Growth velocity and weight gain in prepubertal asthmatic children

Objective: To evaluate the stature growth rate (GR) and the weight gain of prepubertal asthmatic children. Method: A retrospective cohort study evaluating medical records of 85 children diagnosed with asthma, aged less than 9 years, of both sexes, with at least one year of follow-up in the allergy outpatient clinic. The data on the disease, weights and heights were collected through a standardized questionnaire on two occasions, with an interval of one year. The curves proposed by Tanner were applied for the analysis of the GR, and the Z-score of the GR (ZGR) was calculated. Results: Excess weight (risk for overweight, overweight and obesity) was observed in 31.8% (27/85) of the patients, but there was no association with the severity of asthma. Low GR (ZGR < -2) was found in 13.9% (11/79) of patients, most frequently among children with moderate/severe persistent asthma compared to persistent mild and intermittent forms (7/11 - 63.6% vs. 21/68 - 30.2%, respectively, p=0.047). Use of steroids (dose, type and time of use) was not associated with GR. Conclusion: GR was most affected in children with moderate/severe asthma.National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq)Univ Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Escola Paulista Med EPM, Pediat, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, EPM, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUnifesp, EPM, Dept Pediat, Santo Andre, SP, BrazilFMABC, Dept Pediat, Santo Andre, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, EPM, Dept Pediat, Rua Otonis 725, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Escola Paulista Med EPM, Pediat, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, EPM, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUnifesp, EPM, Dept Pediat, Santo Andre, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, EPM, Dept Pediat, Rua Otonis 725, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc