Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 5, 2010

Bone density in asthmatic children treated with inhaled corticosteroids

S M Reilly1, G Hambleton, J E Adams

  • 1Department of Paediatric Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital for Women & Children, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0JH, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 13, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled corticosteroids did not affect bone density in prepubertal children with asthma. Bone mineral density measurements in the lumbar spine and radius were within normal ranges for these young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a mainstay treatment for persistent asthma.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential long-term effects of ICS on bone health in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the volumetric trabecular bone mineral density (vTBMD) of the lumbar spine and distal radius (rTBMD) in prepubertal children with asthma.
  • To determine if moderate to high doses of ICS impact bone density in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 20 prepubertal white children diagnosed with asthma was studied.
  • Measurements of vTBMD and rTBMD were obtained using quantitative imaging techniques.
  • Standard deviation scores (SDS) were calculated to compare bone density to age- and sex-matched references.

Main Results:

  • The median SDS for lumbar spine vTBMD was 0.20 (range: -0.56 to 2.09).
  • The median SDS for distal radius rTBMD was -0.04 (range: -0.82 to 1.39).
  • Both vTBMD and rTBMD values were found to be within the normal range for healthy prepubertal children.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids do not appear to adversely affect volumetric trabecular bone mineral density in prepubertal children with asthma.
  • These findings suggest that ICS can be safely used for asthma management in this age group without significant concern for detrimental effects on bone accrual.

More Related Videos

Tension-Free Weight-Bearing Model of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats05:55

Tension-Free Weight-Bearing Model of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats

Published on: September 27, 2024

A Refined Aerosol-Based Intratracheal Bleomycin Delivery Method for Reproducible and Minimally Invasive Mouse Models of Pulmonary Fibrosis05:45

A Refined Aerosol-Based Intratracheal Bleomycin Delivery Method for Reproducible and Minimally Invasive Mouse Models of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: January 16, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Bone Disorders01:29

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...