Influence of Long Term Inhalation of Beclomethasone Dipropionate on Pituitary Adrenal Axis Function in Asthmatic Children

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of long term inhalation of beclomethasone dipropionate on pituitary adrenal axis function in asthmatic children. METHODS: The subjects of the study were randomly divided into four groups: normal controls, asthmatic children not receiving inhalation therapy, asthmatic children receiving short term inhalation of beclomethasone dipropionate, and asthmatic children receiving long term inhalation of beclomethasone dipropionate. The levels of ACTH and cortisol were measured using the radio immunoassay. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline ACTH and cortisol levels between the four groups. However, both the short term ( 328.51 ± 84.62 ) nmol/L] and long term inhalation groups 321.79 ± 86.06 ) nmol/L] had lower cortisol responses to ACTH stimulation compared to the asthmatic children not receiving beclomethasone ( 416.16 ± 94.52 ) nmol/L; P< 0.05 ]. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled glucocorticoid therapy may slightly inhibit the function of the adrenal gland in asthmatic children, but long term therapy does not result in additional pituitary adrenal axis suppression.