[Effects of inhaled glucocorticoids effects on the body composition in children with moderate asthma]. / Efecto de los glucocorticoides inhalados en la composición corporal del niño con asma moderada.

BACKGROUND: To assess anthropometric variables and body composition in children with moderate asthma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study of two homogeneous cohorts. Group 1 (study group): 84 children with moderate asthma treated with inhaled budesonide for al least 12 months; group 2 (control group): 89 healthy children. Body measurements were studied by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Males with moderate asthma showed lower values for fat-free mass and total body water. Data corrected for weight rendered no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Male children with moderate asthma show a lower fast-free mass.