Safety and tolerability of inhaled budesonide in children in the Steroid Treatment As Regular Therapy in early asthma (START) trial

The safety of long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the safety of long-term use of ICS in patients with asthma.

METHODS

A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of asthma with ICS, compared with non-ICS treatment (placebo or other active drugs), were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eighty-six RCTs (enrolling 51,538 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Oral or oropharyngeal candidiasis (RR 2.58, 95% CI 2.00 to 3.33), and dysphonia/hoarseness (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.85) were less frequent in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of upper respiratory tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, influenza, decline in bone mineral density, and fractures between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the mild local adverse events, the long-term use of ICS was safe in patients with asthma.

Safety of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute respiratory disease in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Oral corticosteroids are often used to treat acute asthma or asthma caused by respiratory tract infection in adult patients, but the effect of oral corticosteroids in young children is still controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of controlled clinical studies to examine the effect of oral corticosteroids in children with respiratory diseases.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, ClinicalTrials.org from January 2000 to August 2021 were searched for randomized control trials related to the treatment of pediatric respiratory diseases with corticosteroid drugs using the keywords "corticosteroids" and "acute respiratory diseases". After screening the articles, Revman 5.4 software was used for the analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 8 articles (comprising 2,327 patients, 4 kinds of corticosteroids, and 3 types of pediatric respiratory disease) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the length of hospital stay of patients in the experimental group treated with corticosteroids was shorter than that of patients in the control group [mean difference =-2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.91, -1.14; P<0.00001]. Further, the number and proportion of uncured patients after 3 days of treatment were lower in the experimental group than the control group [odds ratio (OR) =0.55, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.72; P<0.00001]. There were no differences in relation to adverse reactions (OR =0.57, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.07; P=0.08), and the readmission rate between the experimental and control groups (OR =0.94, 95% CI: 0.66, 1.34; P=0.75).

DISCUSSION

Corticosteroid use in the treatment of respiratory diseases in children can significantly shorten hospitalization time and increase the cure rate without increasing adverse reactions.

Inhaled Corticosteroid and Secondary Glaucoma: A Meta-analysis of 18 Studies

Purpose

Guidelines and systematic reviews frequently warn of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-induced glaucoma. However, most of the published studies deny it.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of randomized, cohort, nested-case control, cross-sectional studies by using Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Four major databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Search Manager, and the Web of Science Core Collection as well as meta-analysis were used. Studies comparing incidence, prevalence and intraocular pressure (IOP) between patients who were treated with and without ICSs were included. A random-model meta-analysis was performed using the inverse variance method.

Results

Out of 623 studies screened, 18 with 31,665 subjects were finally included. No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed for crude glaucoma incidence (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–1.04; P = 0.26; I² = 0%; P for heterogeneity = 0.57) as a primary endpoint, adjusted glaucoma incidence (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.65–1.24; P = 0.64), crude prevalence (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.23–14.19; P = 0.57), adjusted prevalence (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.50–2.96; P = 0.66), IOP change during ICS treatment (mean difference [MD] +0.01 mmHg; 95% CI, −0.19–0.20; P = 0.95), and single measurement IOP (MD +0.37 mmHg; 95% CI, −0.24–0.97; P = 0.23). Time-to-event analysis for glaucoma development as one of the secondary endpoints (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28–0.96) suggested a reverse association between ICS and glaucoma.

Conclusions

The ophthalmological side effects of ICSs, such as glaucoma and intraocular hypertension, should not be exaggerated.

Trial Registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network Center Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: UMIN000040351

Efficacy and safety of inhalation budesonide in the treatment of pediatric asthma in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to evaluate the beneficial role of inhalation budesonide(BUD) in improving the pulmonary functions, and reducing the hospital admission rate, worsening of asthma and commonly encountered adverse events in pediatric asthma.

METHODS

The electronic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Google scholar databases to identify the randomized control trials(RCTs).

RESULTS

21 RCTs involving 12,787 subjects were included. The meta-analysis revealed that the BUD has reduced the hospitalization rate (Mantel-Haenszel (M-H), random effects odd ratio (RE-OR) of 0.34, p = 0.003, I² = 75%), and worsening of asthma (M-H, RE-OR 0.38, p = 0.001, I² = 73%); significantly improved the pulmonary functions such as FEV1 (Inverse variance (IV): 1.05, p < 0.0001, I² = 94%), PEFR (IV: 1.40, p < 0.0001, I² = 87%), morning PEF (IV: 1.04, p < 0.0001, I² = 91%), and evening PEF (IV: 1.29, p < 0.0001, I² = 92%) compared to control. Further, the incidences of adverse events like Pharyngitis (M-H, RE-OR 0.88, at 95% CI, p = 0.69, I² = 0%), Sinusitis (M-H, RE-OR 0.78, p = 0.79, I² = 0%), Respiratory infections (M-H, RE-OR 0.96, p = 0.46, I² = 0%), Otitis media (M-H, RE-OR 0.82, p = 0.32, I² = 12%) and Fever (M-H, RE-OR 0.78, p = 0.64, I² = 0%) were almost same between BUD and control.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of the meta-analysis suggest that high-dose inhalation BUD could benefit the pediatric patients in minimizing the worsening of asthma and hospitalization rate, along with improving the pulmonary functions, with negligible adverse drug reactions.

A systematic review of adverse drug events associated with administration of common asthma medications in children

Objective

To systematically review the literature and determine frequencies of adverse drug events (ADE) associated with pediatric asthma medications.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched six bibliographic databases between January 1991 and January 2017. Study eligibility, data extraction and quality assessment were independently completed and verified by two reviewers. We included randomized control trials (RCT), case-control, cohort, or quasi-experimental studies where the primary objective was identifying ADE in children 1 month– 18 years old exposed to commercial asthma medications. The primary outcome was ADE frequency.

Findings

Our search identified 14,540 citations. 46 studies were included: 24 RCT, 15 cohort, 4 RCT pooled analyses, 1 case-control, 1 open-label trial and 1 quasi-experimental study. Studies examined the following drug classes: inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (n = 24), short-acting beta-agonists (n = 10), long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) (n = 3), ICS + LABA (n = 3), Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (n = 3) and others (n = 3). 29 studies occurred in North America, and 29 were industry funded. We report a detailed index of 406 ADE descriptions and frequencies organized by drug class. The majority of data focuses on ICS, with 174 ADE affecting 13 organ systems including adrenal and growth suppression. We observed serious ADE, although they were rare, with frequency ranging between 0.9–6% per drug. There were no confirmed deaths, except for 13 potential deaths in a LABA study including combined adult and pediatric participants. We identified substantial methodological concerns, particularly with identifying ADE and determining severity. No studies utilized available standardized causality, severity or preventability assessments.

Conclusion

The majority of studies focus on ICS, with adrenal and growth suppression described. Serious ADE are relatively uncommon, with no confirmed pediatric deaths. We identify substantial methodological concerns, highlighting need for standardization with future research examining pediatric asthma medication safety.

Inhaled Corticosteroids and Respiratory Infections in Children With Asthma: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between ICS use and risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections in children with asthma.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed from inception until May 2015. We also searched clinicaltrials.gov and databases of pharmaceutical manufacturers.

STUDY SELECTION

We selected randomized trials that compared ICS with placebo for at least 4 weeks in children with asthma.

DATA EXTRACTION

We included 39 trials, of which 31 trials with 11 615 patients contributed data to meta-analyses.

RESULTS

The incidence of pneumonia was 0.58% (44/7465) in the ICS group and 1.51% (63/4150) in the placebo group. The meta-analysis of 9 trials that revealed at least 1 event of pneumonia revealed a reduced risk of pneumonia in patients taking ICS (risk ratio [RR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44 to 0.94). Using risk difference as effect measure, the meta-analysis including all 31 trials revealed no significant difference in the risk of pneumonia between the ICS and placebo groups (risk difference: -0.1%; 95% CI: -0.3% to 0.2%). No significant association was found between ICS and risk of pharyngitis (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.18), otitis media (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.37), and sinusitis (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.05).

LIMITATIONS

Lack of clearly defined criteria for respiratory infections and possible publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular use of ICS may not increase the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory infections in children with asthma.

Effect of nebulized budesonide on respiratory mechanics and oxygenation in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome: Randomized controlled study

Background:

We tested the hypothesis that nebulized budesonide would improve lung mechanics and oxygenation in patients with early acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during protective mechanical ventilation strategy without adversely affecting systemic hemodynamics.

Methods:

Patients with ALI/ARDS were included and assigned into two groups; budesonide group (30 cases) in whom 1 mg–2 ml budesonide suspension was nebulized through the endotracheal tube and control group (30 cases) in whom 2 ml saline (placebo) were nebulized instead of budesonide. This regimen was repeated every 12 h for three successive days alongside with constant ventilator settings in both groups. Hemodynamics, airway pressures, and PaO₂/FiO₂ were measured throughout the study period (72 h) with either nebulized budesonide or saline. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analyzed serologically as markers of inflammation at pre- and post-nebulization sessions.

Results:

We found a significant difference between the two groups regarding PaO₂/FiO₂ (P = 0.023), peak (P = 0.021), and plateau (P = 0.032) airway pressures. Furthermore, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly reduced after budesonide nebulizations. No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding hemodynamic variables.

Conclusion:

Nebulized budesonide improved oxygenation, peak, and plateau airway pressures and significantly reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) without affecting hemodynamics.

Trial Registry:

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) at the number: ACTRN12615000373572.

Psychiatric adverse effects of pediatric corticosteroid use

Corticosteroids, highly effective drugs for myriad disease states, have considerable neuropsychiatric adverse effects that can manifest in cognitive disorders, behavioral changes, and frank psychiatric disease. Recent reviews have summarized these effects in adults, but a comprehensive review on corticosteroid effects in children has not been published since 2005. Here, we systematically review articles published since then that, we find, naturally divide into 3 main areas: (1) chronic effects of acute prenatal and neonatal exposure associated with prematurity and congenital conditions; (2) immediate behavioral effects of acute exposure via oncological protocols; and (3) acute behavioral effects of sporadic use in children and adolescents with other conditions. PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were queried to identify articles reporting psychiatric adverse effects of corticosteroids in pediatric patients. Search terms included corticosteroids, adrenal cortex hormones, steroid psychosis, substance-induced psychoses, glucocorticoids, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, adverse effects, mood disorders, mental disorders, psychosis, psychotic, psychoses, side effect, chemically induced, emotions, affective symptoms, toxicity, behavior, behavioral symptoms, infant, child, adolescent, pediatric, paediatric, neonatal, children, teen, and teenager. Following guidelines for systematic reviews from the Potsdam Consultation on Meta-Analysis, we have found it difficult to draw specific conclusions that are more than general impressions owing to the quality of the available studies. We find a mixed picture with neonates exposed to dexamethasone, with some articles reporting eventual deficits in neuropsychiatric functioning and others reporting no effect. In pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, corticosteroid use appears to correlate with negative psychiatric and behavioral effects. In children treated with corticosteroids for noncancer conditions, adverse effects have been observed both during treatment and after cessation, although the data from article to article are not consistent enough to establish dose relationships. By and large, inhaled corticosteroids are considered safe and free of severe neuropsychiatric effects. Although both antipsychotic medications and benzodiazepines have been used to treat corticosteroid-induced mania and psychosis, no unified management strategy has emerged. Large-scale standardized investigations are needed to clarify the psychiatric effect of corticosteroids on children in all these conditions. Meanwhile, there is general agreement that patients as well as caregivers should be warned of the potential for behavioral adverse effects when patients receive these drugs.

Association of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related polymorphisms with stress in asthmatic children on inhaled corticosteroids

OBJECTIVE

Long-term treatment of asthmatic children with low and moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may result in mild adrenal suppression. Various associations have been shown between adrenal reactivity and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We aimed to investigate the genetic contribution of four HPA axis-related SNPs to the individual stress response when on ICS.

METHODS

The low dose Synacthen test was performed in 62 asthmatic children (43 males, median age 7.9 years) before and after 3 months of treatment with inhaled fluticasone (200 μg/day) or budesonide (400 μg/day). The SNPs determined were: rs1876828 and rs242941 in the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) gene, T(-2C) in the promoter region of the melanocortin receptor 2 (MC2R) gene and BclI restriction fragment length polymorphsism in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene.

RESULTS

Homozygotes for the variant rs242941 (TT) demonstrated a delayed cortisol response after treatment with ICS compared to heterozygotes (GT) (p = 0.033) and those with the wild-type (GG) genotype (p = 0.018). Homozygotes for the variant rs1876828 (AA) manifested lower baseline cortisol levels before treatment (p = 0.009) compared to the GG genotype and delayed cortisol response after treatment compared to the GA genotype (p = 0.05). BclI heterozygotes for the G allele (GC) demonstrated higher basal cortisol levels before and after treatment with ICS compared to homozygotes (CC) (p = 0.024, p = 0.018). Three SNP interactions were associated with serum cortisol levels.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of a contribution of HPA axis-related genetic variation to the stress response of asthmatic children on ICS. The clinical importance of this finding needs further elucidation.

