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Cross‐sectional study of bone density in asthmatic children
Author(s) -
Hopp Russell J.,
Degan Janice A.,
Phelan James,
Lappe Joan,
Gallagher G. Chris
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.1950200311
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , inhaled corticosteroids , bone density , cross sectional study , corticosteroid , pediatrics , inhalation , osteoporosis , anesthesia , pathology
The emphasis in treatment of asthma in children has shifted from bronchodilators to inhaled anti‐inflammatory medications, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Children with chronic asthma and moderate to severe symptoms have been targeted as particularly deserving of maintenance therapy with ICS. We have previously reported a cross‐sectional study of bone density in children treated with ICS. There was no significant difference between the total bone density of asthmatic patients and controls. We sought to extend the information available on bone density in asthmatic children by evaluating 15 asthmatic subjects taking daily ICS (beclo‐methasone dipropionate) and comparing them with age‐ and sex‐matched controls. We compared total and regional bone density, bone age, and calcium intakes in these subjects. Asthmatic subjects were on ICS for 4–60 months, with doses ranging from 200 to 450 μg/day. There was no significant difference between asthmatics and matched controls for height, weight, % RDA Ca 2+ , or bone age. The asthmatic subjects had bone density (total and regional measurements) equivalent to their controls. These results provide additional support for the safety of low‐dose ICS on bone density in asthmatic children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:189–192 . © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.