Which long-term adverse effect is associated with chronic inhaled corticosteroid use in children?

Which long-term adverse effect is associated with chronic inhaled corticosteroid use in children?

• A. Vertical growth delay
• B. Decreased bone mineral density
• C. Hypothalamic-pituitary-axis suppression
• D. Ocular toxicity

Answer: (A)

Chronic inhaled corticosteroids can be absorbed systemically in small amounts, so they can affect growth in children. The most commonly observed long-term adverse effect is slowed linear growth or growth velocity, especially with higher doses or longer use. This growth impact is typically modest, but it’s important to monitor growth and use the lowest effective dose, utilize a spacer to improve delivery, and rinse the mouth after inhalation to minimize local side effects. Decreased bone mineral density, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, and ocular toxicity are less likely with standard inhaled doses in children. They can occur with very high doses or long-term systemic steroids, but are not as consistently associated with typical chronic inhaled therapy in kids.

Chronic inhaled corticosteroids can be absorbed systemically in small amounts, so they can affect growth in children. The most commonly observed long-term adverse effect is slowed linear growth or growth velocity, especially with higher doses or longer use. This growth impact is typically modest, but it’s important to monitor growth and use the lowest effective dose, utilize a spacer to improve delivery, and rinse the mouth after inhalation to minimize local side effects.

Decreased bone mineral density, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, and ocular toxicity are less likely with standard inhaled doses in children. They can occur with very high doses or long-term systemic steroids, but are not as consistently associated with typical chronic inhaled therapy in kids.