An update on the safety of long-acting beta-agonists in asthma patients using inhaled corticosteroids

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Pooled trial data have shown that long-acting beta-agonists increase the risk for asthma hospitalizations and deaths by two to fourfold compared with placebo. Until recently, it was unclear whether concomitant inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) could eliminate this risk.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

This review summarizes the available data on the safety of long-acting beta-agonist use in asthma, with and without concomitant ICSs. The results from an updated meta-analysis are presented, with data through December 2008.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

In pooled trial data, catastrophic asthma events (defined as asthma-related intubation or death) were increased fourfold for concomitant treatment with long-acting beta-agonists and ICSs compared with corticosteroids alone (odds ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.4 - 9.6). It is estimated that the addition of long-acting beta-agonists to ICS therapy is associated with an absolute increase of one catastrophic event per 1500 patient-years.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

When the available trial data are pooled together, it is clear that long-acting beta-agonists significantly increase the risk for asthma-related intubations and deaths, even when used in a controlled fashion with concomitant ICSs. Clinical guidelines should readdress the role long-acting beta-agonists have in the management of asthma.

Pharmacological strategies for improving the efficacy and therapeutic ratio of glucocorticoids in inflammatory lung diseases

Glucocorticoids are widely used to treat various inflammatory lung diseases. Acting via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), they exert clinical effects predominantly by modulating gene transcription. This may be to either induce (transactivate) or repress (transrepress) gene transcription. However, certain individuals, including those who smoke, have certain asthma phenotypes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or some interstitial diseases may respond poorly to the beneficial effects of glucocorticoids. In these cases, high dose, often oral or parental, glucocorticoids are typically prescribed. This generally leads to adverse effects that compromise clinical utility. There is, therefore, a need to enhance the clinical efficacy of glucocorticoids while minimizing adverse effects. In this context, a long-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) can enhance the clinical efficacy of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in asthma and COPD. Furthermore, LABAs can augment glucocorticoid-dependent gene expression and this action may account for some of the benefits of LABA/ICS combination therapies when compared to ICS given as a monotherapy. In addition to metabolic genes and other adverse effects that are induced by glucocorticoids, there are many other glucocorticoid-inducible genes that have significant anti-inflammatory potential. We therefore advocate a move away from the search for ligands of GR that dissociate transactivation from transrepression. Instead, we submit that ligands should be functionally screened by virtue of their ability to induce or repress biologically-relevant genes in target tissues. In this review, we discuss pharmacological methods by which selective GR modulators and "add-on" therapies may be exploited to improve the clinical efficacy of glucocorticoids while reducing potential adverse effects.

Long-term safety of mometasone furoate administered via a dry powder inhaler in children: Results of an open-label study comparing mometasone furoate with beclomethasone dipropionate in children with persistent asthma

Background

To assess the long-term pediatric safety of 2 doses of mometasone furoate administered via a dry powder inhaler (MF-DPI) for mild-to-moderate persistent asthma and compare them with that of beclomethasone dipropionate administered via a metered dose inhaler (BDP-MDI) in the treatment of persistent asthma. Both MF-DPI doses tested are twice the approved pediatric dosage of 100 μg once-daily (QD) for children aged 4–11 years.

Methods

Children (N = 233) aged 4–11 years were randomized to 52 weeks of treatment with MF-DPI 200 μg QD AM, MF-DPI 100 μg twice daily (BID), or BDP-MDI 168 μg BID. Patients had used inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) daily for ≥ 30 days before the screening visit and were on stable ICS doses for ≥ 2 weeks before screening. The primary safety variable was the incidence of adverse events. Secondary safety variables were laboratory tests (including cortisol concentrations), vital signs, and physical examination.

Results

The incidence of adverse events was similar in all 3 treatment groups. The most frequently reported adverse event was upper respiratory tract infection, reported by 47%–49% of the MF-DPI-treated patients and 51% of the BPD-treated patients. Most adverse events were considered unrelated to study drug. The most frequently reported related adverse events were headache (MF-DPI 200 μg QD AM, 8%; MF-DPI 100 μg BID, 4%; BDP-MDI 168 μg BID, 2%) and oral candidiasis (4% in each treatment group). No clinically relevant changes in laboratory values, including plasma cortisol, vital signs, or physical examinations were noted in any treatment group.

