Prednisolone in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency: a re-evaluation of relative potency.
Prednisolone has unknown growth-suppressing effects relative to other steroids. We retrospectively studied 9 children (6 with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, CAH) receiving hydrocortisone replacement after switching to prednisolone (dose ratio, 1:5). Growth velocity and, in patients with CAH, 17-OHP decreased significantly. Dose reduction reversed these effects. Roughly, growth suppression relative potency for prednisolone:hydrocortisone was 15:1.
D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011239:Prednisolone; D006854:Hydrocortisone