Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

No effect of fluticasone propionate on linear growth in preschool children with asthma

Iva M Stefanovic1, Eva Verona1, Biserka Cicak1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Vinogradska, Zagreb, Croatia.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|February 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Fluticasone propionate (FP) at 100-200 µg daily did not impact linear growth or adrenal function in preschool children with asthma. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Background:

  • Asthma affects 80% of children before age 5.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may reduce growth and suppress adrenal function.
  • Limited research exists on ICS effects in preschool asthmatics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of fluticasone propionate (FP) on linear growth.
  • To assess FP's effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in young children.

Main Methods:

  • 28 children (18-52 months) with persistent asthma received FP (100-200 µg/day) for 1 year.
  • Height was measured quarterly; serum ACTH and cortisol levels were assessed at baseline and end.
  • Patients were grouped by asthma control: well-controlled (Group 1) vs. poorly controlled (Group 2).

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant difference in height standard deviation score (SDS) change between groups.
  • Average cortisol and ACTH levels showed no significant changes at study's end.
  • Duration of FP use did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose FP (100-200 µg/day) appears safe for linear growth and HPA axis function in preschool asthmatics.
  • Long-term follow-up is recommended to confirm sustained safety.
  • The study suggests a favorable safety profile for FP in this age group at the studied dosage.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
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: