[Effects of inhaled corticosteroids on bone age and growth in children with asthma].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Long-term inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for asthma, but their safety still controversial. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on bone age and growth in children with asthma. METHODS: Seventy-three children with asthma received inhaled fluticasone treatment at a starting dosage of 250 µg/d for 3 months, when the dosage was reduced by a third. Three months later, the patients were treated with fluticasone at a dosage of 125 µg/d for 6 months. Bone age, heights and weights were measured before and one year of treatment. RESULTS: The increase in the heights, weights and RUS (radius, ulna and short finger bones) bone age of the children with asthma after one year of treatment was not significantly different from healthy children. There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) before and after one year of treatment, however the level of carpal bone age [-0.2(-0.6,0.8) years] was delayed after therapy compared to before treatment [-0.5(-1.0,0.6) years] (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids for 1 year may suppress the level of carpal bone age, but the level of RUS bone age, heights, weights and BMI are not affected. It is necessary to monitor the growth of children with asthma who receive long-term inhaled corticosteroid treatment.