title: Growth impairment and adrenal suppression on low-dose inhaled beclomethasone.
abstract: Growth impairment and adrenal suppression secondary to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is a well-recognised phenomenon. We report a 13-year-old boy, treated long-term for asthma, who presented with short stature while on low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethasone 200 microg/d). Investigations revealed evidence of severe adrenal suppression. Weaning off the steroid treatment resulted in recovery of adrenal activity and rapid growth. While low-dose ICS are normally considered to have few side effects, this case illustrates the extreme variability of individual sensitivity and the need for careful surveillance of all children treated with long-term steroids.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: Savitha D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.forename: Shruthakrithi D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.forename: Peter Gf
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Swift
authors.forename: Declan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cody
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000139:chemically induced; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D013006:Growth Hormone; D001507:Beclomethasone