Abstract

PIMENTEL DE MEDINA, Ivonne et al. Inhaled corticosteroids and their effect om growth. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2013, vol.76, n.2, pp.70-78. ISSN 0004-0649.

Steroids are the antinflamatory treatment for asthma in children. Growth has been shown to be the most sensitive parameter to detect steroids' adverse effects. Recent information in relation to inhaled steroids and growth in children is reviewed; only year-long studies vs placebo, employing stadiometric measurements were considered, as follows:1. Beclomethasone , 400 mcg / day, when administered either orally or nasally impacts growth with a height difference vs placebo of 1-1,5 cm at the end of a year-long treatment .2. Budesonide dry powder ,400 mcg / day, during a 4-6 years treatment in school age children has shown the same height difference vs placebo as that for Beclomethasone; such difference persists until 21 years of age (more evident in females ).3. Fluticasone CFC, 100 mcg BID in preschool children over a 2-year treatment administered via aerochamber has shown the same difference as reported for other steroids above. No catch up growth was detected in patients under 2 years of age and weighting less than 15 kg after 1 year of withholding treatment.4. Momethasone dry - powder at 200 mcg / day has shown the same height difference as above.5. Ciclesonide HFA at doses of 40 mcg and 160 mcg / day over a year-long study has shown no impact on growth. Adherence was a crucial issue in this review; pediatricians should analyze this information in a proper context, aiming to the lowest dose possible for appropriate asthma control.

Keywords : children; asthma; growth; inhaled steroids; adherence.

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