Conclusion

Both MF-DPI doses were well tolerated, with no unusual or unexpected adverse events or safety concerns, and had a similar adverse event profile to that of BDP-MDI 168 μg BID.

Safety of inhaled budesonide: clinical manifestations of systemic corticosteroid-related adverse effects

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy is central to the long-term management of asthma and is extensively used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While administration via inhalation limits systemic exposure compared with oral or injected corticosteroids and, therefore, the risk of systemic corticosteroid-related adverse effects, concerns over the long-term safety of ICS persist. The assessment of the long-term effects of ICS therapy requires considerable research effort over years or even decades. Surrogate markers/predictors for clinical endpoints such as adrenal crisis, reduced final height and fractures have been identified for use in relatively short-term studies. However, the predictive value of such markers remains questionable.Inhaled budesonide has been available since the early 1980s and there is a considerable evidence base investigating the safety of this agent. To assess the long-term safety of inhaled budesonide therapy in terms of the actual incidence of the clinical endpoints adrenal crisis/insufficiency, reduced final height, fractures and pregnancy complications, we undertook a review of the scientific literature. The external databases BIOSIS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Current Contents, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and MEDLINE were searched, in addition to AstraZeneca's internal product literature database Planet, up to 29 February 2008. Only original articles of epidemiological studies, national surveys, clinical trials and case reports concerning inhaled budesonide were included.Eight surveys of adrenal crisis were found. The only survey with specified criteria for diagnosis involved 2912 paediatricians and endocrinologists and revealed 33 patients with adrenal crisis associated with ICS therapy; only one patient used budesonide (in co-treatment with fluticasone propionate). In addition, 14 case reports of adrenal crisis in budesonide-treated patients were found. In only two of these, budesonide was used at recommended doses and in the absence of interacting medication.Three retrospective studies and one prospective study assessing final height were found. None of them showed any reduced final height in patients receiving inhaled budesonide during childhood or adolescence.Seventeen epidemiological studies investigating the risk of fractures were found. When adjusting for confounding factors, they did not provide any unequivocal data for an increased fracture risk with budesonide. Four prospective placebo-controlled clinical trials of 2-6 years duration with inhaled budesonide in patients with asthma or COPD were found. None of the studies identified any association between inhaled budesonide and increased risk for fractures.Four studies using data from the Swedish birth and health registries showed there was no increased risk for congenital malformations, cardiovascular defects, decreased gestational age, birth weight or birth length among infants born to women using inhaled budesonide during pregnancy compared with the general population. This was confirmed by five observational studies in Australia, Canada, Hungary, Japan and the US. Similarly, one randomized clinical trial comparing pregnancy outcomes among asthma patients receiving inhaled budesonide or placebo did not demonstrate any difference in outcome of pregnancy.In summary, based on 25 years of experience with different doses and in different populations, inhaled budesonide therapy only in very rare cases appears to be associated with an increased risk of adrenal crisis, reduction in final height, increases in the number of fractures or complications during pregnancy.

Insights into early treatment of mild asthma: do inhaled corticosteroids make a difference?

Approaches to the management of moderate-to-severe persistent asthma in both children and adults are widely accepted but the treatment of mild persistent asthma remains controversial because of the lack of agreement on what constitutes mild asthma and whether regular treatment is required at all. Recent evidence indicates that 'mild asthma' may not be as benign a condition as was widely believed and should be treated to improve asthma control and to prevent the significant burden of exacerbation and progression of disease. This is supported by compelling evidence from histologic and clinical studies that have attributed irreversible pathologic and functional airway changes to consequences of persistent airway inflammation and under-treated asthma. This article focuses on the rationale of early treatment of mild persistent asthma, and discusses the various findings from the largest randomized, early-intervention trial with inhaled corticosteroids as regular treatment in patients with asthma of recent onset--the START (inhaled Steroid Treatment As Regular Therapy in early asthma) study. A brief review of the background of the natural history of asthma, the findings from key longitudinal epidemiologic studies on disease progression in children and adults, and the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on this progression are included, to provide further insight into the impact of early treatment on asthma management guidelines.

