Potential adverse endocrine effects of inhaled corticosteroids

Abstract: Evidence exists for a potential role for inhaled corticosteroids, particularly when used in high dose to cause growth impairment, delayed maturation and adrenal suppression in children and adolescents with asthma. The functional significance of biochemical adrenal suppression remains uncertain. Similarly, there is as yet insufficient evidence to determine whether inhaled corticosteroids may adversely affect bone mineral density in children and adolescents with asthma.