ONE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF ENDOCRINE AND LUNG-FUNCTION OF ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN ON INHALED BUDESONIDE

Inhaled corticosteroids have become a mainstay in the management of ch ronic asthma, Their use had been considered safe, although some degree of adrenal suppression has been demonstrated after 2 and 4 weeks of t reatment with either 400 mu g.day(-1) of beclomethasone dipropionate o r budesonide, To weigh the benefits and risks of long-term treatment, 12 children with moderately severe asthma were assessed in a follow-up study on budesonide 200 mu g b.i.d. After 1 yr, the nocturnal cortiso l production was significantly reduced by 19%, but no greater compared to 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, Growth and growth hormone levels were normal, Lung function tests were significantly better, not only versus baseline values but also versus 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, We conclu de that systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids in conventionally low doses do not accumulate with length of treatment, whilst lung func tion parameters will continue to improve, Therefore, inhaled corticost eroids once started in asthmatic children not controlled on other medi cations should be continued, but their use should be carefully conside red and the minimal dose required to control the asthma employed.