Effects of long-term inhaled corticosteroids on growth velocity and adult height in children with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Scorecard - MDSpire
Clinical Scorecard: Impact of Prolonged Inhaled Corticosteroid Use on Growth Rate and Final Height in Pediatric Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Pediatric Asthma
Key Mechanisms
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as long-term controller treatment
Target Population
Children and adolescents with asthma
Care Setting
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies
Key Highlights
Non-significant reduction in linear growth velocity with ICS treatment versus controls.
Statistically significant reduction in growth velocity when high-risk bias studies were excluded.
Limited evidence suggesting a small reduction in adult height.
Growth velocity was reduced among school-age children.
Concerns regarding growth suppression may affect adherence to ICS therapy.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Asthma diagnosis must conform to accepted clinical or guideline-based criteria.
Management
Maintenance ICS treatment should be continued for at least 6 months.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor linear growth velocity and adult height in children receiving ICS.
Risks
Potential small reduction in growth velocity and adult height associated with ICS use.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children and adolescents under 18 years with asthma.
Regular maintenance ICS treatment is essential for asthma control despite potential growth concerns.
Clinical Best Practices
Consider individual patient factors when prescribing ICS.
Regularly assess growth parameters in pediatric patients on ICS.
Educate families about the benefits and risks of ICS therapy.
