Which is a potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy in young children?

Which is a potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy in young children?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Growth suppression
• C. Constipation
• D. Iron-deficiency anemia

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that systemic glucocorticoids can slow a child’s growth. In young children, these meds can blunt growth velocity by disrupting bone formation and the activity of growth plates, and they may alter the growth hormone–bone axis. The effect is dose- and duration-dependent, so longer courses or higher doses carry a higher risk. That’s why growth suppression is a recognized and important potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy in kids, and why clinicians aim to use the lowest effective dose and monitor height and growth closely. Arthritis isn’t a side effect of the medication; steroids may treat arthritis. Constipation and iron-deficiency anemia aren’t typical, characteristic side effects of glucocorticoids in children.

The main idea here is that systemic glucocorticoids can slow a child’s growth. In young children, these meds can blunt growth velocity by disrupting bone formation and the activity of growth plates, and they may alter the growth hormone–bone axis. The effect is dose- and duration-dependent, so longer courses or higher doses carry a higher risk. That’s why growth suppression is a recognized and important potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy in kids, and why clinicians aim to use the lowest effective dose and monitor height and growth closely.

Arthritis isn’t a side effect of the medication; steroids may treat arthritis. Constipation and iron-deficiency anemia aren’t typical, characteristic side effects of glucocorticoids in children.