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Maturational delay and temporal growth retardation in asthmatic boys

R Hauspie, C Susanne, F Alexander

    The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |March 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Asthmatic boys experience delayed growth and sexual maturation. This study found growth retardation during childhood and adolescence, with a delayed adolescent growth spurt, suggesting factors related to asthma impact development.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Respiratory Medicine
    • Human Growth and Development

    Background:

    • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
    • Growth and pubertal development can be affected by chronic illnesses.
    • Understanding these effects in asthmatic boys is crucial for clinical management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze growth patterns in height, bone age, and sexual maturation in asthmatic boys.
    • To identify specific age periods of growth retardation and pubertal delay.
    • To investigate the relationship between asthma and developmental delays.

    Main Methods:

    • Mixed-longitudinal analysis of height measurements in 531 asthmatic boys (ages 2-20).
    • Mixed-longitudinal analysis of bone age in 370 asthmatic boys.
    • Cross-sectional analysis of pubic hair development in 91 asthmatic boys.

    Main Results:

    • Height growth showed no infancy retardation, slight childhood retardation, and pronounced adolescent delay.
    • The adolescent growth spurt was delayed by approximately 1.3 years.
    • Bone age was slightly retarded between ages 6-13, and pubic hair development was significantly delayed.
    • Factors secondary to asthma appear to cause growth and developmental retardation.

    Conclusions:

    • Asthmatic boys exhibit a characteristic pattern of delayed growth and sexual maturation.
    • These delays are linked to physiological maturation issues secondary to the asthmatic condition.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms and optimize interventions.

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