The effects of long term use of inhaled corticosteroids on linear growth, adrenal function and bone mineral density in children

PubMedID: 16045858In this study we aimed to investigate the long term effects of inhaled steroids on linear growth, adranal function and bone mineral density. Thirty children with moderate asthma were randomly divided into two groups. Fifteen children (8 boys, 7 girls mean age; 10.6 ± 2.1) were treated with budesonide (group 1), and 15 (9 boys, 6 girls, mean age; 9.6 ± 2.4). with fluticasone propionate (group 2). Control group included 30 children. Anthropometric assessment, symptom and medication scores, pulmonary functions, bone mineral density, serum and urine cortisol levels and ACTH stimulation test were evaluated at the beginning of the study and after one year period. Symptom and medication scores, pulmonary functions improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). The mean annual growth was similar in group 1 and 2 and control group. Bone mineral density was comparable with control group at the beginning of the study and after one year. Mean serum cortisol level diminished at the end of the therapy but no significant differences were found between the initial and end values in respect to urine cortisol levels and cortisole/creatinin ratio. Of three groups ACTH stimulation test revealed that there were no significant difference between study and control groups. In conclusion, although we did not observed any side effects of inhaled corticosteroids we suggest that children treated with inhaled corticosteroids for a long time should be followed closely with respect to side effects

Effects of physical exercise on quality of life, exercise capacity and pulmonary function in children with asthma

PubMedID: 16546771Objective: To investigate the effects of regular submaximal exercise on quality of life, exercise capacity and pulmonary function in asthmatic children. Patients and methods: Sixty-two children with mild-moderate asthma (mean age 10.4 (SD 2.1) years) were randomly allocated into exercise and control groups. The exercise group underwent a moderately intensive basketball training program for 8 weeks. A home respiratory exercise program was advised to both groups. Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) was used for the evaluation of activity limitation, symptoms and emotional functions. Exercise capacity was evaluated through the physical work capacity (PWC 170 test) on a cycle ergometer and 6-minute walk test. Spirometric tests were also performed and medication and symptom scores were recorded. Results: Although PAQLQ scores improved in both groups, the improvement in the exercise group was significantly higher. The exercise group performed better in the PWC 170 and 6-minute walk tests, whereas no improvement was detected in the control group at the end of the trial. Medication scores improved in both groups, but symptom scores improved only in the exercise group. No significant changes were detected in pulmonary function in either group, except for peak expiratory flow values in the exercise group. Conclusion: Eight weeks of regular submaximal exercise has beneficial effects on quality of life and exercise capacity in children with asthma. Submaximal basketball training is an effective alternative exercise program for asthmatic children. © 2006 Taylor & Francis

Recurrent Henoch Schönlein purpura without renal involvement successfully treated with methotrexate

PubMedID: 30453828Introduction: Henoch Schönlein purpura is characterised by palpable purpura, abdominal pain, arthritis/arthralgia, often with a self-limiting course. Herein, we report a patient with recurrent Henoch Schönlein purpura and severe gastrointestinal involvement, successfully treated with methotrexate. Case presentation: A 12-year-old boy was admitted to our department with palpable purpura, abdominal pain and arthralgia. Since gastrointestinal complaints were severe, systemic steroids were administered, with tapering of dosage. Henoch Schönlein purpura recurred several times with severe abdominal pain, maelena and purpura during next two months. Colchicine and hydroxychloroquine were initiated. After four months, we also introduced methotrexate, which enabled discontinuation of previous medications including corticosteroids. Methotrexate was ceased four months later, and remission was sustained without any medications for 24 months. Conclusion: Besides the conflicting data regarding the use of methotrexate in recurrent Henoch Schönlein purpura, our case introduces successful methotrexate experience in a child with Henoch Schönlein purpura and recurrent severe gastrointestinal involvement. © The Author(s) 2018

The effects of meteorological factors and Alternaria spore concentrations on children sensitised to Alternaria

PubMedID: 20089344Background: Alternaria is the most important fungal species belonging to the class Deuteromycetes which causes allergic respiratory diseases. The fungus pattern often shows a pronounced seasonal periodicity and with fluctuations related to meteorological conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations on monthly lung function tests, symptoms, and medication scores in children sensitised only to Alternaria. Additionally, we planned to determine the Alternaria spores of the outdoor environment in Adana, with special respect to their relationships with meteorological conditions and their seasonal changes. Methods: Twenty-five patients with a clinical diagnosis of asthma and/or rhinitis sensitised only to Alternaria were enrolled in the prospective study. Meteorological data and outdoor samples of airborne fungi were obtained between November 2006 and October 2007. Results: The outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations were significantly correlated with the monthly average temperature (r=0.626, p=0.03) and monthly average barometric pressure (r=-0.613, p=0.03). Similarly, the outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations were significantly correlated with mean monthly asthma medication score (r=0.599, p=0.04), value monthly PEF (r=-0.737, p=0.006), value monthly FEF25-75% (r=-0.914, p=0.0001) and, variation in PEF (r=0.901, p=0.0001). Conclusions: The atmospheric concentration of Alternaria spores are markedly affected by meteorological factors such as air temperatures and barometric pressures. In hypersensitive patients, Alternaria spores can induce decreases in respiratory functions and development of allergic symptoms between May and September, being especially more influential in August. © 2009 SEICAP

Assessment of prevalence of allergic sensitivity in pediatric age group by the use of skin test

Meeting of the European-Academy-of-Allergy-and-Clinical-Immunology -- JUN 11-15, 2016 -- Vienna, AUSTRIAWOS: 000383679803107…European Acad Allergy & Clin Immuno

Characteristics of food allergy in children: National multicenter study

Congress of the European-Academy-of-Allergy-and-Clinical-Immunology (EAACI) -- JUN 01-05, 2019 -- Lisbon, PORTUGALWOS: 000480254003261European Acad Allergy & Clin Immuno