Effects of Prolonged Cortisone Therapy on the Statural Growth, Skeletal Maturation and Metabolic Status of Children

OBSERVATIONS on children suffering from Cushing's syndrome have indicated clearly that adrenocortical steroids of the cortisone type may have a marked tendency to suppress growth.1 , 2 The present study was undertaken, therefore, when it became apparent that the symptomatic relief afforded patients by cortisone might result in the prolonged administration of this hormone to growing children. The chief purpose of the study has been to determine if possible what effect long-continued cortisone therapy might be expected to have on ultimate stature and metabolic status.Material and MethodsThe patients studied were children receiving cortisone because of adrenocortical virilism, panhypopituitarism, hypoadrenocorticism or . . .