A retrospective review of the effects of one year of triamcinolone acetonide aerosol treatment on the growth patterns of asthmatic children

Retrospective growth data were evaluated for 82 asthmatic children (59% dependent on oral corticosteroids) receiving triamcinolone acetonide aerosol for 1 year. Two-thirds of the steroid-dependent patients discontinued oral steroids. Triamcinolone acetonide did not adversely affect height or weight gain, although steroid-dependent asthmatics gained less weight than predicted, probably due to diminished fluid retention and appetite associated with decreased oral steroid doses and resolution of cushingoid features.