
G
G
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D012138:Respiratory Therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides; D019819:Budesonide; D002784:Cholesterol; D006854:Hydrocortisone