Asthma steroids during infancy may stunt growth

Infants given asthma medications during their first 2 years of age are likely to be stunted in later life, according to the findings that highlight the importance of using these medicines in infants appropriately. “There has also been debate that obstruction under 1-2 years of age is not asthma and should never be treated with inhaled corticosteroids”. He added that a larger study of more groups of young children was essential to find more of the problem.

The spokesperson said it was important parents took their child to their GP at least once a year to have a structured asthma review.

But scientists have found the medication may reduce growth rate.

“Our research shows a link between long-term treatment of inhaled corticosteroids during infancy and stunted growth at or after the age of two in otherwise healthy children”, said Dr Saari. It is used among adults and sometimes among infants to treat asthma like conditions. The conclusions were presented at the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology conference. In the United Kingdom, a few 10% children suffer from asthma, and that makes it the most common form of long-term ailments in children.

Previous medical studies indicated that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) represent the best medications for asthma-related affections in infants. The researchers say that although these medications may help to relieve the symptoms of the condition, they might have adverse effects on the child’s growth during his or her later years, the usage of the medications in infancy can also lead to shorter height in adulthood. In young pre-school children who wheeze, it is unclear which ones should be targeted with steroids. Respondents were aged 0 to 24 months old.

The group will next focus on assessing the impact of inhaled corticosteroids on growth in older children and observe them for longer time periods.

The research data is still at preliminary stage and more research would be needed to consider the impact of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

The growth-stunting effects of the medication have been repeatedly written about in recent studies.

The Finnish study was done by the University of Eastern Finland, and Kuopio University Hospital.

Dr Samantha Walker, of Asthma United Kingdom, said: “The study confirms other research suggesting ICS used in infancy can interfere with bone growth, although the impact is relatively minor”. The impact was stronger on children who were given asthma medication for more than six months.