Growth during early childhood in asthmatic children: Relation to inhalation steroid dose and clinical severity score

Background/Aim: While short-term studies reported a growth retardation in children with asthma treated with inhaled steroids, long-term studies described attainment of adult heights within the target height range. In the present work, we describe the growth pattern of children with asthma. Methods: In 58 children with asthma, we compared the height at age 3 years with the height at a mean age of 7.5 years during a 12-month study period. Results: No differences in growth could be detected within the study year. Children in the lowest tertile but not in other tertiles for asthma severity score and inhaled steroid dose showed a significant decrease in height standard deviation scores from age 3 to age 7.5 years. Conclusion: The decrease in height standard deviation scores might be explained by undertreatment or an individual sensitivity to inhaled steroids. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.