Inappropriate Use of Potent Topical Glucocorticoids in Infants

• Published in: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 219 - 226
• Main Authors: Ozon, A., Cetinkaya, S., Alikasifoglu, A., Gonc, E.N., Şen, Y., Kandemir, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany De Gruyter 01.02.2007
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Contraindications; Cushing Syndrome - chemically induced; Cushing Syndrome - diagnosis; Dermatitis - drug therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Fatty Liver - chemically induced; Fatty Liver - diagnosis; Female; Glucocorticoids - administration & dosage; Glucocorticoids - adverse effects; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - drug effects; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiopathology; Iatrogenic Disease; Infant; Obesity - diagnosis; Pituitary-Adrenal System - drug effects; Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0334-018X; 2191-0251
• DOI: 10.1515/JPEM.2007.20.2.219

Topical therapy with glucocorticoids (GCs) is used commonly in chronic dermatoses. Side effects are less common compared to systemic use; however, newer potent preparations may have serious side effects. A potential danger is their inappropriate use. Three infants who developed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome and prolonged adrenal suppression in the course of GC therapy for simple diaper dermatitis are described. One patient also developed steatohepatitis which is uncommon with local GCs.