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Peripheral oedema as a side-effect of fluticasone

Alice Myers1, Charles Godden

  • 1Department of Anaesthetics, Mayday University Hospital, London, UK. alice_e_myers@hotmail.com

BMJ Case Reports
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rare side effect of inhaled fluticasone (an asthma medication) is peripheral oedema. This case highlights the importance of considering inhaled fluticasone as a cause for unexplained oedema in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pulmonology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Peripheral oedema is a common clinical sign with numerous potential causes.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids are widely used for managing pediatric asthma.
  • Identifying the etiology of persistent peripheral oedema can be challenging.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old female presented with persistent, gross peripheral oedema for two years.
  • Extensive investigations by multiple pediatric specialists failed to identify an underlying cause.
  • The oedema resolved after discontinuation of inhaled fluticasone, prescribed for asthma management.

Findings:

  • This report details the first known case of peripheral oedema associated with inhaled fluticasone use.
  • Peripheral oedema is identified as a rare adverse effect of fluticasone, including formulations like Seretide and Flixotide.
  • The patient's condition resolved upon cessation of the medication, suggesting a causal link.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider inhaled fluticasone as a potential cause of unexplained peripheral oedema in pediatric patients.
  • This finding expands the known side effect profile of inhaled fluticasone.
  • Awareness of this rare adverse effect is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of resistant peripheral oedema.

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