Recurrent airway obstruction is a frequent clinical manifestation in infants. Inhaled corticosteroids are major anti inflammatory agents widely used in the treatment of asthma in adults and older infants. Nevertheless, its use has been limited in infants, because of the lack of data regarding adverse effects over growth and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inhaled BDP on pulmonary function, bronquial reactivity and growth in asthmatic infants. Twelve patients (M = 7 and F = 5), mean age 1.22 ± 0.4 years, with 3 or more reversible wheezing episodes and familiar history of asthma or atopy, were studied. Patients were treated during 6 months with 200 μg of BDP/day, administered through a spacer with mask (Aerochamber™) Pulmonary function was evaluated with a SensorMedics 2600 System. Maximal Flow at Functional Residual Capacity (VmaxFRC) was determined by the rapid thoracic-abdominal compression technique. Methacoline dose producing a 40% decrease of the basal VmaxFRC(PD40) was obtained to evaluate bronchial reactivity. Standard deviation score (SDS) of height for chronological age, and plasmatic levels of cortisol (08.00 h) and osteoclacin were measured for growth evaluation. Respiratory and growth parameters were assessed bedore and after treatment.

Results (x ± SD obtained were: Table We conclude that in asthmatic infants, the administration of 200 μg/day of inhaled BDP during 6 months significantly improved pulmonary function, diminished bronchial reactivity and did not produce any adverse effect over height.

Table 1
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