Delayed pubertal growth spurt and normal adult height attainment in boys receiving long-term alternate-day prednisone therapy

Statural growth to age greater than or equal to 20 years was studied in 10 boys with glomerulonephritis who received alternate-day prednisone (mean 1. 2 mg/kg) for at least 2 consecutive years during pubertal age. Peak growth velocity was delayed after age 15 years in six patients and it was less tha n 7 cm/year in five. However, after age 16, growth velocity was significant ly (p=0.02) higher than expected and allowed patients to ultimately reach t heir genetic height potential.