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[Inhaled corticosteroids and growth - a review]

E Fortk1, M Brown

  • 1University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for childhood asthma do not appear to stunt growth in children and adolescents. It is recommended to use the lowest effective ICS dose and monitor growth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma management frequently involves inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
  • Concerns exist regarding potential effects of ICS on growth in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the growth of children and adolescents over the past decade.
  • To synthesize current evidence on ICS use and pediatric growth outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of medical publications from the last 10 years.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the relationship between ICS therapy and growth parameters in pediatric asthma patients.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that appropriate ICS dosages for childhood asthma do not negatively affect adult height.
  • The overall impact of ICS on growth in children and adolescents appears to be minimal when used correctly.

Conclusions:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are generally considered safe regarding growth in children and adolescents with asthma.
  • Clinical practice should prioritize using the lowest effective ICS dose for asthma control and include regular growth monitoring for pediatric patients.

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