Short-term growth after withdrawal of exogenous glucocorticoids.
BACKGROUND
The growth-suppressive effect of systemic glucocorticoids in children is well established, however, recovery of growth after withdrawal of short-term treatment in school-age children has not been evaluated.


OBJECTIVE
To assess short-term growth after withdrawal of systemic glucocorticoids.


METHODS
A post-hoc analysis of data from a double-blind lower leg growth trial which compared 5 mg prednisolone once daily in the evening with placebo was performed. The study consisted of run-in, treatment, wash-out and run-out periods of 1 week duration. In 10 children with asthma (mean age 11 years) lower leg growth measured with the knemometer could be studied up to 3 weeks after withdrawal of prednisolone.


RESULTS
Mean (SEM) lower leg growth rates during run-in, prednisolone treatment and the first, second and third weeks after withdrawal of prednisolone were 0.48 (0.15), -0.27 (0.20), 0.53 (0.19), 0.72 (0.16) and 0.66 (0.14) mm/week, p < 0.001. Mean growth rates during run-in and the first, second and third weeks after withdrawal of prednisolone did not vary, p = 0.68.


CONCLUSIONS
Recovery of suppressed lower leg growth rates occurs within a week after withdrawal of exogenous glucocorticoids.
Wolthers
Ole D
OD
Children's Clinic Randers, Randers, Denmark. akk.odws@dadlnet.dk
Schou
Anders J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000254:growth & development*; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone