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Frequent methylprednisone pulse therapy is a risk factor for steroid cataracts in children
Author(s) -
Nerome Yasuhito,
Imanaka Hiroyuki,
aka Yukiko,
Takei Syuji,
Kawano Yoshifumi
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-200x.2008.02629.x
Subject(s) - cataracts , medicine , corticosteroid , disease , rheumatic disease , steroid , steroid use , pediatrics , ophthalmology , hormone
Background: Pediatricians use corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time for the treatment of many diseases, including rheumatic disease. The side‐effects of corticosteroids, especially cataracts, are widely recognized, but the predictive risk factors for steroid‐induced cataracts have not yet been fully characterized. Methods: The relationship between the formation of cataracts and steroid therapy was evaluated in patients with rheumatic disease. Results: The initiation of steroid therapy in children under 12 years of age ( P = 0.041) and i.v. methylprednisone pulse therapy (IVMP) ( P = 0.046) are significant risk factors for inducing cataracts. In contrast, the cumulative corticosteroid dose, sex, and daily corticosteroid dose were not associated with cataract formation. Conclusions: Younger children, who need frequent IVMP to treat their rheumatic diseases, should be examined by ophthalmologists frequently to avoid developing amblyopia from cataracts.