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The effect of administered corticosteroids on the growth of children

M A Preece

    Postgraduate Medical Journal
    |October 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Exogenous corticosteroids can inhibit growth, but alternate-day therapy and corticotrophin may reduce side effects. Minimal corticosteroid dosages are recommended for growth hormone replacement therapy.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Pediatric Endocrinology

    Background:

    • Exogenous corticosteroids are known to inhibit growth.
    • Clinical studies often focus on asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, but the underlying condition may not significantly impact growth inhibition.
    • The mechanisms of steroid-induced growth inhibition are not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the growth-inhibiting effects of exogenous corticosteroids.
    • To compare different corticosteroid administration methods and their impact on growth.
    • To provide recommendations for corticosteroid use in replacement therapy.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of studies on corticosteroid therapy and growth.
    • Analysis of clinical data concerning asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypopituitarism.
    • Evaluation of the efficacy of alternate-day versus daily corticosteroid regimens.

    Main Results:

    • The underlying disease appears to be less important than corticosteroid use in growth inhibition.
    • Alternate-day steroid therapy shows fewer adverse effects on growth compared to daily treatment.
    • Corticotrophin may be a preferable alternative to corticosteroids.
    • Exogenous growth hormone does not counteract the growth-inhibiting effects of steroids.

    Conclusions:

    • Minimal corticosteroid dosages should be employed in replacement therapy for hypopituitarism.
    • Alternate-day corticosteroid administration is a strategy to mitigate growth inhibition.
    • Further research into the peripheral mechanisms of steroid action on growth is warranted.

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