Abstract
A nine-year old boy developed reduced growth velocity at the age of seven. The peak
plasma growth hormone (GH) response to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, GH-releasing factor
and insulin was 10.2, 8.1 and 7.6 µg/l, respectively, suggesting that the GH reserve
was slightly reduced. Serum cortisol was undetectable and urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid
was low (0,22-0.31 mg/day), but there were no physical or biochemical signs of adrenocortical
insufficiency. He had taken an anti-allergic drug containing 0.25 mg of betamethasone
and 2 mg of d-chlorpheniramine maleate per tablet for about 2 years to treat allergic
rhinitis. Catch-up growth occurred when this drug was stopped. The present case suggests
that daily administration of 0.25 mg of betamethasone can induce growth retardation
and that ingestion of corticosteroid-containing preparations needs to be excluded
in children who develop short stature without other symptoms.
Key words
Growth Retardation - Cushing's Syndrome - Corticosteroid - Anti-Allergic Drug - Growth
Hormone
