Inhaled Glucocorticoids for Childhood Asthma Modestly Reduce Adult Height

Mean adult height was 1.2 cm lower in those who used budesonide during childhood.

Inhaled glucocorticoid therapy is an invaluable treatment for childhood asthma, but its use during the initial years is associated with reduced growth velocity in prepubertal children. To determine the long-term effect researchers measured final adult height in 943 asthmatic patients who had been randomized to receive budesonide (400 µg/day), the mast cell stabilizer nedocromil (16 mg/day), or placebo for 4 to 6 years beginning at age 5 to 13 years. All children received albuterol.

Adult height was measured at a mean age of 25 years. Compared with mean adult height in the placebo group, mean height was significantly lower (1.2 cm lower) in the budesonide group, but not in the nedocromil group (0.2 cm lower). The effect of budesonide on adult…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Inhaled Glucocorticoids for Childhood Asthma Modestly Reduce Adult Height

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Reviewing Author