Risk of adrenal suppression and posterior subcapstilar cataract in asthmatic children on inhaled corticosteroids

ABSTRACT

To investigate some of the expected side effects of corticosteroid therapy, 20 asthmatic children on low dose Belcomethasone dipropionate [BDP] [<400 micro g / day] and another 20 asthmatic children on high dose BDP [= or > 400 micro g / day] were enrolled in this study. They have been compared with 20 asthmatic children who have never been treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Only high doses of inhaled corticosteroids caused significant reduction of 24 hours urinary cortisol excretion. [P<0.01]. Asthmatic children who used BDP directly through Metered Jose inhaler [MDI] showed more suppression of the adrenal function than those who received it by spacers. Posterior subcapsular cataract [PSC] was not detected in any of the patients