Clinical Side Effects during Aerosol Therapy: Cutaneous and Ocular Effects

Aerosolized medications maximize clinical benefit by targeting the airways and minimize side effects by reducing (though not eliminating) systemic exposure. Aerosolized drugs delivered with a facemask may inadvertently deposit on the face and in the eyes, raising concerns about cutaneous and ocular side effects with these drugs. Cases of anisocoria have been reported from exposure of the eyes to aerosol bronchodilators. Whether inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can cause skin and eye problems like those seen with systemic or topical steroids is more difficult to answer. Patients who take ICS may have other corticosteroid exposures, or have other conditions that predispose them to side effects, making the analysis of the ICS risk challenging. Also, many studies were not designed to search for cutaneous or ocular effects, or may have been too short to detect these effects. Nevertheless, ICS have been associated with an increased risk of skin thinning, bruising, cataracts and possibly glaucoma in adults, but not in children. The risks increase with advanced age, higher doses, and longer duration of use. In children, the risks of cataracts and glaucoma were negligible with ICS, whether a mouthpiece or a mask interface was used. Side effects like skin rash and conjunctivitis occurred at low frequencies similar to placebo or comparator drugs. We do not know whether exposed children will have increased risks from ICS later in life. Therefore, it is wise to avoid face and eye deposition when possible, and to use the minimally effective dose.

Clinical safety of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma in children: an update of long-term trials

Inhaled corticosteroids are established as the mainstay of maintenance therapy for chronic asthma. However, there remains some debate regarding the safety of long-term use of these agents, particularly in children. This concern mainly stems from the findings of short-term studies assessing the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on lower leg growth rate or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, the clinical relevance of these findings to long-term treatment is unknown and significant uncertainty exists regarding the predictive value of changes in cortisol levels and clinically relevant changes in growth or bone mineral density. To assess the safety of long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma, a systematic review of the literature was performed focusing on randomised, controlled studies of >or=12 months' duration, to obtain data with maximum relevance to clinical practice. Specific searches were conducted to identify studies examining each of the following three areas: growth, bone mineral density and cortisol levels. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for statural growth, four for bone mineral density, and ten for cortisol levels. There was some evidence of a small decrease in statural growth during the initial period of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. This effect was more marked at daily doses of >200 microg and did not apply to all treatment regimens. Studies examining final attained adult height found no difference between patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids and those receiving nonsteroidal therapy. None of the studies investigating effects on bone mineral density found any adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Finally, recommended doses of inhaled corticosteroids generally had little or no effect on plasma- or urinary-cortisol levels versus nonsteroidal therapy. In conclusion, this literature review supports the theory that recommended doses of inhaled corticosteroids can be administered to children for the long-term management of asthma with minimal risk of clinically relevant adverse effects on growth, bone density or cortisol levels.

Early intervention of recent onset mild persistent asthma in children aged under 11 yrs: the Steroid Treatment As Regular Therapy in early asthma (START) trial

Inhaled corticosteroids are known to be effective in persistent asthma, but their long-term effect in mild persistent disease of recent onset, which is particularly relevant in children, requires clarification. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of regular inhaled low-dose budesonide in children aged <11 yrs with mild persistent asthma with onset within 2 yrs of enrollment. Children aged 5-10 yrs formed part of the population of the inhaled Steroid Treatment As Regular Therapy in early asthma (START) study, and they were randomized in a double-blind manner to treatment with once daily budesonide 200 microg or placebo via Turbuhaler in addition to usual clinical care and other asthma medication. The double-blind treatment phase continued for 3 yrs. Of the 1974 children, 1000 in the budesonide group and 974 in the placebo group, were analyzed for efficacy. Addition of once-daily budesonide to usual care was associated with a significant increase in the time to first severe asthma-related event (SARE) and significantly reduced risk of SARE over 3 yrs. The hazard ratio relative to usual care (placebo) was 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.90; p = 0.012), with a relative risk reduction of 40%. Children receiving budesonide also needed significantly less intervention with other inhaled corticosteroids (12.3% vs. 22.5% over 3 yrs; p < 0.01), with trends towards decreased usage of oral/systemic corticosteroids and inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists. Budesonide treatment also had a significant beneficial effect on lung function relative to placebo. In conclusion, early intervention adding once-daily budesonide to usual care in children with mild, persistent asthma of recent onset reduces the long-term risk and frequency of SAREs and improves lung function compared with usual care alone.