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Minimizing side effects of systemic corticosteroids in children
1Department of Pediatrics, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai - 400012, India. ctdeshmukh@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|August 7, 2007
Summary
Corticosteroids can impede children's growth and immunity. Alternate-day treatment and careful dosing can minimize these side effects, with growth hormone showing potential for reversal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Corticosteroids are vital for managing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Their anti-inflammatory benefits are linked to metabolic effects, especially in children.
- Children face heightened vulnerability to corticosteroid side effects, impacting growth, immunity, and adrenal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the unique side effects of corticosteroids in children.
- To inform physicians about minimizing adverse effects.
- To discuss strategies for mitigating growth suppression.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on corticosteroid side effects in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of growth suppression data related to different corticosteroid types and dosing regimens.
- Exploration of potential therapeutic interventions for corticosteroid-induced growth impairment.
Main Results:
- Growth suppression is a significant side effect unique to children treated with corticosteroids.
- Alternate-day treatment regimens can help mitigate growth suppression.
- Dexamethasone and betamethasone exhibit significantly higher growth-suppressing potency compared to prednisolone.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must be aware of and actively manage corticosteroid side effects in children.
- Optimized dosing and treatment schedules, like alternate-day therapy, are crucial.
- Further research into interventions such as growth hormone therapy is warranted.
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